The new Escape is the company’s first crossover to be offered with the practical Cold Weather package.

The highlight of the new package, which is standard on Titanium trim and an option on SE, is no other but the windshield wipe de-icer.

The system is a simple, yet clever solution for those living in colder environments, eliminating the need for pulling the wipers off the windshield to prevent them from freezing on the glass.

Much like traditional rear window defrost systems, Ford has installed a local heating element on the base of the windshield where the wiper blades rest. Thus, it is able to clear light snow and ice from the blades in less than 10 minutes at minus 18 degrees Fahrenheit.

Drivers of the new Escape equipped with SYNC Connect can activate the windshield wiper de-icer from their smartphone. SYNC Connect allows owners to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle from virtually anywhere using a smartphone. Drivers can even schedule a specific time to start remotely so the vehicle is ready to hit the road, de-iced and warmed up.

The rest of the Cold Weather package includes heated seats and side mirrors, all weather floor mats and supplemental powertrain conditioning heater. Goes to show that sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference.

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