2016 Ford Escape Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2016 Ford Escape was offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission across all engine options. While the transmission itself was the same, there could be slight variations in how it was tuned to interact with different engine powertrains.

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (6F35)

Available axle ratios

The 2016 Ford Escape offered a limited number of axle ratios, primarily dictated by the engine and drivetrain configuration (Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive). These ratios are fixed within the transaxle assembly.

Note: Ford Escapes often use an integrated transaxle design where the final drive ratio is part of the transmission unit and not a separate, changeable rear axle as seen in traditional truck applications. The 3.21 ratio was standard across most configurations for 2016.

How to identify your axle ratio

Unlike body-on-frame trucks with separate rear axles, identifying the "axle ratio" in a 2016 Ford Escape is slightly different due to its transaxle design. The final drive ratio is integrated. However, you can still find factory information that confirms your vehicle's specifications.

Door-jamb RPO Sticker (Driver's Side): Look for a sticker on the driver's side door jamb (or door edge). This sticker contains various codes about your vehicle's build. You'll typically find an "AXLE" code. For the 2016 Escape, this code will usually represent the fixed final drive ratio.

VIN Decoder: Using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with an online Ford VIN decoder or by contacting a Ford dealership, you can usually get a detailed build sheet for your specific vehicle. This will list the exact powertrain and gearing specifications your Escape came with from the factory.

Towing vs MPG impact

Given the 2016 Ford Escape's unibody construction and transaxle design, the influence of varying axle ratios on towing and fuel economy is less pronounced than in vehicles with multiple, user-selectable conventional axle ratios. However, the general principles still apply:

• Numerically Lower Ratio (e.g., 3.21): A numerically lower final drive ratio means the engine will operate at lower RPMs for a given road speed. This generally leads to better fuel economy on the highway. However, it can slightly reduce initial acceleration and towing capability as the engine will have to work harder to get the load moving.

• Numerically Higher Ratio (if available, which it generally wasn't for the 2016 Escape in significantly different options): A numerically higher final drive ratio would allow the engine to rev higher for a given road speed. This would typically provide better towing performance and quicker acceleration, but at the cost of reduced fuel economy due to the higher engine RPMs.

For the 2016 Ford Escape, the standard 3.21 final drive ratio was chosen to provide a balanced approach, offering adequate performance for its intended use cases while maintaining respectable fuel efficiency.

Common issues

While the 6F35 transmission in the 2016 Ford Escape is generally reliable, some common issues can arise over time. These issues are often related to the transaxle as a whole, rather than just the gear ratios themselves.

• Transmission Shudder or Hesitation: Some owners have reported issues with the 6F35 transmission exhibiting shuddering, hesitation, or rough shifts, particularly at lower speeds or during upshifts. This can sometimes be related to fluid condition, software calibration, or internal component wear.

• Leaking Transaxle Seals: Over time, seals within the transaxle can degrade, leading to fluid leaks. It's important to address these promptly to prevent low fluid levels and potential transmission damage.

• Bearing Wear: While less common, internal bearing wear within the transaxle can lead to whining or humming noises, especially under acceleration or deceleration. If you hear such noises, it's advisable to have it inspected.

Regular transmission fluid checks and maintenance are crucial for prolonging the life of your Escape's transaxle and preventing these common issues.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.