2019 Ford Escape: Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

A comprehensive guide to the gear ratios, axle codes, and driveline specifications for the 2019 Ford Escape, helping you understand your vehicle's performance and capabilities.

Understanding the driveline of your 2019 Ford Escape is crucial for maintenance, towing, and appreciating its performance characteristics. The gear ratios in your transmission and axles are the unsung heroes that translate engine power into motion. They are specifically chosen by engineers to balance fuel economy, acceleration, and towing capacity. This guide will walk you through the specifics of the 2019 Escape’s gearing.

Transmission Gear Ratios

The 2019 Ford Escape was equipped with the dependable 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, designated as the 6F35. This transmission was paired with all three engine options available for the model year: the base 2.5L i-VCT, the efficient 1.5L EcoBoost, and the powerful 2.0L EcoBoost. This gearbox provides a wide spread of ratios to ensure quick acceleration from a stop and low-RPM cruising on the highway.

Here are the specific internal gear ratios for the 6F35 transmission:

Available Axle Ratios

The axle ratio, also known as the final drive ratio, represents the last step in the power-delivery chain. It dictates how many times the driveshaft (or transaxle output) must turn for the wheels to make one complete revolution. A higher number means more torque multiplication for towing, while a lower number allows for lower engine speeds for better fuel economy.

For the 2019 Escape, the axle ratio was primarily determined by the drivetrain configuration (FWD vs. AWD) and whether the vehicle was equipped with a tow package.

How to Identify Your Axle Ratio

Ford makes it relatively straightforward to identify your specific axle ratio by checking a sticker on the vehicle.

1. Door Jamb Sticker: The most reliable method is to check the Safety Compliance Certification Label, which is the white sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Look for the field labeled "AXLE" or "AX". It will have a two-character code. You can then use an online Ford axle code decoder or contact a dealership with this code and your VIN to confirm the exact ratio.

2. Axle Tag: On some vehicles, a physical tag is bolted to the differential or Power Transfer Unit (PTU) housing underneath the vehicle. This small metal tag has the ratio stamped directly on it (e.g., "3.51"). However, this can be difficult to read due to road grime and its location.

3. VIN Decoder: A comprehensive online VIN decoder service can often pull the original build sheet data for your Escape, which includes the factory-installed final drive ratio.

Towing vs. MPG Impact

The choice between axle ratios is a classic engineering trade-off between power and efficiency.

• Numerically Higher Ratio (e.g., 3.51): This is considered a "shorter" gear. It provides superior torque multiplication, making it much easier to pull a heavy trailer from a standstill and reducing strain on the powertrain. This is why it's standard on AWD models and those equipped for towing. The downside is that the engine must spin at a higher RPM to maintain a given highway speed, leading to increased fuel consumption.

• Numerically Lower Ratio (e.g., 3.21): This is a "taller" gear. It allows the engine to operate at a lower, more efficient RPM at cruising speeds. This is ideal for maximizing highway fuel economy and provides a quieter ride. The trade-off is less mechanical advantage for towing and potentially more sluggish initial acceleration.

Common Issues

While the 2019 Escape is a solid vehicle, there are a couple of known driveline issues to be aware of, particularly as the vehicle ages.

• 6F35 Transmission Concerns: Some owners have reported issues with the 6F35 transmission, such as hard or erratic shifting. These problems can sometimes be traced to the transmission control module (TCM) or faulty solenoids. In more severe cases, internal components like the torque converter may fail.

• AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure: A widely discussed issue on Ford AWD vehicles is the potential for PTU failure. The PTU directs power to the rear wheels and contains its own gear oil. Due to its proximity to the hot exhaust and its small fluid capacity, the oil can overheat and degrade. This can lead to severe wear on the internal gears and bearings, causing a whining or grinding noise and eventual loss of AWD. Proactive fluid changes are the best way to prevent this issue.

Whether you’re looking to maximize fuel economy or tow a small trailer, understanding your 2019 Escape's gear ratios is essential. If you suspect an issue with your transmission or driveline, it’s best to seek a professional diagnosis.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.