New Ford Escape Goes Hands Free and Where is Awesome

You’ve probably seen our section called Your Ideas and may have even contributed a few of your own. We’ve read a couple about liftgate convenience, so you people in particular will probably be pretty psyched by a segment-first feature on the all-new Ford Escape: a hands-free power liftgate.

What makes it even cooler? Its motion-sensing technology is kind of like what’s used in interactive video games. The liftgate opens by way of a kicking gesture underneath the center of the rear bumper; kick again and it’ll close. Can you imagine not having to try to get your key into position when your arms are full of groceries, heavy boxes or the like? Imagine no more, it’s reality.

The two sensors in the rear bumper will detect your shin and the motion, but there is a safeguard against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions, not when an animal runs underneath the vehicle or when you hit a bump in the road. And liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually.

The new Escape will go on sale next spring.