AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: 2011 FORD VERTREK CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: 2011 Ford Vertrek Concept

With its huge wheels, razor-thin side mirrors, and generously placed LED lights, it would be easy to dismiss the Ford Vertrek as just another concept vehicle.  But look a little closer, and you’ll see what is probably going to be the next generation Ford Escape.  The Vertrek is to the current Escape as the new Explorer is to the outgoing Explorer.  It is a modern crossover that better utilizes space and maximizes fuel economy while distancing itself from its truck-like roots.  The basic Ford C-platform already underpins the Focus and C-Max tall crossover vehicles.  And as Ford continues to make single vehicles appealing to several world markets, the Vertrek would not only make a nice Escape replacement, but it would probably be rebadged as the Ford Kuga in Europe.  Many of today’s concepts are clear indicators of actual vehicles that will be produced, not whimsical fantasies about what could happen in the future, and the Ford Vertek is follows that trend.