According to Ford's VP of North American Marketing, Cisco Codina, the new 2008 Escape will provide "the capability and styling of a traditional SUV with the benefits of crossover construction – building on the successful formula that has made the Escape America's favorite small utility vehicle for six years. The new Escape offers a more refined ride, go-anywhere capability, impressive fuel economy, up to 3,500 pounds of towing, and a more comfortable interior that is quieter and more versatile." In regards to the updated design, Escape Chief Designer Doyle Letson said, "The goal from the beginning was to make Escape look even stronger and tougher than the original."