A FOUR-SPEED column-shift automatic is the only transmission offered on Escape. An electronic control system automatically switches between normal and "slope control" shift maps in accordance with the driver's accelerator pedal inputs, the vehicle's speed and other variables. The full-time four-wheel drive system Control Trac II uses a rotary blade coupling. The system ensures the vehicle runs primarily as a front-driver, automatically apportioning more torque to the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip. A switch on the instrument panel can be used to engage the 4WD lock-up feature, resulting in a 50:50 torque split.