2020 Ford Escape Review
The all-new 2020 Ford Escape is taking its style in a more car-like direction. Eschewing the chunkier SUV look from Escapes of the past, this one embraces a more aerodynamic design inspired by the Mustang and Ford GT to sit lower, wider and longer. It’s also shed more than 200 pounds. Furthering that narrative, Ford says this is the best-performing, most fun-to-drive Escape ever. To that end, there are now 4 propulsion choices including 2 all-new hybrids. The base engine is the new 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder making 180 horsepower while the step up motor, the 2.0-liter turbo-4, now offers slightly more output rated at 250 horsepower on recommended 91 octane. Towing is maxed at 3,500 pounds. These models get a new quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission while every Escape receives an all-new suspension and improved isolation. And then for the hybrids, there’s a standard gas-electric model and a plug-in. This 4th gen hybrid system includes a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electronic CVT making 198 horsepower. Available only in front-wheel drive, the plug-in hybrid projects a 30 mile all-electric driving range with a total driving range of more than 550 miles. Charging the lithium-ion battery takes about 10 hours using a standard household outlet and 3.5 hours at 240 volts. All Escapes other than the PHEV can be specified with all-wheel drive. Sliding second-row seats in the gas models allow rear-seat passengers to enjoy best-in-class legroom with the seats in the full rearward position, plus increased knee clearance and footwell length for a more comfortable ride. Despite a slight drop in vehicle height and with the hybrid battery packaged below, the engineering team was able to increase headroom throughout. First- and second-row headroom, shoulder room and hip room all improve versus the current Escape. Range-topping Titanium models are available for the first time with a heads-up display while Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard across the board including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering. Available SYNC® 3 features Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, Ford+Alexa and Waze navigation while the Escape also offers an available 575-watt 10-speaker B&O Sound System. Available in S, SE, SE Sport, SEL and Titanium trim levels, the 2020 Escape is due to reach showrooms this fall while the Plug-in hybrid units are due to arrive next spring.
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Review
The venerable Escape has long since been a small SUV favorite but as you can see Ford has taken its styling in a decidedly car-like direction repositioning it in their reborn, utility-focused lineup.
The Escape is America’s small SUV. Having been on the road now for 20 years, it’s where we’ve turned when the patriotic pangs pull us away from the RAV4, CR-V and Rogue. And now that Ford is almost exclusively a truck and SUV brand they’ve seized the opportunity to morph the Escape into something a little more car-like so as not to alienate shoppers who aren’t SUV crazy. And yes, believe it or not, they still exist. Lower, wider, longer and more aerodynamic, the new Escape resembles less the tough little SUV it once did and more the bastard child of a Porsche Cayenne and Tesla Model 3. Thankfully, this is the Escape’s worst crime as the rest of it is actually very good.
There are 9 specific trim levels with a starting MSRP of $26,130 and look who’s back; the Escape Hybrid. Originally produced between 2004 and 2012, it didn’t make the cut for the redesigned 2013 model year. But here I have the SE Sport; the most affordable Escape Hybrid. With AWD and nicely optioned, this one checks in at $35,295.
The Hybrid ‘s new briefcase-shaped lithium-ion battery resides under the rear seats and takes up only one-third of the space of the old battery. So engineers were able to improve head-, shoulder- and hip room while limiting the reduction of cargo volume as compared with the gas model…it loses about 5 cubic feet.
The Escape’s cabin feels very familiar, perhaps a little too much for a redesigned model. But nevertheless these seats are a little slice of heaven with lots of cushioning and the layout is simple and straightforward so you can just get in and go without any fussing. I like that. And this hybrid Powertrain is pretty amazing, delivering over 40 mpg with a quiet, torquey goodness.
So, I like the new Escape. I really do. The hybrid works for me without too much trade off, the ride is soft and sumptuous and it’s sized right. But I don’t know if I could ever get over this mug. What was Ford thinking? And halogen headlights to boot?
Hybrids used to be burdened with too many annoying traits, overwhelming their MPG advantages but much work has been done to, not only make them more likable, but in some instances actually make them the preferred powertrain. And this one is very good. Now, Ford’s Escape Hybrid strategy has changed little over the past 15 years electrically boosting a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder/eCVT pairing to produce better than car-like fuel economy in a small SUV. Back at its inception, this one would have returned 27mpg. Now, I’m averaging over 40 and the drive is impressive with only a couple of things I would tweak.
The Escape is America’s small SUV. Having been on the road now for 20 years, it’s where we’ve turned when the patriotic pangs pull us away from the RAV4, CR-V and Rogue. And now that Ford is almost exclusively a truck and SUV brand they’ve seized the opportunity to morph the Escape into something a little more car-like so as not to alienate shoppers who aren’t SUV crazy. And yes, believe it or not, they still exist. Lower, wider, longer and more aerodynamic, the new Escape resembles less the tough little SUV it once did and more the bastard child of a Porsche Cayenne and Tesla Model 3. Thankfully, this is the Escape’s worst crime as the rest of it is actually very good.
There are 9 specific trim levels with a starting MSRP of $26,130 and look who’s back; the Escape Hybrid. Originally produced between 2004 and 2012, it didn’t make the cut for the redesigned 2013 model year. But here I have the SE Sport; the most affordable Escape Hybrid. With AWD and nicely optioned, this one checks in at $35,295.
The Hybrid ‘s new briefcase-shaped lithium-ion battery resides under the rear seats and takes up only one-third of the space of the old battery. So engineers were able to improve head-, shoulder- and hip room while limiting the reduction of cargo volume as compared with the gas model…it loses about 5 cubic feet.
The Escape’s cabin feels very familiar, perhaps a little too much for a redesigned model. But nevertheless these seats are a little slice of heaven with lots of cushioning and the layout is simple and straightforward so you can just get in and go without any fussing. I like that. And this hybrid Powertrain is pretty amazing, delivering over 40 mpg with a quiet, torquey goodness.
So, I like the new Escape. I really do. The hybrid works for me without too much trade off, the ride is soft and sumptuous and it’s sized right. But I don’t know if I could ever get over this mug. What was Ford thinking? And halogen headlights to boot?
Hybrids used to be burdened with too many annoying traits, overwhelming their MPG advantages but much work has been done to, not only make them more likable, but in some instances actually make them the preferred powertrain. And this one is very good. Now, Ford’s Escape Hybrid strategy has changed little over the past 15 years electrically boosting a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder/eCVT pairing to produce better than car-like fuel economy in a small SUV. Back at its inception, this one would have returned 27mpg. Now, I’m averaging over 40 and the drive is impressive with only a couple of things I would tweak.