Meet the 2020 Ford Escape. All-new for the 2020 model year, the fourth generation of the small SUV delivers an all-new design, new levels of performance, flexibility, and the latest technologies.
The all-new, fourth-generation model features a sportier look. It’s lower, wider and longer than the current, third-generation model. A sloped roofline, along with an optimized liftgate spoiler and strake, as well as an efficient underbody, delivers the most aerodynamic Escape to date.
Riding on the new Ford scalable front-drive architecture, the 2020 Ford Escape is 200 pounds lighter than the current model, mostly as a result of extensive use of high-strength, lightweight steel. That means that the four engines offered in the new small crossover will have less weight to push.
The base engine is the 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 gasoline motor making 180 horses and 177 pound-feet of torque, while the up-level engine is the 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 good for 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Both are hooked up to Ford’s new 8-speed auto gearbox.
The hybrid model uses an all-new 2.5L Atkinson cycle hybrid engine and electronic continuously variable transmission delivering a combined 198 system horsepower and a top speed of 85 mph in electric-only mode. Finally, the plug-in hybrid model delivers at least 30 miles of all-electric mode, with charging on a 110-volt outlet taking 10 to 11 hours and 3.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet.
The new powertrains and transmission systems combine with the reduced weight, improved aerodynamics and updated suspension system to deliver “the best-performing, most fun-to-drive Escape ever,” according to Ford.
An all-new interior brings Ford’s new design principles for a comfortable, attractive and functional cabin. A horizontally-focused center stack makes for a clean cockpit layout.
With the second-row seats in the full forward position, the rear cargo area extends roughly six inches to offer 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space in gas engine-powered models. Ford says that the cargo area was designed to accommodate four sets of golf clubs or a full-size dog crate.
Models powered by gasoline engines feature a sliding second row, enabling the Escape to deliver best-in-class maximum second-row legroom with the seats in the full rearward position, plus increased knee clearance and footwell length for a more comfortable ride.
The Escape Hybrid packages its liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery smartly below the second-row seats rather than occupying a significant portion of the cargo area. The briefcase-shaped battery in the standard hybrid measures approximately one-third the size of the old Escape Hybrid battery.
The latest technologies can be found inside, including selectable drive mode system that lets drivers select between normal, eco, sport, slippery, snow and sand conditions – is standard on all models.
The range-topping 2020 Ford Escape Titanium is available with an all-new heads-up display – a first-for-Ford in North America. There are also class-exclusive driver-assist technologies that include available Active Park Assist 2.0 that parks the vehicle (either parallel or perpendicularly) for the driver, as well as Evasive Steering Assist, which detects a slower-moving or stationary vehicle ahead and provides steering support that can assist the driver to avoid an imminent collision.
The 2020 Ford Escape comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, and makes offers other driver-assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering as options.
FordPass Connect is a standard feature that provides 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to 10 mobile devices with compatible wireless subscription service. FordPass Connect also allows drivers to use their smartphone to lock, unlock, locate and start the vehicle, as well as monitor key vehicle diagnostics.
A wireless phone charging pad in the front center console is available, as are Type A and Type C USB charging ports, plus three 12-volt charging sockets.
An 8-inch touch screen is standard on SE models and above and shares information with the available 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, which displays important vehicle information such as speedometer and fuel level. It uses 3D animated graphics to indicate the drive mode.
The SYNC 3 infotainment system is available in the 2020 Ford Escape. The system features compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa and Waze navigation. For music lovers, the 2020 Escape offers an available 575-watt 10-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen.
The all-new, 2020 Ford Escape is available in S, SE, SE Sport, SEL and Titanium trim levels. It will be built at the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. EcoBoost-powered models and the Escape hybrid will reach showrooms this fall, while the plug-in hybrid model will arrive next spring.
The model will make its global debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. It will be sold as the Ford Kuga in select international markets, such as Europe.
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Comments
Nice that the battery is only “briefcase size”, it would be nicer if it would be detachable. I do not live or work where I can park near an outlet, and having the availabilty to bring the battery inside to charge would be ideal for me.
Thought I was looking ag the tesla model y. Then I seen the interior….
That exterior….woof
I like the look and the interio nice and simply with a touch screen to do certain things with buttons for important things unlike tesla with big ugly screen to do everything which to me is the most stupid idea ever
Even with a hybrid, we still have to endure the auto start/stop crud.
(Sigh)
Not true, I have the hybrid and the transition between electric and ice is flawless. I love it.
I think they did a really good job with it, it looks good.
Can’t wait to test drive the hybrid and trade in my ’14 escape. Looks great.