Back in February of 2019, Ford Authority was first to report that the all-new, fourth-generation Ford Escape will be comprised of two models: the two-row, five-passenger model available currently, as well as a three-row, seven-passenger variant that will join the lineup roughly two years after the latter. And now, we have some concrete details on the three-row Ford Escape project.
2020 Ford Escape two-row
Currently in development under the program code CX788, the three-row Escape will share the Ford C2 platform that also underpins the 2020 Ford Escape (sold as the Ford Kuga in Europe), 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, and fourth-generation Ford Focus (the one that’s not sold in North America). The upcoming Ford Maverick compact unibody pickup will also use a variant of the C2 architecture, as first reported by Ford Authority.
2020 Ford Escape two-row
The three-row Ford Escape will ride on a longer wheelbase and will be longer than the two-row model. It will also feature a more traditional roofline when compared to the two-row Escape. That additional length and roofline will allow the vehicle to accommodate a third row of seats, for a seven-passenger capacity.
Exterior styling of the three-row Ford Escape will mostly carry over from the two-row model, with the biggest differences being the additional length, treatment of the C- and D-pillars, a well as the roofline execution, which will be more boxy than the rapidly-sloping roof in the two-row model.
Sliding second row seats in 2020 Ford Escape two-row model
Inside, the cockpit will carry over from the two-row Escape; the biggest change will be the addition of the third row, access to which will be aided by the sliding second row already available in the two-row model today. That sliding second row will also enable owners to dynamically change the amount of leg room in both the second and third rows. The powertrain lineup should mirror that of the two-row Escape.
As for where it will be sold, we can say with full certainty that the three-row Ford Escape is planned for China and possibly for Europe. In China, the vehicle would be an all-new entry. In Europe, it will replace three existing Ford models: the Ford Edge (known as the Endure in some markets, like Australia), as well as the Ford S-Max wagon and Ford Galaxy MPV. Swapping out the Edge in favor of a three-row version of the Escape makes sense given that the former has been a relatively slow-seller in Europe as well as elsewhere, leading to the cancellation of the next-gen model. Meanwhile, replacing the S-Max and Galaxy with a crossover plays right into the ongoing transition of customers migrating to utilities and away from other vehicle types, be they sedans, MPVs, hatches or wagons.
In Europe, where Ford markets the Escape under the Kuga nameplate, the three-row Escape will likely be called Grand Kuga or Kuga Max. The model will be built at the Ford Valencia plant in Spain, which currently produces the two-row Kuga, among other Blue Oval vehicles. Sources tell us that FoMoCo is planning a European launch in 2022.
The addition of a three-row Ford Kuga in Europe will follow the direction adopted by several rivals, including Volkswagen, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan – all of which have offered or will soon offer extended-length, three-row variants of their compact crossover offerings.
Whether or not the three-row Ford Escape will be offered in North America has been somewhat murky, but we have reason to believe that it will be offered. If/when it does make its way, then it will likely follow the aforementioned naming conventions by replacing “Kuga” with “Escape.” In other words, the go-to-market name will either be Grand Escape or Escape Max. Production should take place at the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant, which currently produces the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair.
We’ll have more about the forthcoming three-row Ford Escape soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escape news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Update: September 14th, 2020: article updated to reflect different project code.
Comments
I’m surprised you guys haven’t talked about the leaked 2021 Nautilus interior.
Escape MAX sounds like you’re breaking out of prison.
Wait a minute, FORD and GM has been telling the buying public that sedans don’t sale and SUV’s do. Now FORD is talking about dropping the Edge and Lincoln Nautilus because of slow sales, What gives ? FORD is getting a future Mustang sedan, sound like a good time for Lincoln Continental to return as a EV luxury sedan
Who said Ford was making a Mustang sedan?
FORD they are branding the name which means Mustang will have its own family of models. There’s already a Mustang MACH-E SUV on the way, what do you think is coming when Mustang switch to the Explorer platform in the future?
All the while adding the Bronco. which will most definitely outsell the Edgetilus.
Hope not..they’re small inside now..not fat guy friendly…I drive for a dealership…eco sport even tiny inside..must be making them to fit child size people
I think the Ford Edge and Eco Sport are decent vehicles, but one is too high in price and the other is too small for this market. Both are facing too much competition right now. The Honda HRV is easily more roomy than the Eco Sport for example.
What do the Edge and Ecosport have to do with the subject of this article?
USA jobs man. Thats the answer. Best quality, by far fords will last a lot longer then toyota kia and all the other foreign vehicles.
Sooo… basically replacing the Grand C-Max?( Which we never got in the states)
This is false in at least one aspect. CX430 is the code for Bronco Sport.
Bottom line: 7-passenger Kuga / Edge is coming, regardless of code.
No, it isn’t. The code is a big deal. CX430 IS coming, but it’s not the Escape. So the article’s main source is all wrong.
Bring back the FLEX!!!!!
Bring the FLEX back and Market the Heck out of it. I’ve already purchased 3 different ones. ’10, ’14, and ’19 Limited EcoBoost AWD.
Ill never again buy a Toyota. I worked at a toyota shop and I had a Toyota. And they dont care about anyones just there money bcuz there not even from USA. They don’t have standards.
I totally agree with you
I love the Edge! But can’t wait to test drive the 3- roll seat Escape! I just hope it’s as great as the Edge!
I love the Edge! But can’t wait to test drive the 3- roll seat Escape! I just hope it’s as great as the Edge! My fiance works for Ford he drives the F-150 & the F-250 but he loves the Edge as well the looks speaks for its self! It wides fantastic!
Toyota does one thing very very well.advertise, advertise, advertise.
So… An Explorer. I don’t think ford knows what they’re doing with their lineup anymore.