We drive the 2020 Ford Escape
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| 2020 Ford Escape |
Ford says that the new Ford Escape brings style and substance to small SUVs.
Usually that is just marketing talk trying to dress up a bad car. In this case, that description describes the new Escape exactly. The new Escape is much like the old one but now it feels more Audi like especially in the Titanium trim level that we tested.
The Escape debuted on North American roads for the 2001 model year quickly becoming America’s best-selling small SUV. For the 2005 model year, Ford became the first U.S. manufacturer to offer a hybrid SUV when it introduced the Escape Hybrid.
Between 2004 and 2012, 114,000 Escape Hybrids were sold. For the 2013 model year, Ford introduced a third-generation Escape, with European styling shared with its global cousin, Kuga. The change proved popular, and Escape remained one of the top-selling vehicles in the Ford showroom.
To date, Ford has sold more than 4.5 million Escapes in North America and is the company’s second best-selling vehicle in the United States, trailing only the F-Series trucks
Power
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]For 2020, there are two hybrid versions and two gasoline engine versions available. If you don’t want a hybrid, the two gasoline engine choices are a 1.5 liter EcoBoost three cylinder engine with 181 hp that is good for 31 mpg on the highway (33 mpg with front wheel drive) or the 2.0 liter EcoBoost four cylinder that puts out 250 hp and matches the three cylinder engine’s fuel economy on the highway.
New powertrains and transmission systems, a reduction in weight, improved aerodynamics and updated suspension system all help make this the best Escape ever.
Our Escape’s 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth, responsive shifting while the 250 hp engine was very strong and provided power at will thanks to that great transmission.
The only thing that we found annoying was the rotary knob shifter. It does not offer the feel of a lever so it forces you to look down and there is a short delay for the transmission to engage.
The new Escape has an all-new suspension and improved isolation with a new isolated rear subframe. This helps the car feel much more solid and quiet, giving it a luxury car feel. It also improves handling and stability.
“This new vehicle performs like no other Escape before," said Jim Hughes, Escape chief program engineer.
“It’s quick, it’s responsive and, in staying true to the standard set by three generations of Escapes before it, it’s a heck of a lot of fun to drive."
Interior
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| Dashboard Display |
Sliding second-row seats models allow rear-seat passengers to enjoy 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.
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.
Driver Assist
New cars these days are full of technology and the Escape is no exception. These include Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist. Active Park Assist 2.0 allows the driver to park in a parallel or perpendicular spot with the touch of a button, without having to work the steering wheel, gear shifter, gas or brake pedal.
Evasive Steering Assist detects a slower-moving or stationary vehicle ahead and provides steering support that can assist the driver to avoid an imminent collision.
If you ask us, the driver should not need computers to do these things but that is the world that we live in.
Connectivity
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| Off-roading |
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 gives drivers remote access to their Escape, allowing them to use their smartphone to lock, unlock, locate and start the vehicle, as well as monitor key vehicle diagnostics.
Drivers and passengers can keep compatible mobile devices charged with an available wireless charging pad in the front center console.
Also available are type A and type C USB charging ports as well as three 12-volt charging sockets.
Our car also had Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa and Waze navigation. We were also happy to have the 575-watt 10-speaker sound system by Bang & Olufsen.
Cost
Escape prices start out at a very reasonable $24,885 for the S model. Our top of the line Titanium model starts out at $33,550. An extra $10,000 in options is hard to swallow but the extras really make a big difference but the good news is that you have a choice and you can select the right Escape for your needs and that is always a win.
Specifications
Dimensions
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| Room to spare |
Vehicle
Fuel Economy
Performance Specs
Safety Features
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Ford Co-Pilot360 – Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) Blind…
Ford Co-Pilot360 – Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and…
Ford Co-Pilot360 – Lane-Keeping Assist Lane Keeping Assist
Ford Co-Pilot360 – Lane-Keeping Assist Lane Departure Warning
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Safety Canopy System Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Driver Knee Airbag
Mykey System -inc: Top Speed Limiter, Audio Volume Limiter,…
Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3…
Back-Up Camera