2020 Ford Escape Review
2020 Ford Escape Review
Posted on December 26, 2020
Compact SUVs continue to dominate the automobile industry, putting up high sales numbers and driving manufacturers to create bigger, better, and more beautiful vehicles. The 2020 Ford Escape underwent a complete redesign for the new model year with Ford creating a pleasantly rounded fourth-generation model that adds more model configurations and smart features to satisfy all buyers.
2020 Ford Escape vs 2019 Ford Escape
The 2020 Ford Escape is longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor. The new dimensions, combined with a lower beltline, provides room for larger windows that offer excellent outward visibility from all seats and angles. The new version is also lighter, which translates to increased agility and handling. The reduced weight comes from the inclusion of more high-strength steel in the Escape's structure, which also means that the 2020 model is better built and safer.
Trim Options and Performance
Starting at $28,549, the 2020 Ford Escape is offered in five trim configurations: S, SE, SEL, Titanium, and Titanium Hybrid.
The S, SE, and SEL share the same 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine that features auto start-stop technology. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard on the models, though Intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an optional upgrade. With this engine, the Escape boasts a fuel economy of 8.6 L/100km city and 7.1 L/100km highway and a respectable 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
The Titanium Escape starts at $40,149 and includes a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which provides fuel economy of 10.4 L/100km in the city and 7.5 L/100km on the highway. This more powerful engine increases performance to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The Titanium Hybrid starts at $36,649 and features the best fuel economy of all models--5.4 L/100km city and 6.3 L/100km highway--because of the 2.5-litre IVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid engine. The Titanium Hybrid version is only available in FWD.
Interior Technology and Infotainment
The 2020 Ford Escape looks like a completely different vehicle inside than its predecessor. It now matches the upgraded interiors of the larger Edge and Explorer, with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch colour iPad-style infotainment touchscreen, SYNC3 system, rotary shifter, and smartphone integration.
The Titanium and Titanium Hybrid models also have offer additional options, such as a navigation system and/or a head-up display, which will present important vehicle information on the windshield.
Safety
Safety is one of Ford's top concerns, and the 2020 Escape gets several upgrades in both passive and active safety technology. All models of the 2020 Ford Escape are built with Ford's advanced suite of standard driver-assist technologies--the Ford Co-Pilot360. This means that all models of the Escape come standard with a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping system, auto high-beam headlamps, rearview camera, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking.
2020 Ford Escape Review
No matter which model is chosen, drivers will love the competence, refinement, and comfortable ride provided by the 2020 Ford Escape. Its new style, both inside and out, more than competes with the competitors in its class.