2020 Ford Escape Road Test and Review

2020 Ford Escape ・ Photo by Ford

The 2020 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV is all-new this year with an updated design, new technologies, and a wide range of engine choices to suit every buyer. The Escape was the world’s first hybrid SUV back in 2005, which was a time when hybrids were far from as commonplace as they are today. Over the years, the hybrid disappeared from the Escape lineup, but now it’s back with improved efficiency and better performance.

The five-trim lineup also includes two gas powertrains with more power that make this SUV fun to drive. A roomy interior with plenty of space for people and cargo, advanced technologies through Ford CoPilot360 to help keep you and your loved ones safe, and a fully featured infotainment system all add to the Escape’s appeal. Let’s take a closer look at the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape and see if this is the right SUV for you.

Wide Range of Trims

There are lots of choices when it comes to SUVs, so Ford made sure the Escape has a wide range of trims to suit every buyer. The five-trim lineup starts with the S at $24,885 with a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine. Next up is the SE at $27,095, followed by the SEL at $29,255. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional on all three trims. The Titanium sits at the top of the lineup, and it's priced from $33,400 with the more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive. You can also get this engine as an option on the SEL.

That wraps up the gas trims, but the Escape is also available as two hybrids. A plug-in hybrid variant isn’t due until next spring, with pricing forthcoming. The standard hybrid, however, will be available at launch in two trims. The SE Sport starts at $28,255 and Titanium is priced from $29,255.

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Choose from two gas powertrains.

There are two gas engines available for the Escape. The base is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A three-cylinder doesn’t seem like it should be enough, but it’s a surprisingly responsive engine. It delivers more than enough power to get the Escape up to speed, and it does so quietly without excessive noise under hard acceleration.

The upgraded 2.0-liter four-cylinder has 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Part of Ford’s goal with the Escape was to make it more fun to drive, and this engine lives up to that goal. Press the gas and you’re rewarded with acceleration that makes this SUV feel truly sporty. If you need the practicality of an SUV but want one that’s fun to drive, the Escape will not disappoint.

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The hybrid returns.

There are also two hybrid powertrain options for the Escape. The plug-in hybrid won’t be available until next spring, but the standard hybrid will be available at launch later this fall. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine plus an electric motor for a combined 200 horsepower with a continuously variable automatic transmission. There’s also a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, so it’s ready for your winter weather.

Some hybrids can be a challenge for people who enjoy driving, particularly when you’re trying to merge into highway traffic. This is when the engine can get loud and make a hybrid feel like a hybrid. The Escape avoids both these pitfalls with strong acceleration that’s never harsh. It’s not as responsive as the 2.0-liter gas engine, but it’s far from boring and still provides a pleasant driving experience with the bonus of better fuel efficiency.

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There's improved handling and a smoother, more comfortable ride.

The new Escape handles noticeably better than the outgoing model. It’s longer, lower, and wider, which gives it a lower center of gravity and helps the Escape stay planted, especially in the corners. It also has an updated suspension that further improves overall handling, so the driver stays in control even over rougher roads. Drive modes of Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Snow/Sand let you tailor the drive to conditions and your preferences.

These improvements also make it a more comfortable ride for passengers. Potholes and uneven pavement aren’t jarring, and it’s easy to relax and simply enjoy the ride. The Escape is quiet, even on the highway, with minimal road and wind noise, so conversation is easy with those in the rear seat. The ride and handling in the Escape not only make it more fun for the driver, but they also make it more pleasant for passengers.

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It has room for cargo and solid towing capability.

There’s ample room for cargo in the Escape, even with a full load of five passengers. There’s 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 65.4 cubic feet behind the front seat on the gas-powered Escape. Those numbers drop slightly in the hybrid due to its electric battery, with 34.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 60.8 cubic feet behind the front seats. The new sliding rear seat offers more flexibility, so you can opt for more passenger or more cargo room depending on your needs.

If that’s not enough, then you can also tow with the Escape. When properly equipped, the 2.0-liter version can tow up to 3,500 pounds while the 1.5-liter can tow up to 2,000 pounds. And yes, even the hybrid can tow, with a rating of up to 1,500 pounds. The Escape offers a roomy interior for passengers with plenty of room for their cargo.

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The interior is roomier and has upgraded materials.

The Escape offers a roomier interior with best-in-class second-row legroom in models with the gas powertrain. Moving the new sliding second-row all the way back offers 40.7 inches of legroom, so even the 6-foot crowd has room to get comfortable. While three passengers fit in the second row, it’s ideally suited to two. If there are three, the fit is a bit snugger, but it's still fine for all but the longest road trips.

Up front, seats are comfortable and supportive with modest bolstering that's ideal for larger frames. Those seats also feature quality cloth and leathers that look and feel good, adding to the Escape’s appeal. New interior trims on the dashboard aim to give Escape a more refined look, though there’s still a lot of plastic. While it’s better than the prior Escape, it’s not upscale and has the look of what you’d expect in an affordable vehicle.

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Numerous Safety Features

There are not yet any crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for the new 2020 Ford Escape. Although that data isn’t available, the Escape comes with many standard and available safety features through the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite. This includes standard automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with a cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist with lane-keeping and driver alerts, pre-collision with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and post-collision braking. Even on the base trim, these are standard features rather than an optional extra.

Available features include Active Park Assist 2.0 with reverse and front parking aids, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering. It’s an impressive list of advanced technologies to keep you and your family safe.

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The Infotainment Features You Want

All but the base Escape S features Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and Waze. It’s an intuitive system that’s come a long way from the early days of infotainment when Ford had one of the more frustrating options. Sync 3 is easy to use and quick to learn.

There’s also FordPass Connect, which is standard even on the base Escape S. It includes 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity with the ability to connect 10 devices. That may sound like overkill, until you spend some time in a car with kids on a road trip. FordPass also gives you remote access to your Escape so you can lock, unlock, start, and locate your vehicle in case you forgot where you parked. There’s available wireless charging and both type A and type C USB charging ports, so you can stay connected without worrying about running out of juice.

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Final Thoughts

The 2020 Ford Escape is a solid offering in a popular and competitive segment. crossovers and SUVs are the go-to choice for families these days, so automakers are introducing new models and updating existing ones to stay competitive. The all-new Escape does a good job of packing in the features today’s buyers want, starting with a range of responsive gas and hybrid powertrains.

The new Escape also has a good number of standard safety features and the technology we all want in our cars to stay connected while we’re on the road. The interior is roomy and comfortable for passengers with additional space for cargo. Its biggest drawback is interior materials that detract rather than add to its overall positive first impression. Those in the market for a new suv should give the all-new 2020 Ford Escape serious consideration.

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