Ford Escape – Review, Specs, Pricing, Features, Videos and More

Ford Escape Specs

Escape S, SE, SEL

Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three with cylinder deactivation

Horsepower: 180*

Torque: 177* pound-feet

Drivetrain: front- or all-wheel drive

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet): 37.5 (maximum behind second row), 65.4 (maximum behind first row)

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.

Escape SEL, Titanium

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder†

Horsepower: 250*

Torque: 275* pound-feet

Drivetrain: front- or all-wheel drive

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet): 37.5 (maximum behind second row), 65.4 (maximum behind first row)

Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Escape Hybrid

Engine: hybridized 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder

Horsepower: 198*

Drivetrain: front- or all-wheel drive

Transmission: continuously variable automatic

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet): 34.4 (maximum behind second row), 60.8 (maximum behind first row)

Driving modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, EV Charge

Escape PHEV

Engine: hybridized 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder

Horsepower: 209*

Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Transmission: continuously variable automatic

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet): 34.4 (maximum behind second row), 60.8 (maximum behind first row)

Driving modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, EV Charge

*Estimated figures

†Minimum 87-octane gasoline, 91-octane or higher recommended

Ford Escape Safety

The 2020 Ford Escape has not been crash tested yet, neither by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Still, the outgoing 2019 model is quite safe, earning a “Good” rating in most IIHS crash categories, the highest score handed out. Expect the 2020 Ford Escape to do even better, thanks to its totally redesigned structure and more extensive use of high-strength steel.

Ford Escape Features

The new Ford Escape is offered in a wide range of modes: S, SE, SE Sport Hybrid, SEL, Titanium and, of course, as a plug-in hybrid as well.

This vehicle’s base engine is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost unit that should deliver a respectable 180 horsepower. The up-level internal-combustion option displaces 2.0-liters and features four pots instead of three. It’s rated at an estimated 250 ponies. Both engines are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front- or all-wheel drive is available.

Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants feature an efficient 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine matched to an efficient, electronic continuously variable transmission. Projected system output of the hybrid model is 198 horsepower; the plug-in variant should provide 209.

Speaking of that plug-in electric derivative, it’s projected to offer an EPA-estimated electric-only driving range of 30 miles. Once that’s depleted it operates like a standard hybrid. Plug this vehicle into a Level 1 charger (110 volts) and it takes a lengthy 10 or 11 hours to fully replenish the battery. Juice it from a Level 2 outlet (240 volts) and that time plummets to about 3.5.

Hybrid models should offer four different driving modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge. EV Auto allows the vehicle to decide the most efficient mode of operation, switching between gasoline and electric modes. EV Now provides all-electric driving while EV Later saves electric power for use at a more efficient time, such as when you’re in a congested city center. Finally, EV Charge allows the internal-combustion engine to replenish the battery while the vehicle is running.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Escapes are still versatile vehicles, even if they offer slightly less cargo space than conventionally powered models. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery mounts out of the way beneath the backseat. This pack is about one-third the size of the old model’s battery, making it easier for engineers to package into the vehicle. In any case, the Escape was designed to accommodate up to four sets of golf clubs or even a full-size dog crate

Making the new Ford Escape more comfortable for passengers is a sliding second-row bench. Beyond this, interior head-, shoulder- and hip-room have all been improved compared to the outgoing model. More cabin space is always a good thing.

When it comes to technology, the new Escape offers wireless charging, USB type-A and -C ports, three 12-volt charging outlets and a 10-speaker Band & Olufsen sound system. FordPass Connect is standard, providing 4G LTE connectivity and in-vehicle Wi-Fi that supports up to 10 devices. This system also allows drivers to remotely lock, unlock, locate and start their Escape.

Active Park Assist 2.0 is available, as is Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, which supports Apple Car Play as well as Android Auto, plus Amazon Alexa and Waze. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on SE models and higher; a 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital instrument cluster is offered as well.

Easing the burden of driving, Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on the 2020 Escape. It’s the automaker’s suite of advanced driver-assistance technology, which, perhaps most excitingly, includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering as well as stop-and-go capability.

Other available driver aids include Active Park Assist 2.0, which can parallel or perpendicular park the vehicle at the push of a button, and Evasive Steering Assist, which can detect an obstacle ahead and help the driver safely maneuver around if a collision is imminent.

Ford Escape Pricing

The most basic version of Ford’s 2020 Escape crossover, a no-frills S model with front-wheel drive, stickers for about $26,080. The more up level SE variant can be had for as little as $28,290 if you skip all the options. The SE Sport Hybrid model kicks off at about $29,450, while the conventionally powered SEL version can be yours for roughly $30,450. Grab a range-topping Titanium model and plan on spending at least $34,595, though if you check every options box, you’ll be shelling out just shy of $39,000. Please note, all the prices listed above include $1,195 in delivery fees.

Ford Escape Competitors

The Ford Escape competes with myriad small crossover vehicles. Its primary rivals are the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Chevrolet Equinox. Other arguably more peripheral competitors include models like the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Crosstrek, Jeep Cherokee and Volkswagen Tiguan. This is an extremely crowded segment that accounts for hundreds of thousands of new-vehicle sales every year.

Ford Escape Future Plans

The Ford Escape is brand new for 2020, like, totally, completely, 100 percent reworked. It’s new from wheel to the roof rail, grille to hatchback. New model variants or special trims may debut in the coming months or years, but the fundamentals of this vehicle will not change for a long time. If you’re interested in buying one of these crossovers you have no fear of them being immediately replaced by a newer model.