History/Overview
Model year 2020 brings the fourth generation of the popular Ford Escape compact crossover. This is the Escape's first full redesign since 2013, and the lineup includes the model's first hybrid option since 2012.
Available Trims
Ford offers the 2020 Escape in S, SE, SEL and Titanium trims. Engine choices are a 1.5L turbo three-cylinder, a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, and a 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder exclusive to a gas-electric hybrid model. S, SE, SEL, and Titanium Hybrid can be optioned with either front- or all-wheel drive. Gas Titanium models are standard with AWD.
Gas-powered Escape models use an eight-speed automatic transmission; the hybrid gets a continuously variable transmission.
Standard Features
Escape S comes with manual air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, power windows, auto on/off headlights, a six-speaker stereo with Sync infotainment, manual front seat adjustments, 17-inch steel wheels with covers, and a windshield wiper de-icer.
Standard safety items include forward collision detection with automatic braking, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert.
Escape SE adds automatic climate control, sun visors with lighted vanity mirrors, passive keyless entry with push-button start, satellite radio, Sync 3, heated front seats with 10-way power driver adjustment, body colour door handles, heated side mirrors, LED signature lighting, 17-inch alloy wheels, and halogen projector headlights.
SEL trim brings backup sensors, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, one-touch power windows in all doors, remote engine start, "ActiveX" upholstery, side mirror memory settings, a hands-free power tailgate, fog lights, and 18-inch wheels.
The Titanium package (gas and hybrid) adds adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 110-volt power outlet, ambient interior lighting, active park assist, an integrated garage door opener, a 10-speaker stereo, navigation, leather upholstery, a six-way power front passenger seat, LED fog lights, 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and LED headlights.
Key Options
Key among the Escape's options is the Co-Pilot 360 Assist semi-autonomous driving system, which becomes standard in Titanium models.
A Titanium Premium package adds a head-up driver display and a panoramic sunroof.
Fuel Economy
Ford's fuel consumption estimates for the Escape are 8.6/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 1.5L engine with FWD, and 8.9/7.6 with AWD. 2.0L versions' ratings are 10.4/7.5 L/100 km.
Escape Hybrid's figures are 5.4/6.3 L/100 km with FWD and 5.5/6.4 with AWD.
Competition
With the Escape, Ford competes with other big crossover names like Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Other competitors are the Mazda CX-5, Nissan's Rogue, GM's Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain twins, Jeep's Compass, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
