Ford Escape arrives with major redesign

Engine options herald big improvements

Roseville, CA- Even though it remains a big seller for Ford, this compact crossover sport utility vehicle was starting to lose its appeal.

Sales of the Ford Escape experienced four straight years of 300,000 or more and reached its zenith with 308,296 sold in 2017. However, sales dipped well beneath that mark in 2018 and last year the drop in sales (241,388) was even more dramatic, nearly 67,000 off its previous high, its lowest total since 2010.

We’re guessing Ford decided something needed to be done, because the 2020 Ford Escape arrived with a major redesign, the first since 2012. The biggest improvement is this year’s Escape has two new engines, reintroduced a hybrid model, and will unveil a plug-in hybrid some time in 2020.

2020 Ford Escape

• Performance: turbocharged 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder, 181 horsepower; turbo 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 250 horsepower; 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, pairs with hybrid powertrain, combined 200 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 27-33 mpg; 23-31 mpg; 38-40 mph
• Price estimate: $25,900 to $36,800
• Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5 years/60,000; corrosion: 5 years/unlimited

When they first arrived on the scene around 20 years ago, compact SUVs were an instant hit because of their practicality, versatility and fuel economy. Performance wasn’t a big factor because the small SUVs weren’t too peppy and no one seemed to care. However, over the years that has changed. There’s an influx of small SUVs and U.S. car buyers typically want them with more than a poky engine and mediocre handling.

Turbocharge and Hybrid

The Escape delivers in both cases. The base model features a turbocharged 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder that generates 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.7 seconds. Another option is the energetic turbo 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder that delivers 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It’s two seconds faster than the base model – 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The Escape hybrid returns after being shelved in 2012 following a five-year run. The engine is a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, that pairs with a hybrid powertrain, and produces a combined 200 horsepower.

Appearance

Appearance was also addressed in the latest version of the Escape. It is slightly lower, longer and wider than the outgoing model. The three-bar grille was replaced with a honeycomb-like front end and the headlights are now oval. The major rear styling change is wider taillights.

Criticized for its choppy ride quality, the 2020 Escape offers better driving acumen. The Escape provides a smooth ride and can rival some of its biggest competitors – Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, Mazda CX-5 – in handling itself in a number of different driving situations.

Safety

Safety seems to have been a priority in building the new Escape. The standard model receives rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, curve control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, driver drowsiness monitoring, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.

Interior

The Escape also has a solid interior that’s valued for a number of reasons. The overall layout is smart and roomy, two qualities one doesn’t always get in a compact SUV. Front seats offer good head and leg room, while the sliding back seat is fairly spacious for two adults – three can be a crowd.

Ford brags that the Escape cargo area can handle four golf bags – that means you can drive the foursome to the links. The cargo area is 33.5 cubic feet and with the back seat folded down it stretches to 65.4 cubes.

The standard Escape has a good overall cabin, yet it’s not devoid of issues. One of them is a smallish 4.2-inch infotainment display with few bells and whistles. The good thing is the display is fairly intuitive. The Escape also gets criticized for having too many hard-plastic surfaces.

Positive changes

We applaud the folks who made for all the positive changes in the 2020 Ford Escape. It’s much improved and has a chance of hiking sales back to its high point.