2020 Ford Escape Review: Escape The Ordinary
There are four generations of the Escape cruising the streets of the USA, and after a long period of lagging behind compact crossover competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson, this compact 4-door crossover SUV receives a complete redesign for 2020. Under the hood, the 2020 Ford Escape gets turbo performance in the form of an Ecoboost 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 3-cylinder gas engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, or a more powerful 2.0-liter engine with 250 hp. The Escape Hybrid offers up to 209 hp in plug-in guise, with the regular hybrid putting out 198 hp. The 2020 model has a bold new exterior and interior design and a host of new features. The new Escape comes with a base cost of $24,885 and promises to take the fight to the class leaders.
2020 Escape Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
180.5 in | 106.7 in | 66.1 in | 74.1 in | 62.4 in | 61.8 in | 3,299.0 lbs |
2020 Escape Performance
2020 Escape Interior
2020 Escape Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Ford Escape A Good SUV?
The Escape was in danger of fading into obscurity, but Ford managed to revive this compact crossover thanks to a major overhaul. Not only does the exterior look sharper and more athletic, but the interior gets a good seeing to, and despite some questionable material choices, is leagues ahead of the old vehicle. Ford has also focused on improving the standard features list, which now includes Ford Co-Pilot360 on all trim levels, as well as an improved infotainment system. The entry-level 1.5-liter engine might struggle on the highway but returns impressive gas mileage, and the larger engine choice delivers an impressive punch. The available hybrid options are also impressive and offer even better fuel economy but also add extra outlay to the initial price of the 2020 Ford Escape SUV. This seems to be the year of the Escape, and we'd recommend checking one out. The only thing we can't yet comment on is its reliability as a new model.
What 2020 Ford Escape Model Should I Buy?
We wouldn't call the Escape SUV cheap, but it certainly is affordable, especially in S trim. In its base configuration, the Escape still manages to offer a lot, especially in terms of safety and practicality, and will make for an excellent kiddie-cab or pooch-hauler. Standard features on the base model include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system. If you want any sort of performance, you'll have to stretch for the SEL or Titanium, which comes with the four-cylinder turbocharged engine as standard. These two trims are heavier on the juice but come with an excellent list of features, including an upgraded infotainment system.