The Ford Escape has remained in its third generation since 2013 and fallen a touch behind its competition. Today, Ford dropped all the information on the all-new 2020 Ford Escape, including the return of the Escape Hybrid to the streets of the Jacksonville area.
Design
There is no mistaking whether this is a refresh or a full redesign, as the 2020 Ford Escape is a complete clean-sheet design relative to the current model. Not only is it longer and wider than the current Escape, but it also boasts a nose with a Mustang-inspired grille and a GT-inspired lower fascia. This and its raked liftgate leads to the swoopiest body the Escape’s ever had.
Despite being larger than the current model, the 2020 Ford Escape is lighter thanks to its use of lightweight aluminum and high-strength steel.
Inside, the 2020 Ford Escape features a slick cabin that includes all the goodies one would expect from a compact crossover, plus a few touches of luxury. The latter includes available wood trim, a large touchscreen, a digital dash, and leather upholstery.
The Escape also boasts a sliding second row to increase its versatility. Slide it all the way back to unlock class-leading legroom. Slide it forward for 37.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
Technology
The 2020 Ford Escape also boasts all the tech our Jacksonville and Fleming Island area buyers could ever need. It all starts with a nice array of standard driver-assistance features, including the full Ford Co-Pilot360 setup that includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, and automatic high-beam headlights. Buyers can also add adaptive cruise control and Active Park Assist 2.0 that basically parks the 72020 Escape for you.
The 2020 Escape’s tech goes well beyond just safety and driver assistance. It also includes standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi and plenty of upscale options like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, USB A and USB B ports, SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Waze navigation, a 10-speaker audio system with 575 watts, and much more.
Powertrain
Under its hood, the 2020 Ford Escape boasts a slew of new engine options too. It all starts with a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the S, SE, and SEL trims. This engine cranks out 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque while getting improved fuel economy thanks to the new cylinder-deactivation system.
Optional in the SEL and standard in the Titanium trims is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks our 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Ford promises a 10 percent quicker 0-to-60 time compared to the 2019 Escape with the 2.0-liter engine. In independent testing the last-generation 2.0-liter-powered Escape hit 60 mpg in 7.2 seconds, so we expect around a 6.5-second sprint time.
All the non-hybrid powertrains will feature a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2020 Escape also marks the return of the hybrid powertrains. The hybrid powertrain will be available in the SE Sport and Titanium trims combine a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for 198 horsepower and an estimated 550 miles on a tank of fuel. There will also be a plug-in hybrid powertrain available in the SE, SEL, and Titanium trims that produces 209 horsepower and can travel at least 30 miles on a charge. Charging it takes 10 to 11 hours on a household plug and 3.5 hours on a Level 2 charger.
Pricing and On-Sale Date
Ford has yet to tell us when to expect the 2020 Escape in our Orange Park Ford showroom, so check back for updates
Pricing also remains unconfirmed. For reference, though, the 2019 Ford Escape ranges from $24,105* to $32,620*.
Counting the days till the 2020 Ford Escape arrives here in Orange Park? Keep an eye on our online inventory to see when the new Escape arrives.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (also referred to as “MSRP”, “Base MSRP”, “Base Price” or the “Starting At” price), excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees, and total of options.
