2020 Ford Escape

Much has been made about Ford getting out of the 4-door car business here in the U.S. and focusing on SUVs and trucks. Well, if that sedanless Ford future indicates more utilities like this 2020 Ford Escape, we’re totally on board.

For starters, it doesn’t look all that much different from a typical 5-door hatchback; taller, yes, but still sleek, modern and immensely useful. 

This is the start of the 4th generation of Escape; and like the previous gen, it will share a platform with the Ford Kuga in the rest of the world, as well as newcomer Lincoln Corsair. 

There are three engines; a base 181-horsepower 1.5-liter EcoBoost I3, 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost I4, and a 2.5-liter I4-based hybrid with a combined output of 200-horsepower. Turbos pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission; while the hybrid gets a CVT. All-wheel-drive, available with all.  There’s even a PHEV arriving shortly after launch. 

Depending on equipment, the new Escape weighs about 200-lbs. less than last year, and performs more like a slightly firmer riding car than ever, which is part of Ford’s sedan elimination plan; provide the practicality of a utility, with the familiar driving experience of a good 4-door.  

“The last Escape was quietly one of the most fun to drive of all the compact crossovers; they were able to maintain that but also give it a much more refined ride quality overall.”

Space inside grows, particularly for back seat passengers; with more legroom than many larger utilities. 

Still built in Louisville, Kentucky, with base prices starting right around $25,000; the 2020 Ford Escape is arriving in dealerships now.