The Ford Escape has been around since 2000, and now there’s a new fourth generation heading down the pipeline that’s simply chock-full of updates. Given the popularity of the compact crossover segment, it makes sense Ford is going above and beyond with this big-seller nameplate, throwing in revamped styling, a new platform, four engine options, and the very latest infotainment goodies that the Blue Oval can muster. It’s all impressive stuff, but this segment is nothing less than cutthroat - does the Escape have what it takes to come out on top?

New Generation Brings Everything But The Kitchen Sink

Note: 2020 Ford Escape pictured here.


The Escape compact SUV is absolutely critical to the Ford brand. Not only does it compete in a wildly popular segment, but as Ford moves away from the sedan body style, its crossovers and trucks will need to pick up the slack.

Thus we have Ford’s zealous drive to keep the Escape feeling as fresh as possible, especially when placed head-to-head against competitors like the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Chevrolet Equinox.

ids=833635,833636

no_overlay=true>

Note: Fourth-generation Ford Escape pictured on the left, third-generation Ford Escape pictured on the right.


We’re not convinced we see either of those sports machines in the new Escape’s nose, but we do see bits of the Focus and Fiesta.

More importantly, the 2020 Ford Escape comes with redesigned aero bits that help it cut through the air more efficiently, thus increasing average fuel returns. The exterior dimensions are also longer and wider than before, with an overall length of 180.5 inches and an overall width of 74.1 inches. Compared to the 2019 model year, the 2020 Ford Escape gains 2.4 inches in overall length, 0.8 inches in wheelbase, and 1.7 inches in overall width.

2020 Ford Escape exterior dimensions

Wheelbase

106.7

Length

180.5

Width, excluding mirrors

74.1

Width, including mirrors

85.6

Width, mirrors folded

78.7

Vehicle height (w/o roof rack)

66.1

Vehicle height

68.6

Track, front curb

62.4

Track, rear curb

61.8


2020 Ford Escape vs. 2019 Ford Escape

Under the new body panels, the 2020 Ford Escape was equipped with a new platform and new suspension bits. Thanks to new underpinnings and a bevy of lightweight materials, the overall curb weight is 200 pounds lighter than that of the outgoing model.

Note: 2020 Ford Escape pictured here.


The larger dimensions and new platform also provide more interior space, with improvements made to the average headroom, shoulder room, and hip room compared to the outgoing model.

That’s about on par with the 37.6 cubic-feet offered in the Toyota RAV4, but just under the 39.3 cubic-feet offered in the Nissan Rogue.

Note: 2020 Ford Escape pictured here.


Per usual, Ford threw in a ton of new infotainment goodies for the fourth-gen update, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a heads-up display with a 6.0-inch projection. There’s also a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection for up to 10 devices, plus remote features like door lock/unlock, vehicle start, and vehicle locator for your smartphone. An 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard higher in the range, and there’s driver-assist tech like Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist included as well.

Toyota is still the leader when it comes to autonomous safety tech thanks to the inclusion of its Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suit as standard across its entire line, but at least Ford is starting to catch up with the 2020 Escape.

Note: 2020 Ford Escape pictured here.


Output is rated at 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, which ain’t bad for a three-cylinder. Also impressive is the 1.5-liter’s 2,000-pound towing capacity, besting the base-model Toyota RAV4’s 1,500-pound rating.

Above the ‘three is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost, which doles out a heavy-handed 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, upping towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. That matches the towing capacity of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 in its top-spec Adventure grade, and definitely makes the 2020 Ford Escape one of the more-powerful compact crossovers currently on the market. Spec-wise, the Escape bests both the the Toyota RAV4 (203 horsepower) and the Nissan Rogue (170 horsepower) in terms of raw peak output.

Note: 2020 Ford Escape pictured here.


Beyond the ICE-only powertrains, the 2020 Ford Escape is also offered with a pair of hybrid engines. The standard hybrid mates 2.5-liter four-cylinder internal combustion with electric assistance, and creates a combined 198 horsepower and 153 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a plug-in model with 209 horsepower and 153 pound-feet of torque, which also includes up to 30 miles of all-electric range and an all-electric top speed of 85 mph, all thanks to a 14.4-kWh battery pack mounted under the rear seat. The plug-in hybrid can top off its battery in 3.5 hours when plugged into a 240-volt source.

2020 Ford Escape drivetrain specifications

1.5L EcoBoost

2.0L EcoBoost

2.5L FHEV

2.5L PHEV

S, SE, SEL

SEL,Titanium

SE Sport, Titanium

SE, SEL, Titanium

Configuration

Aluminum block and head, In-line 3 cylinder

Aluminum block and head, In-line 4 cylinder

Aluminum block and head, Atkinson-cycle I-4

Aluminum block and head, Atkinson-cycle I-4

Bore and stroke

3.31 x 3.54 in.

3.44 x 3.27 in.

3.50 x3.94 in.

3.50 x3.94 in.

Displacement

91.4 cu. in./1,497 cc

122 cu. in./1,999 cc

152 cu. in./2,488 cc

152 cu. in./2,488 cc

Compression ratio

10.0:1

9. 3:1

13.0:1

13.0:1

Horsepower (targeted)

180 hp

250 hp

198 hp

209 hp

Torque (targeted)

177 lb.-ft.

275 lb.-ft.

N /A

N /A

Transmission

8-speed automatic

8-speed auto with SelectShift® with paddle shifters

PowerSplit: Electronic Co ntinuous Variable Transmission

PowerSplit: Electronic Co ntinuous Variable Transmission


It’s interesting that Ford is back to offering a hybrid powertrain, an option which it discontinued for the 2013 model year. However, with the segment now filled to bursting with rival options, including several electrified variants from the likes of Nissan and Toyota, the time is right for Ford to bring the hybrid Escape back into the fray.

Note: 2020 Ford Escape pictured here.


As for the drivetrain, the ICE-only EcoBoost models get an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrids use a CVT. All models come standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is an available option for all models except the plug-in hybrid. That’s about par for the course in this segment, but the Subaru Forester’s standard all-wheel drive still makes it the right pick if extra traction is a necessity.

Ford will offer the 2020 Escape in five trim levels, listed from low to high as the S, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and Titanium. So far, there’s no official pricing info available just yet, but for reference, the current 2019 model year starts at $24,105.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Ford Escape.

7 Best Used Compact SUVs From 2016

10 Best Handling Crossovers On The Market