All of Ford’s models for the year 2020 are slowly hitting up the roads and test drives. The 2020 Ford Escape is no different as we saw a prototype of this SUV. According to the newest spy shots, the new Ford Escape, or Kuga, will look smoother and the overall design is more dynamical. The 2020 Escape will enter its fourth-generation and it will bring plenty of upgrades.
First of all, this model comes with a long tail and wider hood which may suggest some dimensional changes. With that in mind, the new Escape will look both wider and longer. The interior will also get the well-deserved update, however, the biggest change is in the mechanical department. The 2020 Escape will get a hybrid drivetrain, along with the two existing engine options. This crossover SUV will not only hit the U.S. markets but will also arrive in Europe under the name 2020 Ford Kuga.
2020 Ford Escape redesign
The upcoming 2020 Ford Escape will ride on a new company’s platform and the existing C1 platform is gone. It is a Ford’s latest platform for the compact cars, such as new Ford Focus. As we already mentioned, we saw latest spy shots that are showing us wider hood and longer tail. These changes are indicating there will be some dimensional changes. The styling is really impressive, the overall design looks smoother and more modern. Moreover, the Escape will sport a combination of more aluminum materials and high-strength steel.
This is a must for the Escape as the new platform can’t accommodate a hybrid drivetrain. The front end will keep a trapezoidal grille and the LED headlights will be standard now. To the sides, mirrors will also get a significant upgrade. The 18-inch wheels will be standard, but you can buy an optional 19-inch roller. At the back, LED taillights are also available and are slightly restyled. According to Blue Oval, new exterior paints will become available, three of them to be exact.
2020 Ford Escape interior spied
The upcoming 2020 Ford Escape will arrive with a premium interior. The interior offers room for five passengers and the layout of the seats and controls is much better now. Already modern interior on the current Escape will receive an additional technology boost on the new model. Shift leveler is moved slightly forward, along with the center stack. The steering wheel is multifunctional and easy to use, just like an updated infotainment system. Front seats are very comfortable, especially the bucket seats.
The armrest is sitting higher, which provides greater comfort and the armrest are slightly larger than before. We could say the same thing for a larger console bin. The legroom is generous in both rows. The rear seats are folding flat in order to open up the additional cargo space. With the folded rear seats, the 2020 Escape offers up to 68.0 cubic feet of space. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be optional, but even the base model is offering more than satisfying standard equipment.
2020 Ford Escape powertrain
The company`s forthcoming crossover 2020 Ford Escape will offer three engine options. To be precise, two engines and a hybrid drivetrain. Standard unit on the base model is a 1.5-liter engine that replaces a larger 2.5-liter engine that showed the signs of aging. New 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder drivetrain delivers 180 HP and 178 lb-ft of torque.
An optional engine is the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from the current model. This four-cylinder output generates 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Blue Oval carmaker will offer a new 8-speed automatic gearbox for both drivetrains.
Towing
The rivals such as Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are offering better cargo room. Moreover, Mazda CX-5 looks more stylish, but one segment where Escape beats its rivals with ease is the towing capacity.
This crossover SUV can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the rest of the rivals are rated at 1,500 pounds. Even the base model of the 2020 Ford Escape can tow up to 2000 pounds, which is still better than its biggest rivals.
2020 Ford Escape hybrid
Perhaps the biggest innovation is the inclusion of the hybrid drivetrain. A 2020 Ford Escape plug-in variant will be available too. Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options will offer the same 48-volt system. We expect a great improvement in the performance and fuel economy. Moreover, Escape should become the very first plug-in hybrid compact crossover in the United States.
According to Ford, this crossover will exceed the mileage over 100 mpg. Moreover, the Blue Oval company suggest that the new Escape will deliver record-breaking figures in all of the categories. With that in mind, this crossover will provide over 50 miles of range on the electric battery exclusively.
2020 Ford Escape price and release date
The all-new 2020 Ford Escape will cost around $25,500. The SEL models are priced at $30,000 and are offering better standard equipment. Moving up through the trim levels, a Titanium trim will cost over $35,000. A plug-in hybrid Escape will cost $35,500, which is 10,000 over the base model.
The new 2020 Ford Escape will rival Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, along with the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Moreover, European version 2020 Ford Kuga will retain the same price as the U.S. models. New Escape will go on sale later in 2019, while the Ford Kuga will arrive in the first half of 2020.