Ford has unveiled the 2020 Ford Escape, which has ben completely “reinvented” with a new sportier shape, two hybrid powertrain options and a long list of new tech features.
The 2020 Escape now looks more car-like than ever before and Ford says that its designers actually were inspired by high-profile sports cars when it designed the new Escape. The 2020 Escape’s trapezoidal grille is inspired by the Mustang, while its lower front fascia takes some styling cues from the Ford GT. Overall the new Escape is now lower, wider and longer than its predecessor.
The 2020 Escape’s sportier shape is also more aerodynamic and thanks to more high-strength, lightweight steel, the new Escape is now more than 200 pounds lighter.
Buyers will be able to choose from two EcoBoost engines, plus two new hybrid powertrains. The base engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque, which can tow up to 2,000 pounds. If you want more power, there’s the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft. of torque, which can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The SE Sport and Titanium trim levels come standard with a new 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that generates a total 198 horsepower. The 2020 Escape plug-in hybrid can travel up to 30 miles in electric mode and can be recharged in 3.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.
Inside the gas powered models get sliding second-row seats to maximize legroom or cargo space. On the tech front, the Escape is now available with a new head-up display, which is projected on a six-inch screen. A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also available.
Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist join the list of driver-assist technologies. The Active Park Assist 2.0 system lets the driver park in a parallel or perpendicular spot with the touch of a button, without having to work the steering wheel, gear shifter, gas or brake pedal. Evasive Steering Assist detects a slower-moving or stationary vehicle ahead and provides steering support that can assist the driver to avoid an imminent collision.
The 2020 Escape also comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, and is available with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering.
The 2020 Ford Escape will be available in S, SE, SE Sport, SEL and Titanium trim levels. The new Escape arrives this fall, while the Escape Plug-in hybrid will arrive next spring.
