Overview

With its forward-thinking approach to remove sedans and hatchbacks from its lineup, Ford had the difficult task of making sure that the new 2020 Escape could still attract both SUV and car shoppers. To fulfill this responsibility, Ford gave the Escape a more elegant and inviting look as well as four powertrain options - two of which are hybrid powered! Although mostly successful in achieving their goal, there is still room for improvement with this bold endeavor. The Escape stands out among other compact SUVs but does have some drawbacks worth noting.

While stylish, the interior of this vehicle is bogged down by too much hard black plastic for its asking price. Moreover, lower-cost models in its segment fail to offer basic luxuries and sought-after features that Ford's compact car buyers have come to expect.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2020 Escape boasts an impressive selection of powertrains, beginning with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that is accessible in both front and all wheel drive variations. The slightly gruff yet potent motor facilitated a 7.7 second 60 mph sprint for the AWD Escape SE at our test track - however upgrading to the 250 hp turbo 2 liter four cylinder makes it even more magnificent; achieving 0 to 60 in merely 5.7 seconds!

To remain competitive with Honda's CR-V hybrid and the upcoming Toyota RAV4 plug-in, Ford has designed two Escape hybrids - one of which is a plug-in. Boasting an impressive 2.5 liter four cylinder engine coupled to its eight speed automatic transmission, along with two electric motors for 221 horsepower combined, these powertrains will give the new Escape hybrids superior performance and efficiency?

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

With a whopping 14.4-kWh battery pack, the plug-in hybrid model is sure to astound with its EPA estimate of 37 miles while running solely on electric power. As soon as we get our hands on this incredible vehicle and can uncover more information about it's capabilities, you'll be the first to know - so keep an eye out for updates!

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA has revealed that the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive is expected to be the most efficient of all nonhybrid Escape models. This model will deliver 27 mpg in cities, 33 mpg on highways, and 30 mpg combined; however, if you equip it with all-wheel drive, these numbers drop slightly to 26/31/28 city/highway/combined respectively.

When we tested the turbocharged three-cylinder, all-wheel drive model, it attained an impressive 35 mpg on our 200 mile highway fuel economy route. The larger turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder with its all wheel drive was rated at 23/31/26 mpg but ended up surprising us with a stellar 32 mpg during our testing! If you're looking for maximum efficiency in your Escape then look no further than the plug-in hybrid model which can get as high as 44 miles per gallon in city driving conditions!

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Ford's Escape is the perfect vehicle to keep you safe on the road, having earned an exceptional five-star safety rating from NHTSA and a renowned Top Safety Pick award by IIHS. To guarantee that your rides are comfortable as well as secure, Ford outfitted each version of its Escape with Co-Pilot360 – its innovative suite of driver assistance features - preinstalled!

Is the Ford Escape a good reliable car?

Yes, the Ford Escape is a good SUV. Models with the base engine get solid gas mileage, and the optional turbo-four helps deliver eager acceleration. The Escape rides smoothly, has two rows of comfy seats, and provides plenty of cargo space.

Which is better Jeep or Ford Escape?

The Jeep Cherokee offers more for its value than the Ford Escape. In addition to the great off-roading capabilities, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee also has great luxurious features and a spacious interior making it our top choice for 2021.

Is there a problem with Ford Escape transmissions?

Among the most common (and costly) issues with the Escape are automatic transmission troubles that range from minor sensor errors to complete transmission failures that can leave a driver stranded on the side of the road. The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a Ford.