The popular Ford Escape was fully redesigned for the 2020 model year, and found that the hybrid model is the most compelling of all the versions available This small SUV has been massaged and morphed into a curvier model that looks more like a raised hatchback and less than a utilitarian box, as SUVs become alternatives to traditional sedans. The Escape also got new powertrains, more elaborate interior technology and standard advanced safety features. We found the new Escape agile and solid feeling but it also suffers from a few flaws that should give buyers pause.
The standard engine is a 1.5-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder that’s quick to deliver power when needed, whether in town or on a highway. However, it suffers from a pronounced vibration at low revs and during coasting. The hybrid version, with its 2.5-liter four cylinder, is much smoother, as it does away with that nuisance. And the uplevel 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder does without the vibration as well.
The hybrid powertrain is rounded out with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The other Escape models get an eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts quickly.
The big news here is that the hybrid version gets 34 mpg overall—impressive for an AWD SUV. We also tested an Escape with the 1.5-liter engine, which returned a good 26 mpg overall.
Handling is quite nimble, endowing the Escape with a frisky nature that gives drivers confidence and makes the car fun-to-drive.
The ride skews firm, making the Escape less plush riding than most competitors, however. The Escape feels solid and tight, but the road and wind noise that creeps in mars that impression.
For 2023, Ford has made updates to the layout of the Sync 4 infotainment system display, which eliminates some of the large text and buttons, which we previously touted. Controls for everything, including climate, are located in the touchscreen, which has severe lag. Lower trims have a smaller 8-inch touchscreen and keep the easier climate buttons and knobs. Higher trims get a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen but loses the physical climate buttons and knobs. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless capability are standard.
At first blush, the cabin looks inviting. But after driving the SUV for a while, our testers found that the door panels and silver trim were flimsy, the plastic steering wheel felt cheap, and the front seats are flat and short on back and leg support. We appreciated that the rear seat provides ample room, even for adults. The seat can be moved fore or aft in order to expand leg room or cargo room. And it folds flat to expand the cargo area.
We commend Ford for equipping all Escapes with standard forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning (BSW), rear cross traffic warning (RCTW), and lane keeping assistance (LKA). Buyers should keep in mind that additional options are required to get adaptive cruise control, which is a helpful convenience feature.