The popular Ford Escape was fully redesigned for the 2020 model year and it morphed into a curvier model that looks more like a raised hatchback and less than a utilitarian box. The Escape has more elaborate interior technology and standard advanced safety features. We found the Escape agile and solid feeling but it also suffers from a few flaws that should give buyers pause. We think the hybrid version is the most compelling. A plug-in hybrid is also available.
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. There is a bit of vibration at low revs and during coasting. The hybrid version feels smoother and gets an impressive 34 mpg overall. And the uplevel 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder does without the vibration as well.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly with the 1.5-liter engine, although some low-speed upshifts can be felt as a slight bump. On the flip side, fuel economy is good at 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.
Controls for everything, including climate, are located in the touchscreen, which has severe lag. 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. Lower trims have a smaller 8-inch touchscreen and keep the easier climate buttons and knobs. Higher trims get a larger 13.2-inch screen but lose 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 and lane centering assistance, which are helpful convenience features.