The Ford Escape has long been a popular choice in the competitive compact SUV segment, and the 2020 model aimed to solidify its position by offering something for everyone. Just like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings, the Escape tries to be versatile and appeal to a broad range of drivers. With thousands of Escapes leaving dealerships monthly, Ford needs this crossover to hit the sweet spot for a diverse customer base. Let’s dive into a comprehensive review to see if the 2020 Ford Escape lives up to the hype and meets your needs.
Space, Comfort, and Interior Design of the Ford Escape
The 2020 Ford Escape embraces a more car-like approach compared to traditional SUVs, reflecting the evolving crossover trend. With Ford phasing out sedans like the Focus in North America, the Escape steps in to offer a blend of practicality and maneuverability. The design is a noticeable departure from its predecessors, adopting a lower and sleeker profile. While the front fascia might evoke some polarizing “fish-like” comparisons, many find the updated aesthetics a welcome improvement, giving it a more modern and refined look.
However, this sleeker design does come with a slight compromise in cargo space. The 2020 Escape offers between 34 and 38 cubic feet of cargo room, which is less than some competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. While this difference might not be significant for everyday use, it’s worth considering if you frequently haul larger items or require maximum cargo capacity.
Despite the slightly reduced cargo area, the Escape compensates with clever interior features. The sliding and reclining rear seats are a standout, offering enhanced comfort for rear passengers and the flexibility to slightly increase trunk space when needed. Even with the seats adjusted forward, the second row remains spacious enough for both children and adults to ride comfortably.
Inside, the Escape boasts a straightforward yet functional design. While the interior might not be groundbreaking in terms of styling, it prioritizes usability and practicality. The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered, maximizing space for both the driver and front passenger. The textured finish on the center console adds a touch of unexpected premium feel, especially considering the Escape’s competitive price point. The cloth seats, even in the SE trim, are comfortable and feature an appealing pattern. Heated front seats are also available and warm up quickly, adding to the comfort during colder months. Ample storage solutions are integrated throughout the cabin, including a sizable glove compartment and deep storage bins in the center console and door panels, catering to the needs of families and individuals carrying various items.
Engine Options and Performance: Balancing Efficiency and Power
For buyers in the compact SUV segment, fuel efficiency and ride comfort are often top priorities. The 2020 Ford Escape caters to these preferences with its engine offerings and overall driving dynamics.
Most 2020 Escapes are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine, which is standard on S, SE, and SEL trims. This engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, offering a noticeable power boost compared to smaller engines found in some subcompact SUVs. While the throttle response might feel slightly subdued at initial acceleration, applying more pressure to the pedal unleashes ample power for confident highway merging and city driving. The 8-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly, with gear changes being barely perceptible except for a slightly more noticeable shift between first and second gear.
The 1.5-liter engine shines in terms of fuel economy. All-wheel-drive models like the SE tester achieve EPA estimates of 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Real-world driving experiences often mirror these figures in favorable conditions. The trade-offs with this engine are a slightly noticeable vibration at idle and a less refined engine sound, which some might describe as resembling farm equipment. However, for many drivers, the fuel efficiency gains outweigh these minor drawbacks.
The Escape performs well in various weather conditions. The all-wheel-drive system, combined with all-season tires, provides confident traction in snowy conditions. Features like a quick-heating cabin and effective windshield wiper fluid nozzles enhance visibility and safety in winter driving.
Ride comfort is a strong suit of the 2020 Escape. The tires contribute to a comfortable ride, effectively absorbing most road imperfections. While the ride might feel slightly firmer than previous Escape generations, this adjustment contributes to improved handling and a more engaging driving experience on winding roads.
For those seeking more power, higher Escape trims offer a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, boosting output to 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offers two hybrid options: a traditional gas-electric hybrid and a plug-in hybrid model, catering to buyers prioritizing maximum fuel efficiency.
Technology and Safety Features: Modern and Well-Equipped
The 2020 Ford Escape prioritizes technology and safety, offering a comprehensive suite of features even in the mid-range SE trim. Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, standard on all Escapes except the base S model, is accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard.
Sync 3 is praised for its user-friendly interface, responsiveness, and logical layout. It offers a wide array of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, Waze navigation app integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While Waze integration requires running the app on your smartphone, seamless integration through CarPlay or Android Auto is recommended for a smoother experience. Embedded navigation is available as part of an optional package, which also includes adaptive cruise control, representing good value in this segment.
Adaptive cruise control is just one element of the Escape’s comprehensive standard safety suite. All 2020 Escapes come equipped with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. A backup camera is also standard, although its resolution might not be class-leading, it is an improvement over previous Ford systems.
One notable tech shortcoming is the limited availability of USB ports for rear passengers. While front occupants have access to USB-A and USB-C ports, rear passengers are left without dedicated USB charging options, which may be inconvenient for families with multiple devices. Some trims offer a 12-volt outlet or a three-prong outlet in the rear, but USB ports are not available.
Trim Levels and Value: Finding Your Ideal Escape
The SE AWD trim of the 2020 Ford Escape represents a compelling balance of features and value. It includes a solid list of standard technology and safety features at a reasonable price point. Adding the optional technology upgrade package and destination charges brings the total to a price still below the average new car transaction price.
The SE AWD trim is often considered the “sweet spot” in the Escape lineup for its features and affordability. Moving up to the SEL trim adds features like a hands-free liftgate, leatherette seats, and rear parking sensors, which may not be essential for all buyers. The top-tier Titanium trim offers further upgrades like a premium sound system and additional comfort features, but the SE trim provides a well-equipped package for most needs.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Compact SUV Arena
The compact crossover segment is fiercely competitive, with established rivals like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. The 2020 Ford Escape enters this arena with a well-rounded package of comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency. The addition of hybrid models further enhances its appeal, although many competitors also offer hybrid variants.
Overall, the 2020 Ford Escape is a strong contender in the compact SUV market. Its blend of on-road comfort, user-friendly technology, and available all-wheel drive makes it an appealing option for a wide range of buyers seeking a versatile and efficient vehicle. For those looking for a modern, comfortable, and well-equipped compact SUV, the Ford Escape Reviews suggest it’s definitely worth considering.
