News: 2020 Ford Escape Announced

New Platform, New Tech, New Plug-in

In March of 2018, Ford announced a major shift in the type of vehicles they would be offering in the future. For the most part, sedans would be replaced with crossovers/SUVs and trucks, with five of the SUVs having hybrid powertrains. True to their word, Ford this week revealed the all-new 2020 Escape, which includes both hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.

2020 Ford Escape — **The new Escape adds electric power and technology**

As Ford’s second best-selling vehicle, getting the Escape right is crucial in the ever-more-competitive crossover and SUV category. To this point, Ford has raised the bar for when the Escape PHEV comes out in Spring 2020, they are aiming for it to have best-in-class fuel economy.

Getting There

The 2020 Escape will have EcoBoost gasoline-only engine options of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 1.5-liter three-cylinder with cylinder deactivation. The two electrified options (hybrid and PHEV) come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

EcoBoost engines (turbocharged with direct injection) are Ford’s most fuel-efficient gasoline engines, and can be found in different variations throughout its line-up of cars, crossovers, SUVs and trucks. Ford has not released fuel economy numbers for any of the engines, but did say the gasoline-only engines will go at least 400 miles on a tank, and the hybrids should exceed a 500-mile driving range.

To help with the fuel economy, the Escape Hybrid will have four driver-selectable EV modes of Auto, Now, Later and Charge. This last one is a great feature, as it allows the Escape Hybrid to be charged while being driven, with those electric-only miles stored in the battery.

People and Stuff

The 2020 Escape exterior is now smoother, with more rounded lines. Ford says the “shield-shaped trapezoidal grille is inspired by the sixth-generation Mustang, while the lower front end borrows from Ford GT.” Overall, it is lower and wider and went on a 200-pound diet compared to the outgoing Escape.

The five-passenger seat configuration has a sliding second row seat that gives rear passengers best-in-class legroom, even with the front seats in their full rearward position.

You can expect different trim levels, with the top-end Titanium getting a head-up display. The 8.0-inch touchscreen handles the Sync 3 infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa and Waze navigation. If you really want to go big, the optional B&O Premium audio system kicks-out 575 watts through 10 speakers.

Technology

The 2020 Escape comes with the driver-assist technology suite of Co-Pilot360 with features that help make driving safer and more confident. These include automatic emergency braking, blind spot and active lane control monitoring plus adaptive cruise control.

Active Park Assist allows the driver to press and hold a button, and the Escape automatically takes control of the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brakes and gear selector, for either parallel or perpendicular parking. Evasive Steering Assist detects a slower-moving or stationary vehicle and provides steering support that can assist the driver to avoid an imminent collision.

FordPass Connect is standard, offering a 4G LTE Wi-Fi that can handle up to 10 mobile devises.

Price and Timing

Ford has not announced final pricing for the all-new 2020 Ford Escape. All but the Escape PHEV, which will come out in spring 2020, will be in dealers in fall 2019.

Clean Fleet Report will do a thorough road test of the 2020 Escape when they are made available to the press. We are excited to drive and learn as much as possible about the 2020 Escape, in all its versions. However, Clean Fleet Report will be especially interested in the hybrid and PHEV versions that should offer a fuel-efficient way to transport your family and their gear on those long road trips.

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