The 2020 model year marks the first Ford Escape redesign since 2012.Jeremy Sinek
Now it becomes clear. This 2020 reincarnation of the Ford Escape has been such a long time coming – some rivals have been redesigned twice since the current Escape was released in 2012 – because its designers had an exceptionally lengthy to-do list.
Rarely has any replacement of an existing nameplate been so comprehensively and genuinely new while at the same time offering such an array of new powertrains, trim levels and driver-assist safety systems.
Consider, too, that the Escape represents only half of Ford’s latest approach to the compact crossover segment. While the Escape itself takes on a more urban (car-like) persona, there will also be a brawnier 4x4 sister vehicle for buyers who really do walk the outdoors-adventurer talk or who want to look like they do.
There are good reasons why the Gen-4 Escape needed more than just a hasty shake-and-bake redo. It’s Ford’s second best-selling nameplate after the F-Series and it competes in Canada’s single largest vehicle category. For a good part of its career, the Escape was the top seller in that category – a status that Ford would no doubt like to reclaim.
As well, Ford also now needs the Escape to draw in customers who might formerly have purchased one of its recently (or soon-to-be) discontinued passenger cars.
That’s a big burden of responsibility for one small crossover.
We deep-dove into the nuts and bolts of the 2020 Escape back in the spring, so let’s just repeat the Coles Notes version here. The 2020 is based on an entirely new structure that promotes it from having one of the segment’s tightest interiors to one of the roomiest. The rear seats can slide back and forth, and legroom is vast when they’re at full stretch. A bi-level cargo deck maximizes space when set low or, when set high, aligns flush with the folded seatbacks.
The Escape will be in Canadian showrooms in mid-October in all versions except the PHEV.Jeremy Sinek
Canadian buyers will be able to mix and match between four powertrains, S, SE, SEL or Titanium trim grades, and front- or all-wheel drive.
The base engine is an all-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine rated at 181 horsepower, 13 more than its four-cylinder predecessor. An all-too-brief drive indicated solid acceleration and an oddly pleasing engine note.
A largely carryover 250-hp 2.0-litre turbo provides an up-level engine choice that doesn’t even exist among many rivals. As before, it delivers such an easy blend of silky refinement and effortless thrust in routine driving that it hardly matters that it sounds frenzied when driven at 10/10ths.
And then there will be two hybrid models – one self-charging (HEV) and the other a plug-in (PHEV) – that combine electric motors with a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle gas engine for net outputs of 200 hp and 209 hp, respectively. The PHEV isn’t ready for test yet, but a 120-kilometre drive in the HEV returned a stingy 5.2 litres/100 km according to the trip computer, which also reported that fully 47 per cent of the (mostly rural) drive was in electric mode.
The 2.0 engine is optional on SEL and standard on Titanium and includes all-wheel drive and a standard tow package. AWD is a $1,500 option on the 1.5 (S, SE or SEL) and the hybrid (Titanium trim only), but unavailable on the plug-in. Even the hybrids will have a useful 1,500-pound tow rating, while the 1.5 and 2.0 are rated for 2,000 and 3,500 pounds, respectively.
Ford is also democratizing driver-assist technologies – standard on every trim will be Ford Co-Pilot360 comprising of auto high-beam headlamps, blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping alert and assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and brake support, and a rear-view camera. An $850 Co-Pilot Assist option on SE and SEL adds adaptive cruise with stop and go, plus evasive steering assist and voice-activated touch screen navigation. Finally, the Titanium has all of the above as standard plus lane-centring.
The Escape will be in Canadian showrooms in mid-October in all versions except the PHEV, which will debut next spring. Opting to buy an Escape is an easy choice. Deciding which Escape might take a whole lot longer.
Tech specs
- Base price: from $28,549
- Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged; 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged; 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle electric motor
- Transmission/drive: Eight-speed automatic or CVT hybrid/front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 1.5 FWD: 8.6/7.1 city/hwy litres/100 km; 1.5 AWD: 8.9/7.6; 2.0 AWD: 10.4/7.5
- Alternatives: Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan
Looks
The Escape's sleek design reflects its more urban focus.Jeremy Sinek
With a “ruggedized” off-road oriented sister vehicle in the pipeline, the Escape itself gets a sleeker, smooth-surfaced – dare we say metrosexual? – shape to suit its more urban focus.
Interior
The digital gauge cluster is exlusive to the Titanium trim.Jeremy Sinek/The Globe and Mail
The technologically disinclined will appreciate the conventional analog buttons for climate-control and audio functions.Jeremy Sinek
On the SE-and-up trims, a 10-way power driver’s seat provides ample at-the-wheel adjustability and a tall-in-the-saddle posture if desired. The SE also adds an eight-inch free-standing touch screen (4.2-inch on S) while a digital gauge cluster is exclusive to the Titanium. Luddites will appreciate the conventional hard buttons for HVAC and basic audio functions. A rotary gear selector makes space for a useful open tray on the centre console, and the glove box is bigger than most. Rear-seat riders can sprawl in comfort with six inches of fore-aft seat travel and backrest recline adjustment.
Performance
It’s too soon to put numbers to the 1.5 or the hybrid, but the 2.0T is genuinely quick. And the chassis has the moves to match, with lively steering response and taut body control in curves. As with its predecessor, the Escape can be a fun drive, although the brakes are a tad touchy.
Technology
The Escape features a full suite of entertainment and communication features.Jeremy Sinek
Besides all the standard or available driver aids already discussed, the Escape covers the communitainment side with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE wireless hot-spot connectivity for up to 10 devices, schedulable remote start and lock/unlock. And a class exclusive is available fully automated (that is, no footwork required) Park Assist 2.0.
Cargo
With its rear seats pushed forward, the Escape has near best-in-class cargo space.Jeremy Sinek
Even with the rear seats pushed fully back, the 33.5-cubic-foot cargo volume is class competitive; push them forward and the resulting 37.5 cubic feet is near best-in-class. The bi-level cargo-deck floor is a bit disappointing, though: The height difference is only about an inch.
The verdict
Ford is holding nothing back. The new Escape is a tour de force that will force the competition to raise their game.
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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