One of the most popular crossovers on the road has also, for the past several years, been one of the oldest.
But for model-year 2020, Ford has fully re-done its popular Escape and the latest version of this pioneering sales superstar is built to give shoppers more of what they want.
According to Ford, that means more innovative, more connected, safer and more efficient.
It also means hybrids and early reports confirm that the new Escape will be offered with hybrid, longer-range plug-in hybrid, and conventional gasoline powertrains.
Not surprisingly, both of those are turbo four-cylinders, and specifically, a 1.5- or 2.0-litre unit with 180 or 245 horsepower, respectively.
Both of those gasoline engines will include AutoStop technology, which is already becoming popular in this segment, to reduce or eliminate idling by instantly stopping and restarting the engine when it would otherwise be idling.
Restarting the engine takes less than half a second, and occurs automatically while the driver moves their foot from the brake pedal back to the throttle.
“Auto Start-Stop is the equivalent of turning off the lights when you leave a room, or turning off a water faucet when you’re done washing dishes,” said Milton Wong, Escape chief engineer. “It’s a high-tech approach to more efficient driving.”
Escape’s gasoline EcoBoost engines will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Finally, a 2.5-litre non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be standard on lower-grade models.
Kit yours up how you like: the 2020 Escape can be specified with S, SE and Titanium trim grades and a “sport appearance package” is available on select models, too.
High-tech goodies sell vehicles in this segment and Escape will have plenty. Drivers can use the new SYNC Connect system, which makes its global debut in the new Escape, to control its locks and remote engine starting from virtually anywhere.
This technology also allows drivers to easily pinpoint their vehicle via GPS in crowded parking lots, and allows the Escape to send drivers messages about upcoming servicing requirements, oil changes, and more.
The new Escape can even use its available Active Park Assist system to bring the vehicle into its parking space autonomously, with no need for the driver to touch the wheel.
Elsewhere, “adaptive cruise control” and a suite of advanced safety features allow the new Escape to automatically adjust its speed for the traffic situation, alert drivers of an unintended lane departure, or even provide autonomous steering corrections that can help keep the vehicle centred in its lane.
A “driver alert” system will also be available. This system detects various signs of driver fatigue and issues a warning when the driver might be best to pull over for a break. Blind Spot Monitoring and a hands-free power tailgate are also on offer.
All said, what we know so far demonstrates that the upcoming Escape has moved fully into the modern crossover era.
Like its plethora of competitors, including the new RAV4 (which is also available with a hybrid engine), the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, and many, many others, this new Escape now targets the needs and wants of today’s crossover shopper better than ever.
Look for it on sale later this year.
