2020 Ford Escape First Drive: Getting With the Program

Louisville, KY - For 2020, the Ford Escape arrives with more space, less weight, more technology and – huzzah for you hybridists out there – a hybrid model for the first time since 2005. Oh, and there’s also a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo version with cylinder deactivation tech, which is an industry first. We were deployed to the Escape’s home state of Kentucky – every Escape comes out of the fabrication facility here in Louisville – to sample the Escape on some of the state’s twisty and undulating roads and in town in the home of baseball bats and bourbon.

Refreshed styling
It should come as no surprise that the latest Escape gets new styling as well. The blue colour you see here is all new, the headlights have grown and it’s longer wider but with a lower roofline than previous, making for a squatter, more athletic appearance.

Surprisingly, though the roofline has been dropped down, headroom has not been affected. Ford used more high-intensity, high-strength steel and other materials throughout the body meaning certain panels and crossmembers – those used for the roof, for example – don’t have to be quite so thick. That also extends to the a-pillars and doors, allowing for larger openings and a better view out.

The interior
It’s not just window dressing, either. The seating position and view out of the latest version of Ford’s ultra-hot-selling crossover (or CUV) is right on point. According to Ford, this was a major bone of contention for Escape drivers – most of whom are women, according to the manufacturer -- so a better view out and seating position was imperative.

In addition to the larger window openings, the interior is much less cramped and cluttered than it was previous. The dash is simpler but more luxurious-looking as a result, and there are oodles of storage – up to 15 litres – in the cabin. This includes a glovebox big enough for the biggest iPad Pro or a handbag.

Read more