2020 FORD ESCAPE SE SPORT UPDATE

We tested an all-wheel-drive model with the turbo three-cylinder and managed an impressive 35 mpg during our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route. It's rated for 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined adding all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGĪccording to the EPA, the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder model with front-wheel drive will offer the highest fuel economy estimates among nonhybrid Escape models.

2020 FORD ESCAPE SE SPORT UPDATE

When we have a chance to test the plug-in model and learn more about the plug-in hybrid's capabilities we will update this story with more details. The plug-in hybrid model will carry a 14.4-kWh battery pack, which is good enough for an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric-only driving.

Ford's New Escape Leaves a Bitter Aftertaste.

To tackle new competition in the form of the Honda CR-V hybrid and the upcoming Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid, Ford will eventually offer two Escape hybrids-one of which is a plug-in-and those powertrains consist of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors which combine to make 221-hp. Both gasoline engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Upgrading to the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the compelling choice, and was powerful enough to score a 5.7-second result in the same zero-to-60-mph test. The turbo three, while somewhat grumbly and unrefined, provides adequate acceleration and managed to motivate an all-wheel-drive Escape SE to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds at our test track.

The 2020 Escape offers a wide range of powertrains, starting with a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive.

At just over $30,000, the SEL adds plenty of niceties that compact SUV shoppers will appreciate, including rear parking sensors, memory settings for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors, fake leather upholstery, a remote-start feature, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with heat, a hands-free power liftgate, fog lamps, and roof-rack side rails. The best value of the lineup is the midrange SEL trim with front-wheel drive.

2020 ford escape se sport