The Escape has been completely redesigned. Shoppers will immediately notice a different shape of the front end and rear liftgate. The overall size of the Escape hasn't changed much, and there's still adequate headroom and legroom in both the front and rear. The engine choices are now more appealing, and after a five-year hiatus, the hybrid version returns.

Which Features are Available for 2020?

There are five trim levels from which to choose. These are the base S, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and Titanium. The S trim has cloth seats, a six-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat, steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and a six-speaker sound system. The SE comes with a 10-way power driver's seat, front-row heated seats, push-button start, LED signature lighting, and heated side mirrors. This trim also has Sirius XM radio.

The SE Sport adds on a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the SEL boasts a heated steering wheel, Sirius XM traffic with Travel Link, a foot-activated rear liftgate, and a reverse sensing system. The range-topping Titanium trim comes with a six-way power passenger seat, ambient interior lighting, and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. All but the base trim have automatic climate control. Every trim features sliding second-row seats for increased comfort and also for easier loading and placement of cargo.

How does the Ford Escape Engine Balance Power Needs and Fuel Economy?

The standard engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost engine rated at 181 horsepower. It's a peppy three-cylinder that promises adequate acceleration. The Escape can also be purchased with the turbocharged 2.0L engine. This engine offers quite a kick and produces a total of 250 horsepower.

The base engine also has a new feature that can automatically deactivate one of the cylinders when demand is low. This saves money at the fuel pump. The new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's six-speed, and the gear ratios are now more pleasingly spaced for driving around town or hightailing it on the freeway. The hybrid version returns for 2020, as well. This model pairs an electric motor with a 2.5L Atkinson engine. It's available on the SE Sport and Titanium models. A newer version of this hybrid is being released soon, one that will provide a more extended all-electric driving range.

2020 Escape Safety Features

All 2020 Ford Escape trims come with a full set of airbags, stability and traction control, and a rearview camera. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver aids is also standard across the trim lineup. This suite includes pre-collision detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Optional safety aids include full stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The active park assist is also optional on the new 2020 Escape.