A TFLcar viewer snapped a few shots of the 2020 Ford Escape out in the wild.
We’ve seen a few prototype shots of Ford’s new Escape, but relatively few show it from the back. This time, though, a TFLcar viewer managed to get a few shots so we have some idea what the new model looks like. Odds are Ford will reveal the new Escape sometime this year as a 2020 model. Here’s what we know (or have on good authority) so far.
Powertrains
VIN decoder documents Ford submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently surfaced showing engine options for the 2020 Ford Escape. Based on that information, the new Escape will get three possible engines.
At the bottom, the 2020 Ford Escape S will get a 1.3-liter “Dragon” three-cylinder engine. That will replace the 1.5-liter unit that’s in the current escape that manages 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. From there, Ford will also offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that’s currently in the top-end Escape and Lincoln MKC. That engine produces 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.
Finally, the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid will see the return of a Hybrid model, which is not offered in the current generation. This time, we’ll see traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, both using Ford’s 2.5-liter Duratec four-cylinder engine. The engine itself makes 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque in the current Escape S.
Trim levels
As in the current model, the 2020 Ford Escape will come in four trim levels, according to VIN documents filed with the NHTSA. From the base S with the three-cylinder engine, trims will climb through the SE, SEL and Titanium. At the moment, there’s no mention of an Escape ST, but we certainly wouldn’t rule it out. Given the existence of the Edge ST and Explorer ST, it’s likely only a matter of time before we see a “hot” Escape.
The 2020 Ford Escape should hit dealer lots later this year or early next year. Or intrepid viewer also caught a camouflaged Ford Explorer ST testing (see that below). You can find out more on the Explorer ST and the upcoming escape on TFLcar.com! Stay tuned for more updates.