The Escape Hybrid’s numbers are on par with its competition.
For 2020, Ford is bringing back the Escape Hybrid in its efforts to electrify its revamped lineup. The company first introduced its hybrid crossover back in 2005 with the first-generation model. Back then, it managed 29 mpg combined in front-wheel drive form, according to EPA figures. Now, Ford’s new Escape Hybrid will get around 39 mpg combined, the company told Autoblog during a media presentation.
If that is indeed the case, that would represent a huge 25 percent improvement in fuel economy over the first-generation model. Naturally, we expect a higher figure than what hybrid technology could manage 15 years ago. That said, it is a sign of just how far battery technology has gone in that time.
The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine, and will come in front- and all-wheel drive variants. The all-wheel drive variant will likely take a fuel economy hit, but it will still be in the same league as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and better than the current Nissan Rogue Hybrid.
Here’s how those hybrid models compare, going off that approximate 39 mpg figure:
| Car | City | Highway | Combined |
| 2020 Ford Escape1 | TBA | TBA | 39 |
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 AWD2 | 38 | 41 | 40 |
| 2019 Nissan Rogue FWD | 33 | 35 | 34 |
12020 Ford Escape figures are approximate.
22019 RAV4 Hybrid is all-wheel drive only; there is no front-wheel drive option.
2020 Ford Escape powertrain options
Autoblog also quotes the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s 219 horsepower figure, mentioning that it’s 21 horsepower more than the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. On that basis, the production model should manage 199 horsepower. Though that may change a bit depending on whether Ford changes anything before the new Escape starts going on sale later this year and into 2020.O
There are two other engine options in the 2020 Ford Escape lineup. The first is the smallest: A 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is expected to make around 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. A larger 2.0-liter unit should make 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Both pair up to an 8-speed automatic transmissions, while the Escape Hybrid will use a CVT.
Find out more about the 2020 Ford Escape below:
