Ford Escape 2020 Review

Ford hasn’t exactly been a force in the booming mid-size SUV segment in Australia in recent years, but the Australian arm of the American auto giant now has fresh cause for optimism.

The all-new fourth-generation 2020 Ford Escape has landed in Australia, bearing a larger size, more interior space and a suite of new safety systems and in-car technology. It also promises better dynamics, added refinement and liveability.

More than anything else, the full-scale overhaul to the Escape is set to finally give Ford a genuine rival to the dominant players in the category, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

Let’s see whether Ford’s ambitions can prosper.

Available initially across five model variants, the 2020 Ford Escape range starts at $35,990 plus on-road costs for the aptly-named Escape FWD, moving as high as $49,590 for the Vignale AWD.

Originally, Ford promised a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) version of the Escape would crown the range at $52,940 plus ORCs, however that model is at the centre of battery fire saga that has pushed Australian timing back to “late 2021”.

Before then, promotional drive-away pricing has been attached to the three entry-level Ford Escape variants – see our pricing story for full details – which represent modest increases of between $500 and $1000 over their respective recommended retail price.

Standard features across the Escape range include wireless smartphone charging, digital radio, push-button start, and an 8.0-inch touch-screen with the SYNC 3 operating system and Apple and Android smartphone mirroring.

Front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and power windows with global opening and closing via the key fob are also part of the standard package, as are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights, and a host of advanced driver-assist safety systems.

The latter includes six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, blind spot detection (BLIS), lane departure warning and lane keep assist, plus evasive steering assist.

The new Ford Escape also carries a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, albeit one based on the less stringent 2019 testing regime (owing to Euro NCAP tests conducted last year, which were used to determine the local result).

All Escape models come with FordPass Connect, which allows remote smartphone-based car operations such as locking/unlocking the car, checking the vehicle status and even starting the engine.

ST-Line variants, as tested here (from $37,990 plus on-road costs), add a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and sporty exterior and interior upgrades, including a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Like all Ford vehicles, the Escape is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, capped-price servicing program ($299 per annum for the first four years/60,000km), free service loan cars, SYNC 3 sat-nav map updates and a motoring club membership that includes roadside assistance.

Built on the Blue Oval’s C2 platform, the new-generation Ford Escape is lighter, stronger and bigger than before, growing in length and width to offer more passenger and cargo space.

The improvements underneath are heralded by increases to track width and length (both +20mm), a lower centre of gravity, 10 per cent increased torsional stiffness and improved suspension travel by 25mm.

A new electrically-assisted power steering system has been introduced, as well as refined suspension bushes and shocks.

According to Ford, the Escape’s cushioning over road impacts and noise and vibration acoustics have been dramatically improved with the introduction of a new isolated rear subframe and four large rubber bushings between the chassis and suspension.

Those changes are complemented by a 90kg reduction in weight via aluminium body panels and other lightweight components and cabin materials.

Under the bonnet, the Escape initially touches down with a solitary 2.0-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine (183kW/387Nm), matched standard to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The petrol offers a claimed fuel economy average of 8.6L/100km but requires 95-octane (or higher) premium unleaded fuel.

In due course, the 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid electric powerplant (167kW) will touch down, offering fuel economy as low as 1.5L/100km courtesy of a 14.4kWh battery pack providing an electric-only range of 50km.

Earlier iterations of the Ford Escape and the preceding Ford Kuga struggled to impart the same positive impression as a Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 – both sales darlings in this segment.

However, the 2020 Ford Escape is a significant improvement over what came before, enamouring with its sprawling rear seat space, respectable cargo area and inherent functionality.

Soft materials adorn our Escape ST-Line’s contact points, complemented by adequate incidental storage. Contrasting red stitching and the digital instrument display lend our tester a particularly sporty, contemporary vibe.

The rear seat is particularly spacious for this segment, offering adequate room in all directions for occupants, along with an open glasshouse for little ones matched by top-tether strap points and ISOFIX attachments for child seats.

The rear seat base in our shiny new ST-Line feels initially firm, but rear air-vents and two USB points are redeeming features.

Further back, the Escape’s 556-litre boot is big enough for a designer pram or two full-size suitcases stacked on top of each other, and has easily accessed levers to quickly stow the second-row seat backs.

The flimsy luggage cover bears resemblance to flyscreen, however, and the Escape foregoes a full-size spare wheel for a space-saver.

Ford’s native SYNC 3 infotainment system has its share of bugbears, but it is relatively fuss-free in its operation and is easy to navigate on the go. This will be less relevant to buyers who predominantly use the incorporated Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

Even with its bigger footprint, the Ford Escape continues to be infused with a healthy sporting bent, especially in the case of our ST-Line tester, which employs a unique suspension tune.

The Escape ST-Line acquitted itself strongly across a 700km loop of highway, country and city driving recently, mixing refinement and comfort with competent dynamics.

In daily conveyance, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol builds its speed almost nonchalantly, gently leaning on the eight-speed automatic transmission to garner smooth and pleasing forward progress.

The drivetrain combination avoids the coarseness seen in some other rival models, and is quite confident in its upper reaches, too, almost bordering on warm-SUV territory.

The 2.0-litre’s go-fast charm isn’t to the detriment of efficiency, either. We managed 7.2L/100km in a 700km loop that comprised mainly open road miles, dotted with its share of headier driver. So long as you’re not in peak hour traffic every day, the 8.6L/100km claim appears largely achievable.

Elsewhere, the Escape ST-Line shows founded links with the Focus donor platform in its overall balance and alacrity through the corners.

Whereas some SUVs rush up to, and stumble through, corners, the ST-Line changes direction confidently. Even beyond the point of adhesion, there’s a neutrality and playfulness on offer that belies the majority of segment competitors.

The ride on 18-inch wheels is compliant enough for everyday use and body control is strong over pockmarked surfaces.

It remains to be seen whether Ford truly has the next SUV hit on its hands with the all-new Ford Escape.

A carsales mid-size SUV comparison test is currently in the works.

What is clear is that the new Escape moves the goalposts for Ford, offering a much more convincing interior, pleasing dynamics and refinement.

At this stage, there is plenty of cause for optimism.

How much does the 2020 Ford Escape ST-Line FWD cost?
Price: $37,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 183kW/387Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 199g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)