Ford Escape pricing announced

Ford Australia has revealed that its all-new Ford Escape SUV will introduce the sophisticated FordPass connectivity system and a fuel-saving plug-in hybrid variant when it goes on sale locally during the third quarter of this year.

And the range will start from below $36,000 for the entry-level 2.0-litre EcoBoost model in front-wheel drive form, an increase of $2500 over the current model's lowest-priced variant. A new flagship model, the Escape Vignale, will cap the range just below $50,000 – an increase of $1250 over the current flagship Escape Titanium diesel. The mid-spec Escape in plug-in hybrid form is the most expensive variant, however.

The new model is built on Ford's stronger, safer C2 platform. Ford claims that the new car will be up to 90kg lighter than the current model, despite a wheelbase stretched 20mm and a roomier interior. The new Escape is 44mm wider and 89mm longer overall, and while it's lower than the current model, headroom is improved too, by 13mm. A sliding second-row seat enhances interior flexibility, optimising legroom or luggage capacity, as required.

Two engines – the 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder already mentioned and a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder for the plug-in model – are the only powerplant options, with the small engine driving through an eight-speed automatic to either the front wheels only or all four wheels, depending on the variant. Peak engine output for the 2.0-litre is 183kW and 387Nm for a combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 8.6L/100km for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants.

The plug-in model features a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery and peak power available is rated at 167kW for a nominal fuel economy figure of 1.5L/100km and an electric-only range of 50 kilometres.

Every Escape variant comes equipped with these features for no extra cost: FordPass Connect, push-button start, wireless smartphone charging, DAB+ digital radio, SYNC 3 with eight-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, voice-command, integrated satellite navigation with Australian accent recognition and Traffic Management System, reversing camera, front and rear-parking sensors, power windows with global opening and closing via key fob

As standard, the base-grade Escape is fitted with these features: 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/taillights, six airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Evasive Steering Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Detection (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Impairment Monitor, Tyre Pressure Monitor and Emergency Assistance.

For the Escape ST-Line grade, Ford has specified an exclusive body kit and a different design of 18-inch alloy wheel. Other standard features comprise a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, an ST-Line flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching, and metallic foot pedals.

Topping the range is the Escape Vignale, which rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, with an option of 20-inch wheels also available. As standard, the Escape Vignale comes with LED quad-projector headlights with dynamic cornering facility. Other standard features for the flagship model include advanced keyless entry, heated leather-bound steering wheel, leather accents for the seats, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front and rear (outboard) seating, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, hands-free power tailgate, 180-degree rear-view camera and automated parking assistant.

The FordPass system is described by the company as an embedded modem that allows the user to lock or unlock the car, start the engine and check the vehicle status – all from a remote location. It's integrated in Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While the Escape will be offered in three trim levels, only one, the Escape PHEV ST-Line, will be available with the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Other standard features exclusive to the plug-in Escape include partial leather interior upholstery, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a 10-speaker premium audio system.

The hands-free tailgate that is standard for the Escape Vignale is priced at $1300 for the base Escape or the ST-Line and can be ordered separately or as part of the ST-Line Pack. Similarly, a Technology Pack ($1000) comprising matrix adaptive headlights and configurable head-up display is standard for the flagship, but can be ordered separately for base and mid-spec variants or as part of the ST-Line Pack. The ST-Line Pack, which also includes front heated seats, costs $2800.

Other options available are Park Pack ($1500 for the Escape ST-Line PHEV), 20-inch alloy wheels ($500 for the Escape Vignale) and prestige paint ($650 for all trim levels).

As part of the ownership experience, Ford will wrap up the deal with Ford Service Benefits, a capped-price service program costing $299 for each visit to the dealership, and incorporating a loan car, SYNC 3 map updates and a motoring club membership. Service intervals for the Escape are set at 12 months or 15,000km. The program is available for the first four years or 60,000km and every Escape is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Ford has high hopes for the new SUV, which will sell in local showrooms alongside the smaller Puma – also new in 2020.

“The Escape and Puma will offer Australian customers models with unique identities that stand apart from the crowd,” said Kay Hart, President of Ford Australia.

“Escape and Puma are also distinguished by advanced safety and Driver Assistance Technology, including FordPass Connect, paired with effortless style, simplicity and practicality.”

How much does the 2020 Ford Escape cost?
Ford Escape 2.0L FWD - $35,990
Ford Escape ST-Line 2.0L FWD - $37,990
Ford Escape ST-Line 2.0L AWD - $40,990
Ford Escape ST-Line PHEV 2.5L FWD - $52,940
Ford Escape Vignale 2.0L FWD - $46,590
Ford Escape Vignale 2.0L AWD - $49,590

Related: Learn more about the Ford Escape