2020 Ford Escape Hybrid: 7 Things We Like and 2 Things We Don’t
The 2020 Ford Escape has been given a complete redesign and, for the first time since the 2012 model year, the Escape Hybrid returns to the lineup. This isn’t a coincidence, since both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have added hybrid models to their popular compact SUVs. So, how does the Escape Hybrid stack up to the competition? And is the added fuel economy worth more than what you’d pay for the standard, non-hybrid Escape?
Related: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Review: Reaching Fuel Potential?
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Shop the 2020 Ford Escape near you
The Escape Hybrid starts around $29,000, which is roughly $3,000 more than the base Escape powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower. The Hybrid is not only quicker off the line, it serves up fuel economy that easily outdoes the rest of the Escape range — and runs neck and neck with key rivals like the RAV4 Hybrid. The Escape Hybrid also comes standard with a long list of safety equipment and tech touches.
To read our full review by Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays, follow the related link above. But for a quick rundown of this fuel-sipping SUV’s best attributes — along with some things that need improvement — keep reading.
Here are seven things we like, and two we don’t, about the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid:
Things We Like
1. Smooth Hybrid Power
The Escape Hybrid is motivated by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a pair of electric motors and a 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. This results in 200 hp being sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. From behind the wheel, the Escape Hybrid has plenty of grunt and the drivetrain didn’t exhibit noticeable delays while shifting between electric and gas-fed engine power.
2. Nimble Handling
The Escape Hybrid is fun to drive thanks to agile handling that’s light, which makes this compact SUV easy to place on the road. Its sensible proportions — despite being wider and longer — also mean it’s not a pain to park.
3. Good Gas Mileage
At the time of our test drive, EPA figures had not been released for the 2020 Escape Hybrid. Those numbers have since arrived, and they’re impressive. The Escape Hybrid in front-wheel-drive format returns 44 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive adds about 150 pounds to the Escape Hybrid’s weight, but mileage is nearly the same at 43/37 mpg city/highway. (For comparison, the all-wheel-drive RAV4 Hybrid delivers 41 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway.)
4. Lots of Standard Safety Equipment
You get plenty of standard safety features on the Escape Hybrid. These include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitors, a rearview camera, automatic high beams and more.
5. Easy-to-Use Infotainment
Unlike some confusing Ford multimedia systems used in the past, the one fitted to the Escape Hybrid is intuitive and handy. The 8-inch touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it can be used in conjunction with Waze directions and Amazon Alexa voice commands.
6. Competitive Price
Is the Escape Hybrid worth about $3,000 more than the standard non-hybrid model? Depending on the trim and how many options you add, the Escape Hybrid ranges in price from $29,000 to about $40,000 for a Titanium version with all the bells and whistles. That gets pretty pricey at the high end, but at least it’s competitive for the segment, and the added mpg will ease that cost burden a bit.
7. Appealing Options
Just because the Escape Hybrid is a sensible and fuel-efficient SUV doesn’t mean you can’t indulge yourself. Options include a panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, park assist and more.
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Things We Don’t
1. AWD Costs Extra
Some shoppers won’t mind having the choice of front- and all-wheel drive in the Escape Hybrid, and we already pointed out fuel economy is about equal between the two. But while the RAV4 Hybrids comes standard with all-wheel drive, adding it onto the Escape adds about $1,500 to the price.
2. Resistant Regenerative Brakes
During our test drive of the Escape Hybrid we noted the “bricklike” feel of the regenerative brakes. That being said, at least they’re adding some energy back to the electric motors and battery and, frankly, it’s not much worse than how grabby the non-hybrid Escape’s brakes are.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.