The new generation of the Escape compact crossover is bringing a whole new look. Besides that, the vehicle is introducing a new source of power. The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid is one of the first products of big electrification process that will end up in ten years when the company is about to offer all of their models with some kind of electric drivetrain. F-150 truck, Mustang pony car, huge SUVs, and other smaller vehicles will get either PHEV, hybrid, or pure EV systems.
Escape is coming with hybrid and plug-in variant for the next season. These two will join existing petrol engines and make the crossover more versatile. However, there are few things you probably still don’t know about the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. We will try to go through all the major and minor info available at the moment. There are also some speculations for the future arrivals, but we won’t mention them this time. If you want to read rumors about the 7-seat Escape, you can do it HERE.
What is Under the Hood?
The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid will use a 2.5-liter petrol engine as the main source of power. Both hybrid and plug-in model will attach its own electric motors and different system to boost the fuel economy. But, the output remains the same – 198 horsepower. Ford claims the new hybrid is ready to return 39 mpg combined. So, with the full tank, you will go 550 miles. If you opt for the Escape PHEV, you will get 30 miles more. The all-electric range will be 30 miles.
For the standard hybrid, Ford is offering front- and all-wheel drive configuration. The other one will consume slightly more gas. On the other hand, the plug-in variant that uses a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, is sending power to front wheels only.
The Downside of the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid – Less Space
The electric battery for the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid will be installed under the rear bench. It will harm an overall space for the passengers at the back, as well as the cargo area. The hybrid crossover is also heavier than the standard vehicle. It adds 155 pounds, while the PHEV version is 330 pounds heavier than the standard model.
Fuel Economy is Better, But the Towing Capacity Pays the Price
The conventional Escape can tow 3,500 pounds. The hybrid and PHEV are good for just 1,500 lbs. Also, these two models will come with less space for cargo. While the standard crossover offers 37.5 cubic feet, both electric variants will cut 3 cubic feet. With rear seats folded, the difference grows to 5 cubic feet. Compared to the Toyota Rav4 hybrid, the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid will offer 10 cubic feet less behind the front seats.
Three Trim Levels, Four Drive Modes
The new 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid will be offered in three levels of equipment. The base crossover is SE. Other two are SEL and top of the range Titanium. Compared to the conventional model, we will miss the base S and the SE Sport. While driving, you will be able to select the most suitable electric drive mode. Auto mode will switch between gas, electric, or mixed drive. EV Now will run the crossover by using electric power only. On the other end, EV Later will save the battery. If you need a recharge, then EV Charge will use the power from the conventional drivetrain to refill the missing energy in the battery.
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Price
The new Escape Hybrid costs more than the standard model. We believe the company will increase the price of around $2,000. The PHEV variant will cost even more. So far, we know that 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Titanium comes with a price tag of $35,000 which is $1,700 less than for the standard petrol trim with a 2.0 EcoBoost turbo-four engine.
