2020 Ford Escape vs 2019 Ford Escape – Albany, NY

On the new 2020 Ford Escape, there are two gasoline engines plus two hybrid power systems to choose from. The first conventional motor is the turbocharged 1.5L Ecoboost I-3 engine with an estimated 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD (AWD is optional), it has an estimated fuel economy set at 30 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway). These numbers are estimated to slightly lower when its equipped with AWD (26 city/31 highway/28 combined). Next is the turbocharged 2.0L Ecoboost I-4 engine that produces 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an 8-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and FWD (AWD is optional), it has a fuel economy set at 26 mpg combined (23 city/31highway). 

The environmentally-friendly engine options include a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version. The 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid engine is coupled with a lithium-ion battery, and the specifications have not yet been verified by Ford. Similarly, the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Plug-In Hybrid powertrain is also paired with a larger lithium-ion battery pack, and the specifications have not yet been verified. 

The 2019 Ford Escape has three conventional engine options. The first is a 2.5L Duratec I-4 engine that pumps out 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and FWD, it has a fuel economy set at 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway). Next is the 1.5L EcoBoost I-4 engine that generates 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Mated with the same 6-speed automatic transmission and FWD (4WD is optional), it has a fuel economy set at 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway). The final option is the 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 motor that pushes out 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Featuring the same transmission and drivetrain options, it gets about 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway).

When you compare the 2020 Ford Escape vs 2019 Ford Escape, you will find many similarities and differences on the inside. 

The 2020 Escape is available in five unique trim levels. The base S version features cloth front bucket seats that are manually adjustable 6-ways. The 60/40 split-fold down sliding rear seats make it easy to configure the back to suit your needs. This model comes equipped with the Sync infotainment interface, FordPass Connect, and 6-speaker stereo system. Six cupholders, three powerpoints, and carpeted floor mats are provided throughout the cabin. Also included is the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features. This adds blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.

The SE trim level adds 10-way power-adjustable front seats with a heating element to keep you warm in the winter. The infotainment interface has been upgraded to Sync3, and satellite radio has also been added. Two more cupholders have been provided, as well as grab handles for passengers to get in and out easily.

As for the SE Sport Hybrid, it comes with many of the same features as the SE. The main difference is in the instrument panel. While the previously mentioned models have a 4.2-inch instrument panel, this eco-friendly version boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays important driving information. 

Stepping into the cabin of an SEL model, you will first notice the different seating. ActiveX seating material is more durable and will stand up to your hectic lifestyle. The heated steering wheel is wrapped in leather for a sophisticated look, and SiriusXM Traffic with Travel Link has been added.

The top-tier Titanium trim features leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control, and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker stereo system with a subwoofer. It also has a larger 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and Active Park Assist 2.0 helps with parallel street parking. The remote start system is ideal for winter because you can get your vehicle warming up before you go outside. 

The 2019 Ford Escape only has four trim levels. The S, SE, and SEL models are similar to the 2020 Escape S, SE, and SEL models, but they actually have an extra powerpoint. The other difference is that they do not come with all of the added safety features from the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. Similarly, the Titanium is also largely the same, but it has the original version of the Park Assist function. 

Exterior styling elements vary greatly between trim levels and when comparing the 2020 Ford Escape vs 2019 Ford Escape. Let’s take a closer look.

The new 2020 Escape S rolls on 17-inch wheels and features black accents on the side mirrors, rear spoiler, beltline molding, window molding, and grille. Silver front and back skid plates protect the underside from damage, and the liftgate is manually operated. The SE boasts 17-inch aluminum wheels and chrome accents on the window molding and grille. The spoiler is also body-colored instead of black, and LED signature lighting has been added for enhanced visibility. The SE Sport Hybrid rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels that have been painted black. The black exterior accents of the S model are back with the added LED lighting package from the SE model. Rolling on 18-inch aluminum wheels, the SEL model has similar features to the SE, but it also comes with a black mesh grille with chrome surrounding accents. Foglamps have been added as well as a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate. The final Titanium version rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels and features chrome accents on the beltline molding, window molding, and grille. Black roof rails have also been added for extra storage space. 

The 2019 Ford Escape S rides on the same 17-inch wheels and has the same black accents. The difference comes in on the gray-colored front and rear fascias. The SE model also has the same wheels as the new version, and it comes with a chrome bar grille with chrome surrounding accents and a bright beltline molding. Rolling on smaller 17-inch wheels, the SEL is very different from its newer version. This one has the same grille as the SE, along with heated side mirrors and a power liftgate. The top-tier Titanium comes standard with large 19-inch aluminum wheels and silver-painted roof rails for extra storage space. 

Another difference between the model years is in the exterior paint colors. The 2019 Ford Escape is offered in nine paint options including Oxford White, White Platinum, Ingot Silver, Magnetic, Baltic Sea Green, Lightning Blue, Sedona Orange, Ruby Red, and Agate Black. The new 2020 Ford Escape adds an extra color known as Desert Gold. A few other colors have been renamed such as Rapid Red, Star White, Velocity Blue, and Dark Persian Green, but they are the same as the 2019 colors.