2020 Ford Escape

The 2020 Ford Escape SE AWD with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine was a significant model year for the Escape, marking a full redesign that brought a sleeker exterior, a more refined interior, and new powertrain options. The SE trim was a popular step up from the base S model, adding desirable features, and the AWD option provided enhanced traction.Powertrain and Performance:Engine: 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder with Auto Start-Stop Technology. This engine was new for the 2020 redesign. Horsepower: 181 hp @ 6,000 rpmTorque: 190 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpmTransmission: 8-speed automatic.Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which provides improved grip and stability in various road conditions (e.g., snow, rain, light off-roading).Fuel Economy (EPA estimated): Around 26 MPG city / 31 MPG highway / 28 MPG combined. These were excellent figures for an AWD compact SUV.Towing Capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs when properly equipped.Exterior Features:17-inch Shadow Silver-painted aluminum wheels (a step up from the steel wheels on the S trim).Halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED signature lighting.LED taillamps.Black grille with a chrome surround.Body-colored door handles.Power and heated side mirrors with gloss body-color caps.Rear spoiler.Privacy glass for the second row and liftgate.Manual liftgate.Interior Features:Unique cloth seating surfaces.Heated front seats.10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar and power recline.4-way manual front passenger seat.Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) with rear air ducts.Leather-wrapped steering wheel.Rear center armrest with two cupholders.Sliding sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors.Power windows with one-touch-up/down for the driver.Power door locks with auto-lock/unlock.Remote keyless entry with push-button start (Intelligent Access was often an available option).60/40 split-fold-flat and sliding second-row seats, offering impressive flexibility for cargo or passenger comfort.Technology and Infotainment:SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen. This was a significant upgrade from the base S trim's smaller screen.Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.Two smart-charging USB ports.AM/FM stereo with 6 speakers.SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability (with a trial subscription).AppLink and 911 Assist.FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot capability.Safety and Driver Assistance (Ford Co-Pilot360™ - Standard Suite):Rear View Camera.Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Dynamic Brake Support.Lane-Keeping System: Includes Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert, and Driver Alert.Auto High-Beam Headlamps.Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert.AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control (RSC®).Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).Multiple airbags (driver and front-row passenger dual-stage, driver knee, front-seat mounted side-impact, and Safety Canopy side-curtain with rollover sensor).MyKey® system.Overall:The 2020 Ford Escape SE AWD with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine was an appealing and well-equipped compact SUV. Its complete redesign for 2020 brought a fresh, modern look and a more refined driving experience. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine, despite being a three-cylinder, provided a good balance of power and impressive fuel efficiency, especially when paired with the 8-speed automatic. The AWD system added confidence in varying conditions. The SE trim was a sweet spot, offering key comfort features like heated power seats and the popular SYNC 3 infotainment system with smartphone integration, along with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies through Ford Co-Pilot360™. It was a very strong contender in the competitive compact SUV segment.