Archived model-year dossier
2020 Ford Escape
The 2020 Ford Escape is a full fourth-generation redesign on a new architecture, with a turbo three-cylinder base engine, a new hybrid and Co-Pilot360 standard on every trim, and used prices from $11,450 at Kelley Blue Book. NHTSA lists 24 recalls and 1,820 complaints, 710 of them about structure. EPA rates it 26 to 41 mpg combined.
Configurations6
Model/option labels5
Combined efficiency26–41 MPG/MPGe
Electric range37 mi
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2020 Ford Escape
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the nameplate gets a full redesign for 2020, with a smaller turbo three-cylinder replacing the outgoing forced-induction fours as the base engine, and Ford Co-Pilot360 standard on all trims. Traction Life (opens in a new tab) describes a fourth generation on a new architecture, 3.5 inches added for best-in-class legroom, an electronic gear shifter that opens up the front cabin, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen on SE and above with a 12.3-inch screen as an upgrade.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts the cheapest 2020 Escape, the S, at a Fair Purchase Price of $11,450 and rates fuel economy at 23/31 to 44/37 mpg city and highway. EPA rates the 2020 Escape at 26 to 41 mpg combined and $1,500 to $2,400 a year in fuel, with front- or all-wheel drive, and 37 miles of electric range on the plug-in hybrid.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns for the 2020 Escape. 20V415000 covers side curtain air bags with an improperly crimped diffuser that may detach from the inflator, 20V575000 a rearview camera that may show a blank or distorted image, and 21V011000 too little lubricant in the rear drive unit, which may seize the rear axle. On the 2.5-liter hybrid and plug-in versions, 22V484000 and 23V380000 cover an engine failure that may release oil and fuel vapor near ignition sources and start an engine compartment fire, 22V331000 covers high-voltage battery welds that may fail and cause a loss of drive power, and 24V330000 covers hybrid control software that may shift the vehicle into neutral unexpectedly. Others cover a cracked fuel injector, an oil separator housing and a front seat recliner.
Owners have filed 1,820 complaints with NHTSA: structure with 710, unknown or other with 372, power train with 270, electrical system with 199, engine with 185 and fuel system with 122. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) counts 23 recalls and 1,528 complaints on the model name alone and scores the year 2.0 out of 10, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page for it.
2020 Escape against the CR-V, RAV4, CX-5 and Rogue
EPA rates the 2020 Escape at 26 to 41 mpg combined and $1,500 to $2,400 a year in fuel. The Honda CR-V lists 29 to 38 at $1,650 to $2,150, the Toyota RAV4 27 to 40 at $1,550 to $2,300, the Nissan Rogue 27 to 29 at $2,150 to $2,300, and the Mazda CX-5 24 to 28 at $2,250 to $2,600. The Escape's hybrid gives it the highest top figure of the five, and its low end is below the CR-V, RAV4 and Rogue.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2020 Ford Escape: 6 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 181 | 190 | 27 / 33 / 30 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SE | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 181 | 190 | 27 / 33 / 30 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SEL | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | 4WD | 250 | 280 | 23 / 31 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Titanium | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | 4WD | 250 | 280 | 23 / 31 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SE Sport | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, eCVT | FWD | 163 | 155 | 44 / 37 / 41 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Titanium Hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, eCVT | FWD | 163 | 155 | 44 / 37 / 41 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 3,299 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 14.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 1,500 lb | P225/65HR17 |
| SE | 3,299 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 14.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 3,500 lb | P225/65HR17 |
| SEL | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 15.8 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 3,500 lb | P225/60R18 | |
| Titanium | 3,551 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 15.8 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 3,500 lb | P225/55R19 |
| SE Sport | 3,554 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 14.2 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | P225/65HR17 | |
| Titanium Hybrid | 3,554 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 14.2 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | P225/55R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2020 Ford Escape trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | S | SE | SEL | Titanium | SE Sport | Titanium Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Opt | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | Opt | Std | Std | Opt | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | Opt | Std | Std | Opt | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | Std | Std | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||
| Alloy wheels | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | – | Std | Std | – | Std |
| Privacy glass | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | – | Std | Std | – | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | – | – | Std | Std | Opt | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Opt | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Opt | – | Std | – |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42257Escape AWD | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 26 | 31 | 28 | N/A |
| 42256Escape AWD | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 23 | 31 | 26 | N/A |
| 42258Escape AWD HEV | 2.5L 4-cyl HybridHybrid | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 43 | 37 | 40 | N/A |
| 42074Escape FWD | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 27 | 33 | 30 | N/A |
| 42253Escape FWD HEV | 2.5L 4-cyl HybridHybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 44 | 37 | 41 | N/A |
| 42743Escape FWD PHEV | 2.5L 4-cyl PHEVPlug-in Hybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular Gas and Electricity | 43 | 38 | 41 | 37 mi |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2020 Ford Escape versus the 2019 Ford Escape?
Model year
Against the 2019 Ford Escape: Model/option labels added: Escape AWD HEV, Escape FWD HEV, Escape FWD PHEV. Model/option labels no longer listed: Escape FWD FFV. Engine descriptions added: 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI, 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid, 2.5L 4-cyl PHEV. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 1.5L 4-cyl SIDI, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl FFV. Transmissions added: Automatic (S8), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 8-spd. Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic (S6). Drive designations added: Part-time 4-Wheel Drive. Fuel types added: Regular Gas and Electricity. Fuel types no longer listed: Gasoline or E85. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 24.5 to 33.5 MPG/MPGe. An electric-range figure appears for the first time (37 miles at the midpoint). Federal recall campaigns on file went from 3 for the 2019 to 23 for the 2020.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How did the 2020 Ford Escape do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2020 Ford Escape earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 16.9% to 17.4% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03What automatic transmission fluid does the 2020 Ford Escape use?
Maintenance
The 2020 Ford Escape owner's manual names MERCON for the transmission. Source: 2020 Ford Escape owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q04What size wheels does the 2020 Ford Escape have?
Wheels and tires
The 2020 Ford Escape's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the S, SE and SE Sport, 18 inches on the SEL and 19 inches on the Titanium and Titanium Hybrid. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05How do the 2020 Ford Escape trims differ from one another?
Trims
The SE has alloy wheels, front and rear climate zones, heated front seats and 8 more as standard equipment over the S. The SEL has 250 hp against 181 and 4WD instead of FWD and fog lights, a heated steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 6 more as standard equipment over the SE. The Titanium has an anti-theft alarm, power front seats for driver and passenger, front and rear parking sensors and 4 more as standard equipment over the SEL. The SE Sport has 163 hp against 250 and FWD instead of 4WD and cruise control as standard equipment over the Titanium. The Titanium Hybrid has an anti-theft alarm, power front seats for driver and passenger, fog lights and 12 more as standard equipment over the SE Sport.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06What octane gasoline does the 2020 Ford Escape call for?
Fuel
The 2020 Ford Escape owner's manual gives 87 octane as the minimum gasoline rating. Source: 2020 Ford Escape owner's manual. The 2019 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2020 Ford Escape.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Ford Escape across model years.
Ownership desk
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