2020 Ford Escape Engine Options

Some people don’t realize the importance of the engine under the hood of their vehicle, but more specifically, Ford SUVs. And, no, it’s not the fact that you won’t go anywhere without one. It’s that while interior amenities, smooth suspension, and a stylish exterior are important, they won’t help when you need to merge onto a highway or keep up with traffic, doing so in a smooth, efficient way.

Although it seems like there is a downside to a powerful engine, this downside involves taking a hit on gas mileage. So, because of this, we, at times, accept those weak engines that have good gas mileage. Ford, though, has engine options that don’t compromise. All of Ford’s SUVs have a decent engine line-up, but let’s focus on one model that takes the cake. The Ford Escape is very versatile and perfect for the whole family. But again, like we mentioned engine options are very important. So, what are the 2020 Ford Escape engine options? There are 3 soon-to-be 4 different engines available with the Escape. A 2.5L iVCT hybrid engine, 2.5L iVCT Hybrid Plug-in engine (coming soon), 1.5L EcoBoost engine, and 2.0L EcoBoost engine. They all have different capabilities and strengths. Let’s look into those differences.

1.5L EcoBoost Engine

As we mentioned in the introduction gas mileage is important. What is one way to lose the compromise? You can reduce the size of the engine and throw a turbo into the mix. Because of this, Ford not only reduced the bore (size of the engine cylinders), but also removed a piston! Yes, this 1.5-liter is an inline 3 engine. Through all of this reduction, Ford still managed to push out 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. With those numbers, even the most avid, 4-cylinder plus engine, drivers won’t really feel the difference. With an 8.4-second 0-60 mph time, highway cruising is not a problem.

They mated this engine at an eight-speed automatic transmission. This means that everyday cruising in the city is a breeze too. Ford reduce the fuel efficiency in their compact SUV to an estimated 27 mpg in the city while 33 mpg on the highway. This rating comes with the front wheel-drive version. The all wheel-drive system has a rating of 26/31 mpg city/highway, respectively.

There is one thing to keep in mind though, that is the idea of driving a turbocharged car. Typically, when a turbo is added to a car the power is really delivered. This means that it might be a little bit of a learning curve if you’re used to driving without a turbocharger. But what about those who need a little more? The Ford Escape’s next engine may be for you.

2.0 EcoBoost Engine

It seems that with people looking for SUVs, towing capacity is important. But some car manufacturers reduce this as the engine gets smaller. What about the 2020 Escape? The step-up from the 1.5L is the 2.0 turbocharged engine. With the extra 0.5L comes a piston. So, this engine is a turbocharged inline 4 cylinder producing 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.

They paired this with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but there is one key difference from the transmission on the 1.5L. This transmission has the SelectShift feature, meaning that you have the option of driving an automatic, while also switching to a manual. But as we’ve said, this engine doesn’t compromise on towing capacity. Ford says that if you add on the tow package, this engine can tow 3,500 lbs. Plenty enough for the average person who’s got stuff to tow.

This engine is a good all-round option. With all wheel-drive standard, you’ll never worry whether it’s safe. The gas mileage is decent too with excepted 23/32 mpg city/highway. But what about a hybrid option? This comes with Fords next engine option.

2.5L Hybrid iVCT engine

It’s back and better than ever! The Escape has a hybrid option. It’s interesting that the Escape, back in 2005, was the first SUV hybrid, yet as of this year we haven’t seen one in 8 years! Nonetheless, we have one now, and it’s pretty great. The first thing that Ford did was reduce the overall size of the battery. It measures one third the size of the previous battery. Ford compares it to the size of a suitcase, and they put the battery on the outside of the car. It is underneath the rear seat, improving cargo space and interior room.

Let’s talk numbers. The 88 kW, liquid-cooled battery motor backs up a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine attached to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The projected power output is slightly less than the 2.0L coming in at 200 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is projected to be somewhere around 40 combined mpg, with a 550-mile range. Just like many hybrid SUVs, the battery-powered motor can run all by itself. The difference being that Ford is planning on having the electric motor run alone at cruising speed on the highway. In fact, this is to work up to 85 mph, just using the electric motor. This would help immensely on gas mileage.

Ford really did some planning with this new hybrid. Upgraded interior space is a big plus, especially for a hybrid vehicle. There is one last trick up Ford’s sleeve with the last engine, and we think you’ll like it. Take a look.

Plug-In 2.5L iVCT Inline 4 Cylinder engine

The 2020 Escape has not only a hybrid motor option but also a plug-in hybrid motor. This option, available only in the spring of 2020, has a Level 1/Level 2 AC charging port. As we know, the downside to plug-ins is the charging times. With many of these vehicles, the charging times can be very long and drawn out. Ford has two levels of charging, both with different charging times. The level 1 110-volt charger can charge the car in 10 to 11 hours. Perfect for an overnight charge. But the Level 2 240-volt charger charges in 3.5 hours. 3.5 hours! Ford hasn’t released too much info on this engine, but with the new design of the car, freeing up space in the cabin, it offers customers that extra room where traditional plug-ins don’t.

It seems among many car articles reviewing the 2020 Ford Escape, the Hybrid and plug-in hybrid, will be the go-to option. With charging stations popping up all over the country, these plug-ins are getting more and more practical. And with 1,500 lbs of towing capacity, it’s versatile and efficient.

The Future’s Looking Good

Ford has released some awesome models this year. With the new Explorer, Expedition, and Escape, we have good things to look forward too. But if you’re in need of a compact SUV, and need efficiency as well, the 2020 Ford Escape has some solid options. You’ll also need a dealership that cares about getting you into the right vehicle. Stop on by Kings Ford in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a great staff that wants to get you into the right vehicle. From the Escape to the sporty all-new mustang Kings Ford has it all. As for the Escape, we know that these options will please, and with the new engine release coming later this year, we think the reviews will be awesome. Take a look for yourself and see if it’s a match.