Looking at the 2021 Mustang Mach-E vs 2020 Escape Hybrid

At Kings Ford, we are excited about the future of Ford SUVs. Known for everything from their reliability to their performance to their iconoclastic place in the automobile industry, the new generation of Ford SUVs has put a charge into Ford’s lineup—literally. So let’s take a look at two of the new additions to the Ford lineup that have helped position Ford as a leader in the future of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Though there cannot be a winner here, since both SUVs are amazing in their own right, we thought it would be interesting to compare the two offerings from Ford to see which one might be best for your lifestyle. New for the 2020 model year is a hybrid option for the Escape, and coming next year is the all-new Mustang Mach-E. While the Escape is a gas-hybrid SUV, the Mustang Mach-E is all-electric. Both are exciting revelations for the industry in general, as Ford’s focus on sustainable energy and increased fuel efficiency signals a change in the direction of sport utility vehicles everywhere.

Even Elon Musk congratulated Ford upon their unveiling of the Ford Mustang Mach-E: “Congratulations on the Mach E! Sustainable/electric cars are the future!! Excited to see this announcement from Ford, as it will encourage other carmakers to go electric too.” It’s not often you see automakers congratulate each other, so clearly, Ford is on to something with the Mustang Mach-E.

“Our goal is to make you feel unstoppable,” Ford SUV Marketing Chief Michael O’Brien said. “People respond to design attributes that are rugged and strong.”

With Ford lending the Mustang name to the Mach-E, we see a clear indication that Ford is serious about its foray into the electric SUV segment. The Mustang name immediately gives the electric crossover credibility and the ruggedness and strength you’ve come to associate with the iconic muscle car. So are you ready for an all-electric SUV, or would a hybrid be a better fit for your family? Let’s take a road trip down the sustainable road Ford is paving and see which SUV works best for your lifestyle.

Ford Escape Hybrid Returns!

For the 2020 model year, the Escape returns with a hybrid option, and just in time to compete with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. This is the first hybrid option for the Escape since the 2012 model year, and it comes with a complete redesign of the Escape. So, the question is, how does the Escape measure up to its competition? And, more importantly, is it worth paying more for the hybrid option?

The Escape Hybrid starts at around $29,000, so it’s affordable, and with the Titanium trim—fully loaded—you can find everything you need in an SUV. This is a great deal, considering what you get for the money. New for the 2020 year is Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver-assist features standard across all trim levels. This includes post-collision braking, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Optional features include parking assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane-centering, as well as evasive-steering assist.

You’ll also find optional features such as a power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control with stop and go as well as parking assist, navigation, leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a B&O premium sound system, chrome exhaust tips, USB charging ports, as well as leather-trimmed sport contoured bucket seats.

One of the joys of owning a hybrid vehicle is monitoring your gas consumption or lack thereof. And the Escape Hybrid does not disappoint. It is expected to return 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, and this is for the all-wheel drive model. Consider that the Toyota RAV4 gets 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, and you can see how competitive the Escape is in its segment. There is also a plug-in hybrid electric version coming in the spring with a projected all-electric range of 30 miles.

With 200 horsepower, the Escape Hybrid is not short on power either. The Escape Hybrid is all-new, as we mentioned, and features new suspension, including vibration-absorbing rear subframe mounts for a more comfortable ride. The new generation is also wider and lower to the ground than previous generations for better handling. The Escape has also lost some weight. Shedding 200 pounds, the Escape is quicker and more agile than ever before. You will notice this kind of ride comfort is more on par with vehicles above its class than vehicles in its class.

Clearly, the Ford Escape Hybrid competes well in its class, transcending the segment in many facets, making it a hybrid you will want to move to the top of your list. Between the redesign and the available hybrid and plug-in options, this is an SUV with more utility than you’ll know what to do with. It’s hard to imagine a vehicle more useful in the modern world than the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford is committed to creating sustainable vehicles, and they have shown this by putting $11.5 billion into the development of BEV, PHEV, and Hybrid vehicles. Fittingly, the first to be released from their all-electric lineup is the Mustang Mach-E. The Mach-E plays on the iconic Mustang stylings but is not just a Mustang-inspired SUV. This is truly a Mustang SUV, and Mustang enthusiasts will not be disappointed.

And we’re not dealing in hyperbole when we say you won’t be disappointed. The Mustang Mach-E produces up to 332 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. These are numbers that translate to a 0-60 mph time that’s better than the base model Porsche Macan, which is incredible, but wait until you see what Ford has planned for the Mach-E. Expected to arrive in the summer of 2021, the Mach-E GT will turn 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds. This happens when the model is equipped with an engine that can get up to 450 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. These are numbers that will make the Mustang proud of its SUV counterpart.

The Mustang Mach-E will have five different trim levels, so let’s take a look at which model makes the most sense for you. The Select is the base model, and it features rear-wheel drive and can get up to 255 hp. Not bad for the base model. The expected range is 230 miles, and if you want to add all-wheel drive, this is an option for this trim level. The Premium trim adds more features and also has the option to upgrade to the extended-range battery and 282 hp electric motor, which gives it a range of 300 miles.

The Mach-E California Route 1 model comes with the 282 hp motor as well and is available only with rear-wheel drive. You can expect a bunch of high-end features and an estimated range of 300 miles with this model.

There will also be a first edition model and the GT models mentioned earlier, so keep your eye out for these, as they are generating quite a buzz already. Starting at $43,895, even before the federal EV tax credit of $7,500, this is a great deal.

See for Yourself

We know one thing for sure, we will not have a shortage of people wanting to test drive the all-new Escape Hybrid or the Mustang Mach-E when it’s released. Come on down and check us out, we’re conveniently located in Cincinnati, OH, in Kings Auto Mall. We’re here to support you through each stage of the process, and we promise you will not be disappointed with your Kings Ford experience.