Next-Gen Ford Escape Breaks Cover

Ford Motor Co.’s redesigned Escape compact crossover vehicle is larger and sportier than the outgoing model, and adds a plug-in hybrid variant and new safety features.

The carmaker took the wraps off the 2020 model today ahead of its public unveiling at next week’s New York auto show. Design cues include a rounded front and rear, lowered belt-line and shark-like nose with a Mustang-inspired trapezoidal grille.

The new model also stands slightly lower and has a lower center of gravity to provide a more sedan-like handling. Active grille shutters promise to bolster aerodynamics.

Four powertrain choices are offered, including two hybrid (conventional and plug-in) systems. One of the stand-alone turbocharged engines is a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder mill with cylinder deactivation, which debuted last year in several European models. The other is an updated version of Ford's workhorse 2.0-liter four-banger that makes 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

Each engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional with the 1.5-liter engine and standard with the larger powerplant.

The hybrid systems are teamed with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. The base hybrid gets a 1.1-kWh battery, while the plug-in model has a 14.4-kWh unit.

Ford says the conventional hybrid Escape can travel more than 500 miles between fill-ups. The plug-in model will be capable of driving 30 miles in all-electric model and will take 3.5 hours to fully charge on a 240-volt Level 2 (240-volt) charger.

Drivers can choose among four modes to determine how the hybrid drivetrain’s electric motors are used.

Additional driving modes for all four powertrain options let users tailor settings to driving styles and different road and weather conditions.

Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 safety package offers lane centering, blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Other options include adaptive cruise control, active park assist, a head-up display—a first for a Ford-badged production vehicle in North America—an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital cluster.