2020 Ford Escape details

Ford offers more tech, a new variant and a PHEV drivetrain in the all-new Ford Escape.

Hot off the back of the announcement that Ford Australia is bringing the Ford Puma across to Australia, the company has announced the arrival of the all-new Ford Escape. The new SUV will boast a number of notable changes, including a new variant and new technology.

When will the Ford Escape arrive in Australia?

Ford has announced that the all-new Ford Escape will arrive in Australian showrooms from Q3 of 2020.

How much will it cost?

There will be no less than six variants offered in the Ford Escape line-up. The entry-level front-wheel drive eco-boost will cost $35,995. The most expensive vehicle in the range, the plug-in hybrid, has a price tag starting at $52,940.

If you are looking for something a bit more luxurious and don't want a PHEV, Ford has introduced the new "Vignale" variant, which starts at $46,590 for the front-wheel drive. It will feature a unique diffuser and 19-inch alloys. You'll have the option to increase these to 20-inch if you desire. You will also get glare-free, self-levelling LED quad-projector headlights featuring dynamic bending (a bit of a mouthful).

2020 Ford Escape pricing (before on-road costs)

What extras will I get if I opt for the Ford Escape Vignale?

Above and beyond the entry-level and ST-Line specced vehicles, you will get the following:

• Advanced keyless entry
• Heated leather-wrap steering wheel
• Leather accented seating
• 10-way power-adjustable driver's chair
• 10-way power-adjustable front passenger's chair
• Heated front seating
• Heated rear seating (left and right passenger seats)
• Panoramic sunroof
• Head-up display
• Hands-free power tailgate
• 180-degree rear-view camera
• Advanced automated park assist

Ford offers up a plug-in hybrid

All Escape models will feature the same 2.0-litre petrol EcoBoost engine matched to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The unit produces 183kW and 387Nm of torque.

Opt for the plug-in hybrid and you will get a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 167kW in combination with the electric motor. The electric engine, when utilised by itself, will have a range of 50km and can not only be plugged in to recharge but will regain some power on the go by capturing energy through the braking process.

Thankfully, when driving using just the electric engine, it will automatically switch the petrol engine on when it is almost empty.

What new technology is there?

Both the new Ford Escape and previously announced Puma will benefit from FordPass and FordPass Connect.

FordPass Connect is a modem that is embedded in the vehicle and brings a range of remote technology. In other words, you can do more with your car when you aren't in the driver's seat. You'll be able to lock and unlock the vehicle, start it and even schedule starts. Don't forget to cancel these when you chuck a sickie!

If you purchase an ST-Line PHEV, you will be able to check on various things like the charge level and status, information about charge locations and preferred times as well as the ability to activate charging remotely.

Key safety features of the 2020 Ford Escape

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Evasive steering assist
• Forward collision warning
• Dynamic brake support
• Traffic sign recognition
• Blind spot detection (BLIS)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Driver impairment monitor
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Emergency assistance
• Cruise control with adjustable speed limiter

Key technology on the 2020 Ford Escape

• Push-button start
• Wireless smartphone charging
• DAB+ radio
• SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
• Voice-command in-built sat-nav with Australian accent recognition and traffic management system
• 8.0-inch full-colour touchscreen
• Reversing camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Power windows with global opening and closing via key fob