Ford Escape

Lower, wider and longer than its predecessor, the redesigned 2020 Escape got a smoother, more carlike exterior look. A 181-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder became the standard engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 250-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder was also available, as was an efficiency-focused hybrid drivetrain. A plug-in hybrid version was introduced for 2021, and a 2023 refresh brought revised front and rear styling, new trim levels and an available 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4 software.

After nearly 12 years and strong sales, Ford completely redesigned the Escape for the 2013 model year. The new “progressive” appearance retained some hallmarks from the previous generation. The V-6 engine and hybrid model disappeared, and buyers were given a choice of three four-cylinder engines that teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. Base Escapes had a 2.5-liter engine, while mid-level models were powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter that made 178 horsepower. The top-level Titanium trim had a 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter. Buyers also had a choice between front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. Now, Escapes come standard with a backup camera and Ford’s optional Sync 3 touchscreen multimedia system. There’s also an available hands-free foot-swipe function for the power liftgate. A slight face-lift inside and out came in 2017, when the Escape got a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an improved 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter, both with stop-start capability.

The first generation of the Ford Escape came standard with front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Higher trim levels had a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 with a four-speed automatic. Mirroring its bigger siblings, the Escape had an optional Control Trac II four-wheel-drive system and an available towing package for trailers up to 3,500 pounds. An Escape Hybrid arrived in 2005 and returned more than 30 mpg combined. The Escape was restyled in 2008 with a more modern look that was in line with the rest of Ford’s lineup. Upgrades between 2008 and 2012 brought better fuel economy and new technology, such as a standard six-speed automatic and optional self-parking.