The Ford Escape is a terrific option for anyone interested in a compact SUV that’s incredibly fun to drive, with great features to help you make the most of your time on the road each day. First introduced for the 2001 model year, the Escape has been around for a long time now, so you can find a lot of different ones at your favorite used Ford dealer. We suggest sticking to the current fourth generation, however, since that gets you the latest features and great performance to give you an SUV that you’ll love driving. The fourth generation for the Escape kicked off with the 2020 model year, so let’s take a look at highlights and features you can find on a used Escape from 2020, as well as updates for the 2023 model year that might make that the one for you.
Basics of the 2020 Ford Escape
The 2020 model year kicks off the fourth generation for the Ford Escape, which is its current one, so it’s the perfect place to start when looking at used models. Anything older than that can result in something with more wear on it than you might want, while the most recent used models have many of the same features as the 2020 Escape. This gives us a fantastic baseline for this compact SUV. Ford redesigned the Escape for its 2020 model, making it both wider and longer while also lighter overall. The result is a vehicle that feels great on the road with plenty of room inside, plus a small size that’s ideal for daily driving.
Engines to Consider on Your Used Escape
One of the most important things to look at with a 2020 Ford Escape is the engine because there are four different options you can find, which have a huge impact on your overall driving experience. You’re not necessarily going to find all four of these with the same frequency when looking at used 2020 Escapes, but it’s still worth knowing what’s out there. For starters, there’s the standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine that provides 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s an available 2.0L EcoBoost engine, which delivers 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque; this is the one to choose if optimal performance is what you want.
You can find a 2.5L I-4 hybrid engine on select models that provides 200 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, along with a plug-in hybrid engine with 221 hp. These last two are ones to look for if you want to get the best fuel efficiency possible. The standard engine gets an estimated 27 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG of combined fuel efficiency with a front-wheel drive (FWD) model. The hybrid engine gets an estimated 44 MPG in the city, 37 MPG on the highway, and 41 MPG of combined fuel efficiency with FWD, which shows you how much better it is for gas mileage in the city. Going with the plug-in hybrid gets you an estimated 37 miles of all-electric range without using any gas, plus excellent overall fuel efficiency.
Five Different Trim Levels to Choose From
Perhaps the most important single-detail to pay attention to when exploring different used Ford Escape models is the trim level since so many other features often depend on it. You’ll find five different trims for the 2020 Escape and there are some notable differences between them. We don’t necessarily have the time for an exhaustive review of each one, but we’ll take a quick look at them to see what they each bring to the road.
- Escape S—The standard model, the S comes with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine and FWD, although you can find all-wheel drive (AWD) models. It’ll have 17-inch wheels, a black grille, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Inside the S trim, you’ll find a 4.2-inch infotainment display, a six-speaker sound system, and standard seating that includes a six-way driver’s seat and a four-way front-passenger seat. Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on the S trim, which includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Lane-Keeping System to help protect you on the road.
- Escape SE—Moving up to the SE, you’ll find many of the same standard features, including the engine and FWD. Although 17-inch wheels are standard here, you can find models with 18-inch wheels instead, along with a chrome grille surround and power-adjustable heated side mirrors. Inside SE models, you’ll find a larger eight-inch infotainment system that is easier to use, with a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and more.
- Escape SE Sport—The SE Sport comes with the 2.5L hybrid engine, standard, rather than the 1.5L EcoBoost powertrain. You can find either standard 17-inch or available 19-inch wheels on these models, along with a panoramic vista roof. A beautiful 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster is standard in the SE Sport, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A power liftgate, remote start system, and ActiveX seating are all available but not standard here.
- Escape SEL—This is a great one to look for if you want enhanced performance and excellent features inside and out. Although the 1.5L EcoBoost engine is standard for the SEL, you can find models with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine on it for an incredible drive each day. Ford made 18-inch wheels standard here, although 19-inch wheels are available, plus you’ll find black roof-rack side rails and much more. Inside, these models have a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, memory functionality for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, and remote start functionality. A hands-free foot-activated rear liftgate is also standard.
- Escape Titanium—Finally, the Titanium brings it all together with fantastic features inside and out. You can find Titanium models with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, or hybrid powertrains, with either FWD or AWD. Both 18-inch and 19-inch wheels are provided, depending on the engine, along with advanced safety technology that includes Active Park Assist 2.0 with Parallel Parking functionality, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, plus much more. A six-way power front-passenger seat is standard along with ambient interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 10-speaker B&O sound system.
We should mention that the SE, SEL, and Titanium trims are all available with the plug-in hybrid engine, so keep that in mind when looking at different options. Also, the SE Sport was only offered as a distinct trim level for the 2020 model year, with things being simplified to just four trims starting with the 2021 Escape. More features and options were added in the years following this 2020 model, but this gives you a good overall sense of what you’ll find.
What Makes the 2023 Escape So Special?
Where things change dramatically is with the 2023 Escape, which sees a mid-generation refresh and update from Ford. Although the engines available are generally the same, the trim selection completely changes starting with the 2023 model. When looking at a used 2023 Escape, it starts with the Base, then the Active trim, and then moves up to the ST-Line, the ST-Line Select, the Platinum, and finally the ST-Line Elite. The eight-inch infotainment display and an eight-inch digital instrument cluster are now standard, with a massive 13.2-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch instrument display both available. There are plenty of other upgrades too, so keep this year in mind when looking at used models.
Find the Right Used Ford Escape Today
No matter what you’re looking for in your next compact SUV, the Ford Escape is a fantastic way to find it. We suggest sticking to the fourth generation to get the finest features, which started with the 2020 model year and continues to this day. Focus on the different trim levels available and keep an eye on which engine it comes with, since these two factors can really change your experience when driving each day. And remember that if you want the most recent updates and remarkable technology, then you should choose one from 2023 or later to make sure you can find them. Once you know what you’re looking for, visit us at Future Ford of Sacramento, and we’ll take care of everything else.
