GM’s crosstown rival, the Ford Motor Company, is looking to capitalize on the ongoing crossover craze. In doing so, it is developing an all-new Ford Escape, with which it is hoping to draw in more buyers and conquest sales from GM’s Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. With the all-new generation of the Escape right around the corner, the spies at our sister site, Ford Authority, recently caught a 2020 Ford Escape prototype undergoing testing. Thanks to the minimal amounts of camo, we can now see the new crossover in more detail.
Starting at the front, it seems that the new Ford Escape will bear a resemblance to the recently-debuted Focus Activ, especially when it comes to the grille, side mirrors, and badging placement. The design direction was (rather aptly) described by one of our colleagues as “frog face”, a sentiment we can definitely agree with after seeing these shots.
At the rear, we can see that the 2020 Ford Escape is wearing taillights inspired by the new Focus, while also wearing a longer hatch with a larger opening and more narrow rear bumper cover with dual exhaust treatment.
The new Ford Escape is expected to be powered by Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine as standard, while the 2.0L EcoBoost four-pot being optional. We expect to see a new 8-speed automatic transmission as the sole option for these models.
The Chevrolet Equinox sales have been on the upswing, with 332,618 units delivered in 2018 while GMC Terrain sales totaled 114,314 units in 2018. Both GM crossover SUVs will soon face the 2020 Ford Escape as primary rivals in the segment. By comparison, Ford Escape sales (the current model) reached 272,228 units during all of 2018. And while the Equinox may currently be the more popular, an all-new offering from Ford can change all that.
Check out the complete gallery of spy photos of the new Ford Escape at Ford Authority. You can also stay tuned to our sister site for ongoing Ford news coverage.
http://fordauthority.com/2019/01/2020-ford-escape-nearly-camo-free/
Comments
Perhaps the vinyl camo is covering more but man the front nose just looks conservative and ugly…The 2020 Explorer none looks far better…
It looks like a Mazda from the 00s.
1.5 Three cylinder? I thought it was 1.5 four cylinder?
I think the new 2109 Toyota RAV4 is going to be be a strong player in this group. Toyota has made the new RAV4 a much more useful sportier looking vehicle, with sharp clean lines. Kind of like a smaller version of the new Blazer.
Things are heating up in this small but roomy crossover group. I still feel the GM’s are very good vehicles and will continue to sell well. My guess is that the next generation Equinox will have more of a sportier look than the current version. They could still put some larger rims with some flares, for a more aggressive look, to go with the optional engine.
Not to mention the vehicle has active safety features including ACC standard as does Honda…
Are we assuming its the Ford Escape??? Looking at it all I can see is the rumored ‘lifted’ Ford Focus crossover… Am I reaching?
You could be on to something, Mr. Awesomeness.
You’re right! This is the Focus SUV not the Escape.
The Focus Activ that we aren’t supposed to get but seen testing here in the US, how interesting.
A baby Edge, I think.
I have an original model year, 2001 Ford Escape, and has 331,541 miles on it,,and I know they are true miles. I am the only owner since December 20,2000.
This looks too small to be an Escape.
I really love the Terrain, but I would consider an Equinox. Why?
Because I don’t want to push a button to go from park to drive!