Some would say there is no better automotive band than Ford, with their invention of one of the first commercialized cars setting the stage for the automotive industry and its evolution over the past century. Although two Germans developed the first gasoline-powered automobiles eleven years before Henry Ford produced the Quadricycle, the Ford brand is believed to have revolutionized how cars were built and produced.
Over the years, Ford has refined its vehicles so that nearly every model is reliable, bringing with it new features and innovations. Unsurprisingly, the 2020 Ford Escape has made the list of “most reliable Ford models” globally for many Ford fans with technological advances and modern features. This is why it’s unsurprising that it has remained in production for over four decades and can be seen on any used Ford SUV dealer lot across the country, meeting the needs of a variety of drivers.
Yet, you don’t only have to take our word for it. In all its magnificence, the Ford Escape has achieved what others haven’t and has been a favorite feature on Consumer Reports. Recently, this vehicle even managed to take a spot on this site’s most reliable and fuel SUVs on sale in the new and used markets. It also doesn’t hurt that this Ford model is one of the most popular used cars on the market today. Let’s take a closer look into why the 2020 Ford Escape is a great model year to look for when searching the used market.
Comfort, Class, and a Reliable Engine
You’re spoiled for options when considering a pre-owned 2020 Ford Escape. This reliable model comes in four trim levels: Titanium, SEL, SE, and S, with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine standard in the three latter trim levels. With the Titanium and SEL models, a turbocharged SEL 2.0 liter engine is available with this engine standard if you choose the Titanium option. You should also note that this vehicle featured front-wheel drive as a standard option across all levels, but you can opt for an all-wheel drive if you avoid the Titanium trim level.
Another aspect the 2020 Ford Escape does better than the competition is offering drivers a neat rear sound system that will keep you and your passengers entertained no matter the length of your trips. It also has more power than you would expect with a compact SUV, with its engine size on the smaller side. Yet, this doesn’t stop this model from reliably giving drivers the acceleration power they need in traffic and on the highway, impressively going from 0 to 60 mph in only 6.9 seconds, which is, dare we say, better than many other small SUV rivals on the road.
But does an impressive performance mean anything if the car itself is an uncomfortable dud? Luckily, you won’t need to find out since the 2020 Ford Escape offers premium quality comfort with well-shaped seats and sturdy but comfortable cushioning. Besides the front seats being bum huggers, the rear passenger seats provide ample thigh support for adults. If you opt for the Titanium trim level, you’ll be pleased to have access to power-adjustable seats and luxurious comfort at its finest.
For some, all the power and comfort in the world wouldn’t be enough to get their rears firmly planted behind the steering of a 2020 Ford Escape, and that’s okay. Yet, many might be won over by the Escape’s impressive fuel economy and smooth driving experience. According to EPA estimates, the 2.0 liter turbocharged Escape can get 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, which is better than many other smaller SUVs, and why so many people keep a keen eye out for a pre-owned model at their local Ford dealers.
An Abundance of Standard Safety Features
Safety is one of the most vital aspects of reliability, and pre-owned 2020 Ford Escape models have this in spades, with the standard Co-Pilot360 suite of safety and driver assist features. Unlike comparable models, you can rest assured that when you drive an Escape, you’re in for a trouble-free ride from a safety standpoint. For example, according to the respected Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, this Ford model impressively obtained the highest rating of “Good” across all six crash tests. In addition, this model’s Titanium headlights helped this car earn the Top Safety Pick title thanks to them receiving the “Acceptable” rating, the second highest on the scale.
But wait! There’s more. The 2020 Ford Escape earned the highest possible IIHS rating of “Superior” on the grading collision scale for its incredible front crash prevention systems that come standard across the model’s lineup. Additionally, drivers are likely to jump for joy when they learn that the 2020 Ford Escape earned a prestigious five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Administration during side and frontal crash tests. It also earned four out of five stars for its rollover tests.
Yet, what are some reliable safety features equipped and available as options extras that drivers can look forward to? Let’s take a look at what’s offered with the Co-Pilot360 suite, as well as some other available features:
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitor
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Ford MyKey
- Rearview camera
- Lane keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
Reliably Quiet, Capable, And Spacious
No matter what used model you choose for the Ford Escape, you can expect it to be reliable, quiet, capable, and spacious thanks to its construction, capabilities, and design features. This is because, irrespective of which model you prefer, they all come with a cool air of refinement and competence drivers often seek, thanks to their solidly mounted chassis, isolated rear subframe, and whisper-quiet interiors.
In fact, according to past tests, the 2020 Ford Escape offers a calmingly quiet driving experience thanks to emitting only 70 decibels of noise at 70 mph. With the redesign of the 2020 Ford Escape came improved interior design and space, with more than enough space behind the split-folding seats to fit multiple luggage bags and a pet or two during vacation. These seats also recline to give passengers much-needed comfort on lengthy car trips.
Space-wise, the 2020 Ford Escape has it covered. The cargo capacity in this much-improved version is an impressive 34.4 cu.ft. in the conventional models, and if the seats are slid forward, it’s like a magic trick with the space growing to 60.8 cu.ft. of space. This means you can count on it to reliably fit all your luggage no matter where your driving adventures take you.
Additionally, the last thing you want to experience is an accident caused by sticky brake discs or a failing brake pedal. With the 2020 Ford Escape, this won’t be a worry. This vehicle has a reassuringly firm brake pedal in its gas and hybrid models alongside convenient electrically assisted steering that is precise without letting through unnecessary feedback.
Drivers also often enjoy the solid control they get when driving an Escape because of its uber-durable multilink rear suspension, strut front, and body control form that lets it hug corners and remain compliant to your guidance. In addition, even though the 2020 Ford Escape can’t defeat the Mazda CX-5 in handling, it is still attractive enough because of its superb balance between capability and comfort when handling sharp turns and everyday maneuverability in and out of tight spots during late-night food runs and impromptu grocery hauls.
The Same Reliability Years Later
The 2020 Ford Escape might be three years old, but if you can find a well-maintained used model, you’ll likely not be disappointed. For the most part, these vehicles are believed to last a minimum of 200,000 miles, but many have had Ford Escapes that last well past this mileage. The maintenance costs are also not as extreme as other small SUVs making it a budget-friendly buy in the long run if you decide this model is the right fit for your needs.
