Ford previews next-generation Escape
Ford has released initial details on the upcoming replacement for their Escape SUV. Built upon the same C2 architecture as the latest Focus hatchback, the next-generation Escape retains its five-seat capacity, but is longer, wider and runs an extended wheelbase for more interior space.
The biggest change with the upcoming model, though, is the inclusion of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine option, which will be a first for a locally-available Ford.
Petrol-Electric
While purely petrol engines - and possibly a diesel - are expected to be a part of the Escape drivetrain options when the new version is released here in 2020, the option of a hybrid in the ‘Escape PHEV’ will break new ground for Ford locally.
“We’re proud to bring the first of our global electrified vehicles to Australian customers in the stylish and capable all-new Escape,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO, Kay Hart. “Australians continue to embrace SUVs, which is why we are introducing our first plug-in hybrid powertrain with this vehicle.”
The hybrid drivetrain combines a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor/generator and 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined, this package delivers a maximum output of 165kW, with a range of over 50km possible on electric power alone, according to Ford.
The battery can be recharged at home using an integrated charging port, while a kinetic energy recovery system feeds charge back to the battery under braking.
Driver-selectable battery power modes include EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge. When the battery reaches its lowest charge level, the system automatically reverts to EV Auto mode – supplementing petrol engine power with electric motor assistance using recaptured energy to optimise fuel-efficiency.
How the drivetrain split for the PHEV works is yet to be confirmed, as is whether the hybrid will be available to upper-tier versions of the Escape only, or all model grades.
Whether this drivetrain will be used to drive the front wheels only or all four wheels is also unconfirmed. Currently, all-wheel drive is available on all Escape model grades.
Stronger, Lighter, More Spacious
Ford says the application of the C2 architecture was the key to making the all-new Escape “electrification-ready,” but the new platform is also significantly stronger, more rigid and, compared to the current Escape, up to 90kg lighter.
That same architecture makes the five-seat Escape larger in most dimensions than the outgoing model, too. At 1882mm and 4613mm, the new Escape is 44mm wider and 89mm longer than the current model, with wheelbase increased 20mm to 2709mm (using the MY18 Escape Ambiente as a measure).
Inside, the benefits of this are a 43mm increase in shoulder room and 57mm more hip room in the front seats, with rear-seat passengers gaining 20mm more shoulder room and 36mm more hip room. Despite a 20mm lower overall height, headroom increases by 13mm in the front seats and 35mm in the rear.
Ford hasn’t revealed cargo volume yet, but given the larger overall dimensions, it’ll presumably be better than the 1603-litre maximum in the current Escape. Making cargo loading easier, there will be a new remote release function to fold the second-row seats.
Sleek Style
Complementing the new Escape’s platform is a comprehensive exterior redesign that Ford describe as simpler and more elegant.
Borrowing from Ford’s current models, specifically the latest Focus, the new Escape is much closer to a high-riding hatch in appearance than a traditional SUV, with a sleeker shape evidenced by the increase in windscreen rake and a lower roofline. Beyond aesthetics, this has more practical benefits in improving the SUV’s aerodynamic efficiency.
The bonnet is longer, the grille much lower and the headlights reshaped compared to the current Escape, with noticeable changes to the rear, too, including a reshaped D-pillar, as well as new-look tail lights and a small spoiler over the rear windscreen, but the general tailgate shape and rear diffuser are more familiar to the current model.
While the Escape will be offered in different grades, continuation of the current Ambiente, Trend, ST-Line and Titanium variants is yet to be confirmed.
Defining the various grades will be the usual features like different alloy wheel designs, fascia and grille treatments, as well as lighting configurations, chrome detailing, paint options and interior trim finishes.
Ford talks of “premium materials” being employed in the all-new Escape’s interior, but like the exterior delineations, these are likely to be restricted to the upper-tier grades.
Similarly, the full package of safety and driver-assistance technologies is expected to be offered on the premium model grades only, but to be a player in the very competitive mid-size SUV field, a high level of standard safety equipment will presumably be standard.
Full specs, pricing and the actual 2020 Australian release date for the new Escape SUV are expected by the end of the year.
