Note: the 2020 Honda CR-V hybrid was announced 2 weeks after this was filmed.

After 4 Mustangs, I decided I needed something more practical. I bought the 2020 Escape SE Hybrid Sport and it is easily hitting 46 mpg in Fort Lauderdale. I logged 170 miles and I am still on 3/4 tank of gas. It's very quiet, quick, and I am totally sold on hybrid technology.

Just FYI I was easily getting 55+ MPG over about 60 city miles in my test driving (AWD). Felt a lot roomier and comfier than the RAV4 hybrid also. We went with the Escape for that reason and also the price is much more competitive.

I love your horizontal length charts. Consider adding the previous model of the car being reviewed. "Escape(last gen.)" or similar.

The EPA numbers are released and both Ford Escape and RAV4 hybrids have combined mpg of 40. Very impressive stuff from Ford.

Alex, you blew me away with your level of knowledge and detail in this video. I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I really appreciate how much you put into them. Even sales staff don't give this much info. You had me at panoramic sunroof! Seriously though, what a great car! I’ve been waffling between Prius v, Kia Niro, Nissan Kicks, and Ford Escape. I want something bigger than my Nissan Versa Note (for car camping) but with high MPG/EV mix for my daily commute. Your video is exactly what I needed in order to feel more sure about my decision - I can’t see getting anything other than a Ford Escape Hybrid. Now I just need to decide on the trim. As far as design, I agree, I like boxy, but I prefer more mpg. Also, kinda disappointed that the front row glass isn’t the super dark glass (called solar glass?). I also wish the seats were ventilating since I’ll be in AZ. I like the divots in the door side panels, reminds me of a flock of birds or wind blowing. Thanks again! Keep up the good work.

I love the size chart that you provided as comparison!

Alex knows exactly who is concerned about certain factors and where they live!

Can't wait for the baby bronco version of this one!

You do a great job of being unbiased and informative. Please review the new CR-V hybrid as soon as possible.

Glad to see you in Louisville. Used to work in one of the buildings behind you. Also used to live in Crestwood where you took your test drive. Keep up all your excellent reviews,

This just might be our next vehicle....and, thanks for the indepth review!

The new shape grew on me.

Sweet looking! Good job on the design Ford

Very good information thank you Alex

Looks like you were in my neck of the woods for this one. Hope you enjoyed Louisville and Kentucky in general.

Thank you for yet another solid review. When can we anticipate your review of Escape PHEV model? Thanks!

If Ford knew what “interior quality” was, they’d have some pretty good damn vehicles.

love it! looks great!

I like the back/rear of the Escape... I agree would be nice if the front was closer to the Explorer. I need to see them on the street more before I decide if the design is good or not.

Alex, I am happy to see that you made it a point to comment concerning the planetary "CVT" used by Ford and Toyota versus the "rubber band" CVT's used by other manufacturers. I have owned two Ford Fusion Hybrids with CVTs which I drove about 150K miles.. The planetary units are far superior, from a driving stand point, and very reliable. They were always in the correct "gear" for the situation. I currently drive a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited with a 6 speed automatic which is NEVER in the correct gear. It is terribly difficult to drive in high traffic situations. The Ford CVT's were very enjoyable to drive in traffic. The sound of the engine operating in it's optimum torque range takes some getting used to but it is certainly worth it in being fun to drive. I do not like the feel of the "rubber band" CVTs. The one I drove recently in a rental car was horrible. Same problem as the Elantra - always in the wrong "gear". Your point that all CVTs are not equal is very valid.

This looks great. Interestingly this has more legroom than our old MKX. Very curious about the upcoming Corsair hybrid.

good review!

A word about "blind spot monitoring." Kudos to Ford for including it in their standard suite of safety systems versus brands that make it an extra cost option or limit it to upper trim levels. I live in Washington state but drive fairly frequently in California. For those unfamiliar with the experience California allows "lane splitting" a practice in which motorcycles may legally "share" a lane with automobiles. (Though it's explicitly legal only in California, it's apparently tolerated in 13 other states.) The result is often an unwelcome surprise as a bike shoots past a car inches from the driver or passenger. (There are technically limits to the speed at which a motorcycle can move relative to other traffic but those limits are often ignored.)

Alex, Any idea when you're going to come out with an updated review. I've been holding off from buying waiting to see what you have to say after having the escape for a longer period to fully assess said vehicle. Thanks in advance..

Motorweek got 40.5 MPG in mixed driving with the AWD hybrid. I'd like to see what the plugin can do.

I agree with you. They should have made this look like a small Explorer.

Any idea when you will bring getting the escape for a week for your comparison tests? I'm interested in seeing how the escape stacks up against the mazda cx5. Also will you be doing a first drive on the Lincoln Corsair as well?

This is a very informative video. I bought one

Awesome, sounds like a great choice for my next vehicle in tbe spring. Thanks for the review

Alex: “Watch out Rav4” Rav4: **oversells every SUV in the planet**

Excellent, objective review, as always. Thank you

I think my Dad might get this car. Have you guys seen the orange with pan roof (black top)? Looks so sharp and sporty for a hybrid.

I just bought the RAV4 Hybrid and I'm very happy with it. This Ford Escape Hybrid looks great also and I would have considered it if it came out sooner. Their hybrid systems/transmissions are very very similar if you take a closer look at the mechanical details (except for the AWD system).

I dig the grill

Cool video

Thanks for the great review. I was pretty interested in a RAV4, but I think I'll wait for the hybrid Escape to try it out. As far as the all wheel drive, I don't need it. I live in central NY, and we get snow, but with good snow tires and FWD, I get around fine. In fact have passed many all wheel drive cars, suv and trucks on hills, if they run only "all wether" tires. Snow tires help you stop better, where all wheel drive in itself doesn't.

Alex, any chance you're going to have a comparison with the Escape and the RAV4 soon?

A couple weeks ago that I gotten a 2020 Ford Escape SE in black. I just loved the technology in it and how smooth on driving. I don’t liked the box style of the older ones. I used to have a 2015 Ford Escape SE and it broke down on me a couple weeks ago. I do missed in driving it since it was so comfortable even the newbie,too.

Alex can you also use a cart or stand golf bag in the trunk to see whether all the vehicles you tests can fix in width configuration or not. Thx

Need a full updated review on this hybrid. Comparisons too Alex.

LOL "say whaaaa?" (Deadpan delivery)

I am waiting to drive a hybrid Escape, not available in upstate NY as of 11/18/19. Tried a RAV4 hybrid, was good except passenger seat not adjustable up and down, so my head hits the roof inside, due to sun roof maybe. Can't get one with out a sunroof. Sat in an Escape without sunroof, Lots of headroom.

I really don't get the hate on this design. The interior is nice, and the body design is great.

Great review. If you were to compare the top end versions of ....Toyota rav 4 hybrid, the Honda CR-V hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid how you rate them regarding power, fuel economy, acceleration, drive quality, awd traction and fuel economy? Thanks.

Just a tip: try pausing after each significant point for just a couple of seconds so the audience can process what you’ve just said before you move on. Without this, the non-stop talk becomes incomprehensible white noise, which is a shame considering the quality of your content. If you’re concerned about fitting everything in, definitely be selective and cut content to assure the important points register.

Nice video. Did you ever mention the MSRP?

3:23 New active safety feature (Evasive Steeting Assist) lol...

The real world MPG's seem to be quite impressive. And the design is growing on me. When you look at the original Escape hybrids and even CMax's that are still used as taxis, you know that Ford can do hybrids. Many are over 400,000 miles and still in use.

Ford produces a vehicle I find seriously interesting. Hope this isn't a sign of the End Times.

Alex, why does it sound like you're sending hypnotic messages in this video?

Just got home from the dealership with my new 2021 Escape Titanium hybrid FWD. Got 41.1 mpg on almost all highway driving. I test drove the RAV4 hybrid and while I did like it, I didn’t like it $4K more than a comparably equipped Escape. I really like the instrument cluster and driving position of the Escape compared to the RAV4. I also appreciate the 5-star crash rating of the Escape compared to the 4-stars for the RAV4. If you are new to hybrids, you will really appreciate the coaching that the Escape offers via the all digital instrument cluster. The Sync 3 infotainment seems much nicer than the ones offered in the RAV4. Ford really hit it out of the park with this one. For virtually no extra cost, skip the turbo models and just get the hybrid. I agree with Consumer Reports that Ford should ditch the 1.5L altogether and simplify the lineup to hybrids and 2.0L turbo 4s.

Hey Alex, any plans on reviewing an Escape PHEV?

bring on the competitions!

Great review, thanks! In Europe, we’re getting the plug in hybrid version before the regular hybrid. Would the plug in be more snow/rain/dirt driving capable than the RAV4 hybrid, given the extra battery weight? Does the plug in have the same mechanical awd system as the regular hybrid? Looking forward to the next review.

Thanks Alex. Are you filming out of Louisville now?

Almost 43mpg in awd sounds really good. Curious if the will be a big difference on the fwd like there is on the explorer awd vs rwd

Hey. What about the Toyota Rav4 Prime that was recently announced?

Smart buyers might wait until the 2021 model and then read long term reviews. The more hybrid CUV/SUV the better and the hybrid CR-V should be worth comparing before any one jumps on this Ford. Of course there are folks who don't care about mpg and will be happy with the "normal" engines. For folks that do mostly city-type driving a hybrid or PHEV seem the better choice....why burn more fuel than is necessary to get from A to B? Good quick review Alex. 👍

It looks much smaller on the road. Thought they had downsized it and made it a tall hatchback like the Crosstrek.

When you’ll do a review for Ford Escape phev? Thanks

Nice background.

This is gonna be a great vehicle

the rav4 prime is also water cooled..the prius prime is the one thats air cooled!

This is great but we have a 2015 Titanium with the 2.0 turbo and couldn’t imagine life without it so we would get that engine again and would love the new 8 speed the 6 is great but 8 would be appreciated

What is that background noise at the end?

Watch out RAV4?? You mean, Watch out CR-V!! LOL

Where is the escape phev review?

How would you compare, or thoughts, of the Subaru Crosstrek PHEV?

The Kia Niro is sort of a smaller hybrid crossover, taller than the Hyundai Ioniq.

Actually looks like a Mazda cx-5 from the side profile 🤔

We dolly tow behind our RV. The FWD Escape hybrid is dolly towable. If we install a Superior Driveline rear driveshaft disconnect, could we dolly tow the AWD version? We really want the AWD for scouting out forestry preserve and BLM campsites for our RV. Can you confirm this or direct us to who might know?

Adaptive cruise control is not standard on the se hybrid trim.

I actually get 42mph on 1.5T awd 2020 escape se, eco mode and drive 65mph on highway, and I do use cruise control alot. I've tested for like a month and 42mpg no problem

All this talk about the RAV4 being more reliable is pure B.S. We have owned 4 Ford Escapes since its introduction. All have easily reached over 125,000, - 145,000 miles with no problem. Yes, I was on top of keeping the vehicles well maintained. I towed a boat and watercraft with all my Escapes also. The Escape is a great vehicle. We will be in the market for another in 2020. I am seriously thinking about doing a Hybrid next time.

Damn. I looked at Explorer too...But bought Rav4 Hybrid. I LIKE the braking in the Rav4 Hybrid though. I just wished it had ANDROID AUTO but I know Toyota is in the process of FINALLY installing that and supposedly will have a firmware update so my Rav4 can do it too!

Anyone else spot the Evoque Convertible at 16:24?

Alex, Honda just announced the CRV Hybrid arrives in 2020 so bring on the battle of the Hybrids. To me, Toyota is the only company with a proven, long-term, track record of reliable Hybrids that beat the EPA fuel mileage numbers.

Was an Escape HEV vs RAV4 HEV video ever filmed? I can't find one.

No spare tire is always a dealer breaker for me. I've changed too many flats out on the road to go without a spare.

Much better than the Rav4 Hybrid already in my mind. Real awd, faster, better tech, , better braking, ect This would be my pick

eCVT system in this Escape is very similar to one in RAV4. Until this new gen it was made by Toyota supplier Aisin. Perhaps RAV4 changed that in this new hybrid, Toyota couldn't go above 40 mph in electric only mode, Ford can. Toyota and Ford cross patent their hybrid tech, so you can enjoy very robust hybrid tech from both manufacturers. Though Toyota seems to use their 2.0 I4 where Ford opted for 2.5 I4.

Looks nice. However if I were getting one I would get the 2.0 with 250HP. Should be pretty peppy

All new everything. It should only take about 5 years for Ford to get things worked out; just in time for the next generation.

Alex, did you try to put a spare tire around that battery? I can't see how it will fit, unless it's a tire by itself, and you're supposed to mount it on the wheel when changing it.

I am pretty impressed with this redesign. I don't like where the regular 12v battery is located and don't like the plastic HUD.

Your videos are the best for vehicle reviews 👌 🙌.

I’ll be getting a 2020 Escape Titanium with the 2.0 AWD and the Titanium Premium Package

It looks OK.

Can anyone speak to reliability and long time ownership cost?

This hybrid will probably be more efficient than the RAV4 and CRV because of aerodynamics. This is very much car like, and doesn't look like an SUV. Expect mileage like the Fusion Hybrid. Just like the Cruze vs Jetta, EPA MPG was the same but I can get significantly better real world MPG in a Cruze thanks to the better Aero. I get 38.5 combined driving a mix of city and highway, but had a hard time crossing 35 in the Jetta.

Is this model still a great buy in 2023? 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Titanium FWD - $29,995 With 27k mileage 2.5L I4 hybrid

I think Ford did a great job on the exterior design. Given they’ve abandoned sedans, making the Escape lower/wider was a smart move. Especially with the upcoming baby Bronco. I’m less a fan of the interior. I like the design, but the plastics and leather appear cheaply grained. I also don’t know what to make of the dimpled doors. I’ll reserve judgement until I see it up close.

That is a strange place for a 12 volt battery. Seems challenging to get a jump start if hybrids get jumped. Do like the pano though.

Toyota has a 10 years warranty in the hybrid battery, 8 years in hybrid system. How about Ford?

Good video .... I am looking for a SUV hybrid..... Escape hybrid is good.

I wish they did like Hyundai with the new Tuscon. They used their turbo charged engine and the automatic transmission with theit hybrid system. Would love to see the 2.0 with a hybrid and the 8 speed and not a crummy CVT. It would also allow them to get even more power out of the vehicle while getting superior fuel economy

Glad Ford is adding this to keep the segment competitive with Nissan pulling the Rogue Hybrid. The styling honestly reminds me of Kias; for me that’s a negative but plenty of people seem to like that. I bought a Rav4 and have no regrets after seeing this, but this definitely looks like another good choice for fuel economy conscious buyers. I’ll never like that dial shifter though. *shudder*

Anyone notice the far left and right air vents are different sizes? Lol

For smaller vehicles, there is the Kia Niro hybrid to test drive. If driving it more than 120,000 miles, the Hyundais and Kias have a lifetime warranty for the hybrid battery, also for the Ioniq.