The 2020 Ford Escape lasts around 200,000 miles with some door hinge and battery issues reported. At $18,990 to $33,998, it’s a decent choice for shoppers looking for a small SUV on a budget.
Is the 2020 Ford Escape a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Ford Escape since it’s reasonably reliable while offering good safety technology. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, cargo room, along with the efficient engines.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are decent for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on long drives, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious issues on the 2020 Ford Escape. Avoid models from 2016–2018 which have engine issues while 2019–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the base three-cylinder engine, while the four-cylinder engine is quick for a small SUV.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Escape is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG giving 474 miles of range from the 15.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $51 cheaper than average at $157 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Ford Escape is cheaper than many other compact SUVs, making it a great value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Escape?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Ford Escape is a great alternative to other small SUVs on the market with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Escape at 4/5, praising the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the clunky transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Escape a 4.2/5, enjoying the convenient sliding second row seats, but owners don’t like the loose steering.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Ford Escape Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Ford Escape include damaged door hinges, excessive battery drain, along with a frozen rearview camera. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other small SUVs on the market.
Damaged door hinges are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Escape owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are reports of one of the welds on the hinge failing. Replacing the door hinge assembly costs around $550. Usually the issue is not covered under warranty since it’s considered a body item.
Excessive battery drain shows up on some Escape models in the first 1,500 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories which drain the battery in some cases when the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the source of the battery drain costs around $100, while fixing the issue can cost $10 to $200, depending on what is killing the battery.
A frozen rearview camera is another issue on the 2020 Escape at around 1,000 miles. There are software updates for the camera system which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install the update for free, while some charge around $50.
There are 10 recalls on the 2020 Ford Escape, which is worse than many other small SUVs. The most serious recall covers cracked fuel injectors, which may lead to a fire on models with the 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. Ford will update the engine control software and install a drain tube to prevent damage.
How Long Will the 2020 Ford Escape Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Ford Escape can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $530 per year.
As a used 2020 Escape reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the A/C compressor for $750, radiator fan costing $800, along with the brake vacuum pump which costs $290.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is worse than other small SUVs on the base Escape model, only offering a 4.2-inch central display screen. On the SE and higher models, there’s a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety technology is great for a compact SUV, offering:
- Ford MyKey
- Rearview camera
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic high beam headlights
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitor
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Evasive steering assist
- Lane centering
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Head-up display
Is the 2020 Ford Escape a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Ford Escape is a good value since it offers decent reliability as it ages with plenty of passenger room. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,990 to $33,998, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $24,885 to $36,835. Depreciation is average for an SUV, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Escape?
There are four main models of the Ford Escape offered for the 2020 model year, from the base S all the way up through the more luxurious Titanium. The Escape is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There’s also a plug in Hybrid version of the Escape with electric motors mentioned in a separate review.
S is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Seats
- 2-Inch Display Screen
- Two USB Ports
- Six-Speaker USB Sound System
- Automatic Climate Control
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
SE is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Heated Front Seats
- 8-Inch Touchscreen With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
SEL has minor changes including:
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- 18-inch Alloy Wheels
- Remote Start
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Heated Steering Wheel
Titanium is the flagship model which adds:
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- LED Headlights
- Leather Upholstery
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Premium Sound System
What Engines Come In the Ford Escape?
The base engine is an average 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder which makes 181 horsepower at up to 30 MPG. Both engines come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
An available upgrade is the stronger turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder which produces 250 horsepower while getting 26 MPG. Performance is great, taking 5.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ford Escape Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Escape?
The 2020 Ford Escape is a comfortable compact SUV that offers a smooth ride and a spacious cabin. The seats are well-padded and supportive, providing a comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers. The cabin is relatively quiet, with minimal wind and road noise making their way inside.
In terms of ride quality, the Escape handles bumps and rough roads with ease, providing a stable and composed ride. The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing most road imperfections, resulting in a comfortable and controlled ride. Additionally, the steering is responsive and accurate, making the Escape feel agile and nimble on the road.
The Escape’s cabin is also quite spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and back seats. The rear seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to find their ideal seating position. Furthermore, the cargo area is generous, providing ample space for luggage or other items.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Escape Have?
With all seats in place, the 2020 Ford Escape has 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough for everyday use. However, if you fold down the rear seats, this space expands to a maximum of 65.4 cubic feet, making it ideal for larger items or for carrying cargo for longer trips.
Additionally, the Escape features a lot of convenient storage options throughout the cabin, including a large center console bin, door pockets, and a hidden compartment under the rear cargo floor, which is perfect for storing valuables or other items that need to be kept out of sight. Overall, the 2020 Ford Escape provides plenty of storage space for all your daily needs, as well as enough flexibility to accommodate larger items when necessary.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Ford Escape came out for the 2020 model year.
2015: No major changes.
2016: Optional SYNC 3 stereo system available.
2017: Small exterior styling changes, new engine options, and updated safety tech.
2018: New SEL model added, 2.0L turbocharged engine only found on Titanium model.
2019: Keyless entry and push button start on the SE and SEL models, standard SYNC 3 on all models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new technology, styling, and engines.
2021: Traffic sign recognition system added to adaptive cruise control system.
How Does the Ford Escape Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Ford Escape is a decent compact SUV, although its long term reliability ratings are lower than some of the more expensive competitors on the market.
The Chevy Equinox is another small SUV which costs around $1,500 less. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Equinox, while the Ford Escape is a more efficient choice. We recommend the Ford Escape since the estimated ownership costs are lower, although both are very similar SUVs.
The Mazda CX-5 is a competitor which costs about $2,000 more. Standard technology is much better in the Mazda CX-5, while the Ford Escape has a little more passenger room in the rear seats. We recommend the Mazda CX-5 since it’s more affordable to own long-term.
