absolutely! AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –
The Ford Motor Company just introduced two new models that will reenergize their SUV/crossover lineup: the 2020 Explorer and the 2020 Escape. Both vehicles are completely all-new and a giant step up from their respective 2019 models. Both are better looking, better driving and have way better interiors. If you only need only two rows, choose the Escape. Got to have three rows, then pick Explorer.
The 2020 Escape is offered with four different powertrains, so there’s one that fits the way you drive. The base Escape, with a MSRP of $24,885, has an all-new 180 hp, 1.5 liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that gets 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. If you opt for a higher trim, you’ll get a 250 hp, 2.0 liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that delivers more fun but slightly poor fuel economy. There’s also a gasoline/electric hybrid with great gas economy ratings of 44 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. If you have a short daily commute, the plug-in hybrid should be a consideration with a 30 mile range in all-electric mode. All the above mentioned models are available in AWD configuration.
The 2020 Explorer has three powertrains available. The base Explorer, with an MSRP of $32,765, has a 300 hp, 2.3 liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that’s surprisingly peppy and gets fuel economy numbers of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The next step up in power is the 365 hp, 3.0 liter six-cylinder EcoBoost engine that delivers 24 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The Explorer ST has the same 3.0 engine under the hood, but it’s tuned to put out 400 hp making it the most fun of the crossover models to drive. There’s also a gasoline/electric hybrid available but there is no plug-in version.
Both the Escape and the Explorer have new interiors that are stunning, especially the new tablet-style infotainment screens that sit high on the dashboard. And both vehicles offer all the newest safety technologies with Ford Co-Pilot360. This is a suite of standard driver-assist technologies that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, lane keeping system, rear backup camera and auto high beam lighting. There’s also a selectable drive mode system making it safer to navigate difficult driving situations.
Whether you need two rows or three, there’s a new Ford crossover that may work for you.