Ford has been in the industry since the very beginning, and since its start it has reinvented itself, and their line of vehicles again and again. Following that long line of evolution are their variety of SUV models. These vehicles range from small compact family cars to true powerhouses that compete with the likes of Jeep, Chevy, and GMC. Ford SUVs are remarkably diverse, and the 2020 models are some of the best to roll out of the Ford factory yet. There is plenty to love about this years’ models, and plenty more to look forward to as Ford announces the return of old faces like the beloved 2020 Ford Bronco. While Ford is changing in a lot of ways, the automaker remains true to its roots, getting rid of the bad and sticking loyally with the good.
The 2020 Ford Escape
2019 has seen a lot of different compact SUVs, some good, some bad, others practically irrelevant. It is hard to stand out nowadays as a compact SUV, especially as more and more automakers stick to the status quo and steer clear from breaking the mold. The same cannot be said of Ford. Ford has a number of SUVs in its lineup, and each one is unique in its own right. On the compact side is the 2020 Ford Escape. The Ford Escape is a compact SUV with plenty of charm and some seriously intentional design.
First of all, the 2020 Ford Escape is available starting at an MSRP of $24,885, and comes in one of six different trim options, including the S, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and Titanium. On the surface, the Ford Escape is already a breakout star with its game-changing front face design, and wide range of trim options, it’s easy to see why it is an easy fan favorite. Surprisingly enough, the engine powering the 2020 Ford Escape manages a perfect balance between horsepower and torque and fuel efficiency. The machinery inside the baseline Ford Escape is a 1.5-liter turbo-3 engine that is rated for 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft worth of torque. That baseline engine is small, but it is still plenty powerful, especially considering that it uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel-drivetrain to deliver that power.
What is particularly remarkable about the Ford Escape is the fact that you can purchase a hybrid variant. Found on both the SE Sport and Titanium trims, the 2020 Ford Escape hybrid uses both a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine to provide both electric and gas power. When combined, drivers of the hybrid model can enjoy 200 horsepower and 155 lb-ft worth of torque, which is plenty powerful all things considered.
While the Ford Escape stands out due to its incredible design, great powertrain options, and availability of a hybrid model, it isn’t the only SUV in the Ford family lineup turning heads.
The 2020 Ford EcoSport
If performance isn’t a big deal for you, and you’d rather find a solid blend between a commuter car and a utility vehicle, the 2020 Ford EcoSport might be a good fit. While a bit on the smaller side, the Ford EcoSport is a quirky link in the Ford SUV chain. Available in the S, SE, Titanium, and SES, the EcoSport isn’t nearly as diverse in configuration, like the Ford Escape. However, with an initial asking price of $20,485 MSRP, the 2020 Ford EcoSport is the perfect pick for anyone who wants Ford level build quality in an inexpensive compact SUV.
As mentioned before, the 2020 Ford EcoSport is not a top-performer, with its tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which is only capable of putting out around 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft worth of torque. You can purchase a four-cylinder model sure, but those specs won’t jump by much. However, what the EcoSport lacks in engine power it makes up for in fuel economy, as the Ford EcoSport earns a remarkable 28 mpg combined. You can also design a Ford EcoSport that fits right in line with your needs for a bit more than the baseline vehicle. Pay a little more cash, and you’ll get to enjoy an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, and a seamless navigation system. And with more than enough room for both passengers and cargo, the 2020 Ford EcoSport can do it all, and save you a bit of cash all at the same time.
The 2020 Ford Explorer
The mid-sized SUV feels to be a dwindling breed, especially as compact models steadily take over the landscape. That said, there are still plenty of mid-sized gems in the Ford family lineup worth checking out, featuring the 2020 Ford Explorer, one of the best mid-sized SUVs of 2019. This model is available in either the XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, Platinum, or ST trims, and yes, we did say hybrid. Ford is one of the few American automakers that is stressing the importance of a hybrid powertrain, and it is certainly paying off.
The 2020 Ford Explorer is particularly remarkable thanks to its incredibly varied engine options. While the base model is powered by a 2.4L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that’s responsible for an astounding 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Its more powerful engine is a beefy 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that can get up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. From the 2.4L EcoBoost to the more robust V6 engine, the 2020 Ford Explorer can be configured to satisfy all kinds of drivers with all kinds of power needs.
Ford is also breaking the mold from other American automakers by including advanced active safety features as standard on all Ford Explorer models. No matter which trim you purchase, you’ll get to take advantage of the peace of mind offered by features like blind-spot monitors, cross-traffic alerts, automatic emergency braking, and so much more. The 2020 Ford Explorer is likely one of the safest SUVs in the Ford family lineup yet.
Looking Forward to the Future
Ford is innovating, and it is clear how some of its SUVs have adapted this year compared to the models of previous years. While Ford has been in the auto industry the longest, they have continued to remain on top even through hardship after hardship. As other American automakers stay the path, Ford continues to push the envelope, competing on a global scale. Ford even has plans to push things to the next level with the rumored re-release of the Ford Bronco sometime next year.
Pulling inspiration from the ever-popular rugged Ford SUV of yesteryear, the 2020 Ford Bronco is a modern revitalization of a modern-day classic. While we still have plenty of time to wait and see how the new Ford Bronco turns out, plenty of SUV-fanatics are waiting with buzzing anticipation as to how Ford can break the mold once again.
We only scratched the surface on the various Ford SUVs scattered throughout the Ford family lineup. The Ford brand is truly diverse, spanning from rugged models that are ready for anything to subcompacts like the Ford EcoSport that attempt to bring utility to the commuter-space. Regardless of what Ford model catches your eye, though, you can rest assured that you’re enjoying over a century of innovative design.
