2020 Escape: Ford's first crossover on new global FWD architecture

Ford recently unveiled the all-new 2020 Escape, its first SUV based on the company's new FWD global architecture, leveraging the new unibody toolkit to create a compact “urban” SUV for the voracious compact-crossover segment. A second 5-seat, 2-row SUV based on the same architecture-but with a more “rugged, off-road focus”-was announced at the Escape unveiling, though it does not yet have a name or official release date-and will be in addition to the upcoming Bronco.

For the (sub)urban buyer, the all-new fourth-generation Escape (Kuga for overseas markets) will provide seven powertrain and two driveline (FWD/AWD) choices globally, with lots of tech designed to help busy consumers through their day. Using the same architecture as the new not-for-U.S. Focus, the all-new Escape provides gains in torsional stiffness, tech content and interior-space flexibility with a significant weight drop.