2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Ford Escape

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the interior materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to compete with more luxurious options available at similar price points, leaving it feeling overpriced for what it offered.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Escape presented a modern and attractive design, both inside and out. Its sleek exterior, inspired by the Ford GT supercar, made it one of the best-looking small SUVs on the market. Inside, the Escape offered a contemporary cabin with a digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining a balance between modernity and functionality. The Escape's interior design was forward-looking without being overly futuristic, providing a comfortable and stylish environment for its occupants.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engine options, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis contributed to its nimble handling and flat cornering, making it a standout in its class. The 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower, was also a strong performer, while the hybrid option offered a net 318 horsepower. However, the hybrid's fuel efficiency did not justify its higher price. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 2,268 to 2,540 kilograms, depending on the engine choice, and it featured seven drive modes for various driving conditions.

The 2020 Ford Escape stood out with its diverse engine lineup, including a new three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower. The Escape also offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the hybrid delivering 198 horsepower. The Escape's 2.0-litre turbo engine provided brisk acceleration and shone on the highway, while its steering and brakes contributed to an athletic driving experience. The hybrid version was the most fuel-efficient, with consumption figures as low as 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The Escape's powertrains were paired with either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a continuously variable transmission for the hybrids.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in passenger space, offering ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, although the bench was flat for long journeys. Cargo space was slightly reduced behind the third row, measuring 509 litres, but expanded to 1,359 litres behind the second row and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's interior featured physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, although the thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras were drawbacks.

The 2020 Ford Escape prioritized passenger space over cargo capacity, offering 974 litres behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with seats folded. While this was less than some competitors, the Escape provided ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The front seats offered a commanding view, and the cabin featured numerous storage solutions, including deep water-bottle holders and multiple compartments. The Escape's design focused on real-world usability, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Keyless entry, remote start, and 3-zone climate control were also standard. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the user experience. However, the system lacked customization options, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system needed improvement.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, but the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, although its flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. The Escape's infotainment system was user-friendly, and the latest version of Sync offered a seamless experience with multi-tasking capabilities.

The 2020 Ford Explorer was equipped with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. It also featured adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Ford Escape came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It also featured Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Escape earned a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing.