The last time we spotted the all-new Ford Escape (or
Kuga as it is known in Europe) it carried a camouflage cloak that kept most of
the design hidden from curious eyes. Now, however, the 2020 Escape has
been spotted in the United States wearing nothing but thin camouflage foil.
The new Escape/Kuga will be the first SUV to adopt
Ford’s latest design language featured on the latest Focus. Notice the upwards
sweeping design of the shoulder line, the gaping grille placed lower than
before, the similar headlights and taillights, as well as the fewer edges
around the body.
Speaking of the grille, on this particular prototype
it features a mesh black treatment similar to the grille of the Focus ST-Line.
Still, the rather small wheels and abundance of plastic cladding leads us to
believe it is not an ST-Line version.
The 2020 Escape/Kuga does look sportier overall than
its predecessor, adopting a sloping roofline towards the rear and a rear window
that seems more inclined than before. While it looks nice, it remains to be seen
what impact it will have on cargo space.
One photo also provides a peek inside the cabin,
revealing a touchscreen display mounted at the top of the center console. As
with the new Focus, the upcoming Escape/Kuga will be roomier and will adopt
higher quality materials and the latest active safety and convenience features.
Expect systems such as Pre-Collision Assist, Active Park Assist 2, Blind Spot
Information, Evasive Steering Assist and more.
As for the engine lineup, the new crossover will
offer EcoBoost gasoline engines and EcoBlue diesels in certain markets,
available with the new nine-speed automatic transmission. Various forms of
electrification are also on the table. The All-new Ford Escape/Kuga is
likely to debut in the second half of this year as a 2020 model.