2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Ford Escape

2020 Ford Explorer

If you’re gearing up to find your next SUV for family adventures and excursions throughout Buena Park, Long Beach, or Orange County, CA, you have some great options to consider. It’s easy to see why you’d be torn between the 2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2020 Ford Escape. These cutting-edge SUVs have a lot to offer both drivers and families.

At Norm Reeves Ford Superstore, we’re here to help you decide between the two. We’ve put this 2020 Ford Explorer vs. Escape comparison together to show you what these SUVs offer and how they differ, so you can find the one that’s right for you.

2020 Explorer vs 2020 Escape: Engine Specs & Options

2020 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer and Ford Escape each offer an impressive array of engines. The Explorer gives you four powertrains to choose from. The most powerful option is a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine that gets up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. That kind of power gives it a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, so you can confidently tow a boat or camper.

The Escape also offers a couple of EcoBoost® engines. An exciting option is the 2.0L EcoBoost® engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. On top of delivering a sporty drive, it can also carry a utility trailer with its 3,500-pound towing capacity and when properly equipped.

The Explorer and Escape also offer efficient Hybrid powertrains. The Explorer’s 3.3L V6 Hybrid engine shows that power and fuel economy aren’t mutually exclusive. It can get up to an EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG, while also offering 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.

The Escape offers two Hybrid options. The 2.5L I-4 Plug-In Hybrid engine has an impressive driving range, while the traditional Hybrid engine can get up to an EPA-estimated 44 city/37 highway MPG. The traditional Hybrid engine also delivers a fun drive with 200 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.

Cabin Space & Cargo Room

A major difference between these two Ford SUVs is the size and space they offer to their passengers. It’s no secret that the Ford Explorer is the larger of the two. It comes with three rows of seats and offers space for up to seven people. For easy access to the third row, you can swap out the middle bench seat for a pair of captain’s chairs and a center aisle. The Escape features two rows of seats and space for five people to stretch out and enjoy the ride.

As for the cargo area, there are also quite a few differences. With all the seats in place, the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Escape, on the other hand, offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space without sacrificing any passenger seating. However, folding down the third row in the 2020 Explorer nets 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Folding seats come standard in both SUVs. With both the second and third rows of seats folded down, the Ford Explorer offers up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo room, while the Escape can give you up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

Ford Explorer Ford Escape
Cargo Room Behind First Row / Second Row / Third Row 87.8 cubic feet / 47.9 cubic feet / 18.2 cubic feet 65.4 cubic feet / 37.5 cubic feet / N/A
Headroom First Row / Second Row / Third Row 40.7 inches / 40.5 inches / 38.9 inches 40 inches / 39.3 inches / N/A
Legroom First Row / Second Row / Third Row 43 inches / 39 inches / 32.2 inches 42.4 inches / 40.7 inches / N/A

SYNC® Entertainment & Technology Features

2020 Ford Explorer Interior

The Ford Explorer and Escape both come with the SYNC® infotainment system. It lets you stay connected while you drive with a standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. It also includes Bluetooth®, so you can stream your favorite music and make hands-free calls. Some of the other features that are available with SYNC® include:

  • Apple CarPlay®
  • Android Auto™
  • SiriusXM®
  • Voice-Activated Navigation System

The Escape’s standard system features a 4.2-inch LCD screen, but an 8-inch touchscreen is also available. The touchscreen comes standard in the Explorer, but you can also upgrade to a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Both the Ford Explorer and Ford Escape are built to keep you safe. That’s why they both come with Ford Co-Pilot360™. This bundle of driver-assistance features can help prevent accidents. It gives you more awareness while you drive, with technology such as:

  • Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
  • BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane-Keeping System
  • Auto High-Beam Headlamps
  • Rear View Camera

While these features come standard, you’ll also have the option to add more, like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop-and-Go and Evasive Steering Assist.

You’ll be well protected if you’re ever in an accident. Both the Escape and Explorer come with multiple airbags, including front airbags, front-seat side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and a Safety Canopy® System that covers the whole cabin.

2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Ford Escape: Making Your Decision

We hope this guide gave you some insight into what the 2020 Ford Explorer vs. Escape have to offer. To learn more, visit us at Norm Reeves Ford Superstore. Both Ford SUVs offer lots of space and safety features to drivers in Buena Park, Long Beach, and Orange County, California. Contact us if you have any questions or want to schedule your test drive.


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