Ford Revamps Escape Lineup for 2021

The revived Bronco and F-150 may be hogging the spotlight at the moment, but Ford is making sure the other models in its lineup are not forgotten. Proof: the Blue Oval just released more details on the new Escape.

One of the biggest changes customers can look forward to the latest version of Ford’s second biggest-selling SUV are its new trims, SE and SEL, which will now be available with a hybrid powertrain alongside the S and Titanium variants. For the Titanium model, the powertrain will be offered as standard equipment.

Ford also revealed that both the regular and plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) versions of the new Escape will be equipped with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that delivers 165 horsepower. However, production for the PHEV will begin in April, a little later than the regular models.

Other powertrain options are also available for the rest of the Escape variants, including a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that makes 181 horsepower as well as a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 250 horsepower. Regular hybrid units can be availed with an all-wheel-drive system, but the PHEV will only be offered with a front-wheel-drive. Moreover, the hybrid models will use a continuously variable transmission, while the gas-powered ones will have an eight-speed automatic.

Based on EPA ratings, the Escape Hybrid has a 44/37/41 mpg city/highway/combined rating, while the all-wheel-drive version records 43/37/40 mpg. The PHEV model can reportedly deliver 100 MPGe combined and up to 37 miles of all-electric range.

Aside from powertrain changes, the 2021 Ford Escape is also expected to lose its paddle shifters across the lineup. New paint jobs such as Bronze Fire metallic will also be offered to customers as well as a 10-speaker B&O sound system when availing the Technology Package.

Ford has not released the final pricing for the 2021 Escape, but it will likely do so in the coming weeks.