Ford Shows off New AWD Sport Hybrid Escape

This is no F-150, Ranger, or Bronco but it’s a Ford worth mentioning. Ford touches base with the ‘hip’ crowd by way of the Escape AWD Hybrid.

Bunched up with a handful of other creative, innovative and outlandish Fords at SEMA 2019 were two new Escapes Ford is aiming directly at the younger crowd. The first is the trendy AWD Urban edition, which passively poses a threat to the likes of Subaru Forester and Crosstrek, Honda Passport, or even the Toyota 4Runner. It’s small, it’s capable, and it’s good looking. As of right now, the Urban AWD edition is just a concept, but if Ford actually puts it into production, we’re confident it would sell. However, there’s another conceptual Ford Escape that might put its Urban sibling up against a wall.

Yes, it’s AWD. It’s small, it’s relatively cheap, and it’s undeniably handsome, thanks to front and rear skid plates, fender flares and door rocker moldings from Air Design USA. It begs the question, what does the Sport SE AWD have over the Urban edition? The answer is simple: this one is a hybrid. So, instead of Ford’s predictable use of their 2.0 liter four cylinder EcoBoost we see in the Urban edition, Ford made the Escape feisty with a 2.5 inline four cylinder I-VCT ATK hybrid engine. It’s the trusty engine we see in the Ford Fusion hybrid.

The power output for the engine is fairly standard for a 2.5 liter four, with 173 hp and 170 ft. lbs of torque. In hybrid mode, Ford claims the engine should conjure around 38 mpg. In full electric mode, it’s supposed to get around 88 mpg. Of course, those are specs for the Fusion hybrid with the same engine. Currently Ford makes an Escape hybrid with this engine, but do not offer it with AWD. Since AWD isn’t exactly mpg friendly, we’d assume the numbers might be a few digits less.

A most interesting choice in this Ford is the use of a Borla cat-back exhaust with black chrome tips. So, when the driver isn’t utilizing the hybrid technology scooting around downtown or in stop and go traffic, they could also utilize the sport in the name when using the gasoline engine.

Realistically, with different tires and smaller wheels (the ones equipped are 20 inchers), this Escape could have a place in a few different markets. With the AWD and extended range with the hybrid engine, this car could be a no-brainer camping vehicle. Or maybe seen on light-duty off-road trails. With a lot of people living where it snows, it also provides those customers with a way to travel safely without spending too much on gas. Either way, all markets can appreciate the peace of mind from AWD, excellent miles per gallon, and the smaller size.

Photos: Kristen Finley

Kristen Finley

Before she was old enough to go to school, Kristen Finley spent a majority of her childhood rebuilding rusted Chevy Novas with her dad. Once high school and college came around, she was still actively rebuilding cars, though she found out she had a second greatest love: writing and photography.

Now, in her last year of college, she's pursuing a bachelor's in Journalism and Media Studies from California State University, Monterey Bay after receiving her A.A. in Communications. She has been writing for three years, and as her school newspaper's automotive expert, she started and solely maintained the weekly automotive section detailing posts on car care, safety tips, features, and news. She covers stories for Mustang Forums, Dodge Forum, JK-Forum and more.

Finley can be contacted at krisfin95@gmail.com

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