With an all-new 2020 Escape already showing up at Canada’s blue-oval dealerships, it’s time to say goodbye to a third-generation Escape that’s been with us since 2013. The version seen here was…

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost Road Test

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
We can say goodbye to the 2017-2019 Escape’s generally handsome design now that an all-new model has arrived for 2020. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

With an all-new 2020 Escape already showing up at Canada’s blue-oval dealerships, it’s time to say goodbye to a third-generation Escape that’s been with us since 2013. The version seen here was dramatically refreshed to look more like its larger Edge sibling for 2017, and it’s served its many owners well since then.

Of course, with a redesign arriving there’s opportunity to save money on the outgoing 2019 model, and being that it’s still so very good, and that plenty of Ford retailers still have various trims new in stock, you may want to consider your options. At the time of writing, CarCostCanada was reporting $1,200 in additional incentives over and above any personal discount you can work out with your friendly local sales manager, which is a great conversation starter you can back up further by knowing the 2019 Escape’s actual dealer invoice price before arriving at the dealership. The best way to do this is by going to CarCostCanada where you can also discover the various features and prices of each trim, options package and individual upgrade. You can also check out pricing and features for the new 2020 Escape and even last year’s 2018 model, making CarCostCanada a vital resource when buying a new vehicle.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
Changes to rear styling were more subtle for 2017, with Ford choosing to keep its attractive design mostly intact. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

The top-line 2019 Escape Titanium you’re looking at has changed one iota since introduced in 2016, as witnessed by my 2017 Ford Escape Titanium AWD Road Test, a compact crossover SUV that was virtually identical to this new one, even down to its Ingot Silver exterior colour. Don’t worry, as smart as silver or white is for resale values (more people buy these shades than any other), Ford offers this 2019 model in seven additional colours, with some of the standard no-cost hues even quite vibrant such as Sedona Orange and Lightning Blue, while $450 Ruby Red and $550 White Platinum look downright rich.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
The Titanium gets exclusive use of these HID headlamps with LED signature lighting. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

I can’t say I liked this 2017-2019 grille design as much as its 2013-2016 predecessor, which was totally unique and even futuristic looking when it debuted. I remember how taken aback I was, not sure what to think initially yet warming up to it quickly enough, so that it quickly became my favourite small SUV. I understand why Ford changed up the look, both from a prospective customer’s need for something new and a requirement to visually align its SUV lineup, but for reasons not necessarily related to styling the Escape has lost a little ground to the now top-selling Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in recent years.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
These 18-inch alloys are unique to Titanium trim, but the fog lamps get pulled up from below. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Only four years ago the Escape was number one in this class, a position it had held for years. In fact, look back a bit further and the Escape nearly doubled annual sales of the RAV4 and CR-V, but it’s been on a steady slide downhill since this refresh, from a high of 52,198 units in 2014 to 47,726 in 2015, the last time it topped the category, falling to 46,661 deliveries in 2016 when the RAV4 leapt to number one, and then 47,880 sales in 2017 when both the RAV4 and CR-V passed the 50,000 threshold. The two Japanese branded SUVs kept luring in more and more new customers in 2018 when each models’ sales neared 55k, but the Escape only managed 43,587 deliveries that year, while at the close of September 2019 the Escape only pulled in 30,817 new buyers to the CR-V’s 43,464 and RAV4’s 49,473, the redesigned Toyota on target for another record year.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
These great looking taillights were redesigned for the 2017-2019 model. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

While this 2019 Escape is starting to show its age, especially when put beside that new RAV4 and the entirely new 2020 Escape that Ford hopes will inspire its once loyal customer base to come back to the domestic brand, it’s still a very good compact SUV that can be had for considerable savings. You won’t have your choice of colours, while available trims will come down to what’s left in stock, but with such a wide variety to choose from there’s bound to be something you’ll like.

At the start of this 2019 model year the Escape was available in base $26,399 S trim, as a $29,349 SE and $30,849 SEL, the latter designation added this year, and finally top-line $37,699 Titanium. The Titanium comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the SE and SEL can be had with AWD for an extra $1,500, and the S is only available in front-wheel drive.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
Despite its years, the Escape Titanium provides a nicely finished cabin with up-to-date electronics. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

If this wasn’t confusing enough, the Escape offers the choice of three gasoline-fueled four-cylinder engines, and strangely not one of them is electrified despite this model being first to market an SUV hybrid. The base model labours forward with Ford’s dozen-year-old 2.5-litre mill making 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, which are respectable numbers for a base model, but most Escape buyers will pay a bit more for one of the brand’s turbocharged Ecoboost engines, the 1.5-litre making 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque and standard in SE and SEL trims, and the 2.0-litre version good for a very spirited 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, this one standard with as-tested Titanium trim and available with the SE and SEL. So as you can likely imagine, just what you’ll find at your local Ford retailer will be anyone’s guess, although if you’ve got your heart set on a particular trim powered by a specific engine they can phone around to other dealers on your behalf.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
The driving position is excellent, and controls fall easily to hands and feet. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

At least the Escape’s sole six-speed SelectShift automatic makes your choice of transmission easier, which is two speeds less impressive than the new 2020 model’s eight-speed automatic, but the outgoing gearbox is proven reliable and certainly capable enough when fitted to either Ecoboost engine. The 2020 Escape will get the 1.5-litre turbo-four as standard equipment, with auto start-stop technology no less, which shuts the engine off when it would otherwise be idling, while the 2.0-litre continues to provide a performance option in a compact SUV class that’s in dire need of some excitement.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
Sporty motorcycle-style enclosures shield the primary instruments from outside light, while a large multi-info display remains one of the best in this class. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Speaking of drivetrain options, the long lost Escape Hybrid I previously complained about not being available is finally back for 2020, which is great news for those willing and able to spend more for better air quality, let alone saving some money on fuel.

While Ford isn’t providing fuel economy numbers for the new 2020 Escape just yet, the 2019 model does quite well in all trims. The 1.5-litre is the best choice for those on a budget, with the FWD version achieving a claimed 10.2 L/100km in the city, 7.8 on the highway and 9.1 combined rating, and that engine with AWD good for an estimated 11.2 city, 8.4 highway and 9.9 combined. The FWD-only base S, on the other hand, does pretty well despite its age with a rating of 11.0 city, 8.0 highway and 9.6 combined, and finally the top-tier AWD-only Titanium is extremely thrifty considering all the performance available, with a claimed rating of 11.5 city, 8.7 highway and 10.2 combined.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system is still very good, providing quick response to input and loads of top-tier features. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Looking past the 2019 model’s aging body style and just as classic interior design, its quality of materials, fit and finish, and general goodness is hard to argue against. Even its electronic interfaces are better than a number of more recently redesigned competitors, its primarily analogue gauge cluster filled with a very crisp, clear and colourful high-resolution multi-information display at centre, and its centre stack-mounted Sync 3 infotainment touchscreen soldiering on as one of the more graphically attractive and easy to use, not to mention wholly functional. It’s incorporated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration longer than most rival systems, while its navigation/route guidance is amongst the sector’s more accurate, the system’s tap, pinch, and swipe gesture controls working ideally with the nicely detailed map, and dynamic guideline-equipped backup camera easy on the eyes. There’s much more to it, such as Bluetooth streaming audio, mobile apps, voice control, a WiFi hotspot, 911 assist, etcetera, so only those looking for premium-level options like overhead surround cameras and Near Field Communication (NFC) short-range wireless connectivity will find themselves wanting.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
The route guidance system is accurate and easy to input, while you can use the touchscreen’s tap, swipe and pinch gesture controls to adjust the map. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

The centre display provides all the expected audio functions too, like AM/FM/satellite radio plus MP3 and WMA compatibility, but no HD radio, although the 10-speaker Sony system it all plays through is very good for this class. Some quick access controls sit on an angled interface just below the touchscreen, this just above a large user-friendly dual-zone automatic climate control panel, all the kind of premium equipment expected in a luxury brand, and the Escape’s top-tier Titanium trim line. Still, compared to some competitors that have digitized these controls under touch sensitive interfaces, the Escape’s look pretty dated, but a tiny pull switch for engaging the electromechanical parking brake makes it clear that Ford did everything it could to keep this model current.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
The dual-zone auto HVAC interface looks a bit dated, but no fear as the new 2020 version is wholly modernized. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Advancements in mind, my tester featured a $2,500 optional Safe and Smart + Roof Package including a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic brake support, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, plus lane departure warning with lane keeping assist. A number of these features are also available as part of a separate package in the two mid-range trims, so you don’t need to go full tilt with a Titanium model in order to benefit from these advanced driver assistive systems.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
The electric parking brake is a bit of modernity next to this old school six-speed automatic gearbox. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

I’m not going to bother going into each and every standard and optional feature with this SUV, because as explained earlier it’s now a WYSIWYG affair, but over and above everything already mentioned this Titanium includes 18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights with LED signature lighting, a heatable steering wheel, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming centre mirror, front parking sensors, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, a foot gesture-controlled hands-free liftgate and plenty more, while highlights pulled up from lesser trims include extra chrome exterior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a powered liftgate, rear parking sensors and more from the SEL; fog lamps, body-colour exterior details, proximity-sensing keyless access with pushbutton ignition, Ford’s exclusive keyless entry keypad, one-touch up/down power windows all around, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone auto HVAC, heated front seats plus more from the SE; and finally auto on/off headlamps, a windshield wiper de-icer, remote engine start, keyless remote entry, MyKey, variable intermittent wipers, powered windows, air conditioning, an overhead console with sunglasses holder, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, all the usual airbags including one for the driver’s knees, and much more from the base S model.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
The driver’s seat is comfortable and easy to set up for maximum comfort and control. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Some Escape Titanium materials quality highlights include a mostly soft-touch dash top that nicely wraps all the way around the infotainment controls before crossing over to the front door uppers. The door inserts and armrests are nicely padded too, as is the centre armrest/bin lid, while at least the mid-door panel niceties extend into the rear seating area as well, but that’s about it for soft synthetic pampering. Ford spiffs up the instrument panel with some piano black lacquered trim that extends across the dash and down each side of the centre stack, while a tasteful assortment of aluminized accents added a bit of brightness to my tester’s mostly black cabin, but other than a touch of blue and red for the temperature controls, the lovely aqua blue needles within the gauge cluster, the dark blue and sky blue backgrounds used for the multi-info display and centre touchscreen respectively, this Escape won’t exactly stimulate one’s colour-craved senses.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
The panoramic sunroof is optional, but well worth the extra coin. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

The leather upholstery is nice, and features what looks like cream-coloured contrast stitching, while the driver’s seat is plenty comfortable and the SUV’s driving position much better than some others in this class. In fact, I’d call its ergonomics excellent thanks to a tilt and telescopic steering column with enough rearward reach to make my long-legged, short-torso frame feel right at home. This isn’t always the case, as anyone who reads my reviews regularly will know, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a competitor with as much driver adjustment as this Escape. Visibility is excellent all-round too.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
Rear seat roominess, comfort and amenities are good, although we would’ve liked heated outboard seats. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

The rear seating area is spacious and reasonably comfortable too, especially if positioned in the outboard window seats, but take note you don’t exactly sit in the seats, but rather on top of them, and there’s not much lateral support at all. Fortunately, taller teens will have no problem fitting in thanks to reclining seatbacks, while the folding armrest at centre improves comfort and provides a place for drinks. Rear ventilation can be found on the backside of the front console, where the aforementioned 110-volt outlet features a more useful three-pronged socket. I was surprised not to see heatable seats in back, especially in this top-of-the-line model, but those wanting such luxuries can ante up for Lincoln’s MKC, soon to be renamed Corsair, which is basically a 2019 Escape Titanium with more glitz and glamour.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
A three-prong household-style 110-volt power outlet is a nice surprise in back. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

The rear hatch powers up out of the way via foot-activated gesture control as noted earlier, revealing a sizeable 964 litres (34.0 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the 60/40-split rear seatbacks, or 1,925 litres (68.0 cu ft) when these are lowered. I’d prefer a 40/20/40-split, or even a centre pass-through to provide room for longer items like skis down the middle while rear passengers enjoy the more comfortable and scenic window seats, but such configurations are rare outside of the premium sector, so this can hardly be seen as a deal-breaker. Ford doesn’t include any mechanisms for automatically folding the rear seats down while loading in cargo either, unlike some rivals, but on the positive a flap drops down to cover the gap between seatbacks and cargo floor so smaller items don’t slip between the cracks, so to speak, and the expanded cargo area does provide a fairly flat load floor.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
There’s plenty of room behind the rear seats, but we would’ve liked a centre pass-through. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Before it starts sounding like I’m beating up on this poor old Escape, the fact of the matter is it remains a very good compact crossover SUV with the best performance in its class by far. Its arguably old school transmission might be short a couple of gears compared to some competitors (and its own replacement), but it goes about its business with a level of smooth refinement that would make a JATCO engineer proud, although my tester’s steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters combined with a manual mode affecting real gears makes it a lot more enjoyable to drive than most competitors that are now using continuously variable transmissions (hence the JATCO reference, which is one of the world’s largest suppliers of CVTs). The Escape’s shifts are comparatively crisp and quick, resulting in a much more engaging experience than any of its top challengers, all of which use CVTs.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
The Escape is generous with cargo room with all seats folded, plus the load floor is nice and flat. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

On this sportiness theme, a slightly firmer suspension means the Escape Titanium isn’t the smoothest riding model in its compact SUV class. It’s hardly rough or uncomfortable, but you’ll notice each bump and road imperfection in a fairly pronounced manner, unlike a RAV4 or CR-V that better isolate driver and passengers, but keep in mind the Escape Titanium’s more capable driving dynamics will have you smiling at speed on a winding back road. Of note, all Escapes incorporate torque-vectoring control and Curve Control that senses if you’re going to fast when entering a corner and, if so, automatically slows you down via throttle reduction and anti-lock braking.

2019 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost
Those wanting to save money on a very good compact SUV will be served well by the 2019 Escape. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

That pretty well sums up the 2019 Escape, particularly in Titanium trim. It remains a solid competitor that’s stood the test of time because it was well conceived in the first place, and would be a good choice for someone who’d rather save money than be seen in the most modern compact SUV currently available. I can’t say whether or not its replacement will be worth paying more for as I haven’t even sat in it, but it make gains mechanically and now offers a hybrid, plus its infotainment systems appear to have made a step upward as well. This is important, because it will need to last for six years as well if Ford plans to follow its past upgrade schedule, which is one year longer than its main rivals. Now we’ll have to see how well it does against the RAV4, CR-V and an ever-improving crop of compact SUVs.

Land Rover’s Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque are already very popular in their respective classes, but that hasn’t held the British automaker back from making them even more competitive. In…

2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque receive power upgrade

2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE
All Discovery Sport trims get improved performance for 2018, with top-line models receiving 286-hp. (Photo: Land Rover)

Land Rover’s Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque are already very popular in their respective classes, but that hasn’t held the British automaker back from making them even more competitive.

In fact, both models received all-new Ingenium engines for 2018, the 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder now designed and built totally in-house. Along with similarly powered base engines to their predecessors, the two SUVs also get the option of a much more powerful variant.

2018 Range Rover Evoque HSE
The more powerful engine can be added to Evoque HSE and HSE Luxury trims, increasing acceleration dramatically. (Photo: Land Rover)

Entry-level models receive similar output numbers to their forebears at 237 horsepower compared to 240, and 251 lb-ft of torque instead of 250, while a class-leading adaptive shift program enhanced nine-speed automatic aids both performance and efficiency.

Speaking of performance, top-tier Discovery Sport and Evoque trims can be had with a 286 horsepower version of the same engine making 295 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Evoque to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds, which is 1.2 seconds quicker to 100km/h than the outgoing Evoque, plus 4 km/h faster overall at 221 km/h (132 mph). Also impressive, the base Evoque shaves 0.3 seconds from the old model, completing its zero to 100km/h run in just 7.3 seconds.

2018 Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE
The 2018 Evoque Convertible doesn’t get the most potent powerplant, but the new base engine makes it quicker just the same. (Photo: Land Rover)

The larger Discovery Sport is much quicker with its upgraded engine too, zipping from zero to 100km/h in only 6.7 seconds and topping out at 221 km/h (132 mph) just like the faster Evoque, while the new base model achieves the feat in just 7.6 seconds compared to 8.2 seconds in the outgoing SUV (the seven-passenger Disco Sport hits 100km/h in 7.9 seconds), and once again manages a terminal velocity of 200 km/h (124 mph).

2018 Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE
The new Ingenium gasoline engine lineup was designed and gets made totally in-house. (Photo: Land Rover)

The innovative Evoque Convertible doesn’t feature a high-output version yet, but the new base engine nevertheless increases zero to 100km/h performance from 8.6 seconds to 8.1, while its top track-speed grows from 180 km/h (112 mph) to 217 km/h (135 mph), which is now the same as the outgoing and current five-door base Evoque’s top speed.

The new engine features a higher-pressure fuel injection system with upgraded injectors, while the exhaust manifold is now integrated within the cylinder head for quicker warm-up and more immediate turbo response. The high-output variant also includes an upgraded turbocharger with unique bearings resulting in more power, quicker response and better overall efficiency.

2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE
The new engines improve performance across the range, while a 9-speed auto and four-wheel drive remain standard with both SUVs. (Photo: Land Rover)

If you want the more potent engine in the Discovery Sport you’ll first need to step up to HSE or HSE Luxury trim, which sport Dynamic exterior and interior styling plus equipment upgrades. Both trims get exterior modifications including a sportier front fascia design with deeper air intakes and other unique trim details all around the SUV, plus HID headlights with LED signatures, fog lamps, auto-dimming side mirrors with memory, and a fixed panoramic sunroof, while the cabins get a heatable sport steering wheel as well as driver’s seat memory, perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, front parking sensors, a garage door opener, etcetera.

2018 Range Rover Evoque HSE
Land Rover 4×4 capability is legendary, with even the smallest Range Rover Evoque performing well off-road. (Photo: Land Rover)

Specific HSE Luxury features also include unique exterior trim, proximity keyless entry, illuminated aluminum treadplates, upgraded interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation, 380-watt Meridian audio, higher grade perforated Windsor leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, a powered gesture liftgate, and more.

Of note, the Discovery Sport is impressively equipped in base trim with features like off-road capable four-wheel drive boasting Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control, trailer stability assist, auto on/off headlamps, power-folding heatable side mirrors with approach lamps, an electromechanical parking brake, pushbutton ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone auto climate control, rear parking sensors, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, a rearview camera, partial leather upholstery, 10-speaker audio, three USB ports with charging, Bluetooth phone connectivity with streaming audio, ambient interior lighting, and more.

2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE
The Discovery Sport has built a strong reputation for off-road competence. (Photo: Land Rover)

With the Evoque, the zestier engine comes in HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims, and like the Disco Sport this sportier Evoque gets a reworked front fascia, 20-inch alloys, bright square exhaust pipes, adaptive and configurable dynamics, auto high beams, a sport steering wheel, bright metal sport pedals, Windsor leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a Homelink universal garage door opener, 10-inch infotainment, upgraded navigation, WiFi, plus other exterior and interior enhancements, while the Autobiography adds unique exterior trim, adaptive HID headlamps with LED signatures, upgraded interior finishings, 14-way powered front seats with forced ventilation and memory, specially embossed Windsor leather upholstery, 16-speaker 825-watt Meridian audio, and more.

2018 Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition
A new Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition provides unique styling and features for good value. (Photo: Land Rover)

At the other end of the Evoque spectrum, a new value-focused five-door Landmark Edition combines the less formidable engine with unique dark grey gloss finished 19-inch seven-split-spoke alloy wheels, a choice of three exterior colours including Yulong White, Corris Grey and exclusive Moraine Blue, plus a standard Carpathian Grey contrast roof, Graphite grey and gloss black exterior trim, an Ebony black interior with Lunar stitching and dark satin brushed aluminum inlays. Additional Landmark Edition features include fog lamps, auto-dimming side mirrors, proximity keyless access, a powered gesture rear liftgate, and a more powerful eight-speaker audio system.

2018 Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition
The Evoque provides a luxurious interior, with the Landmark Edition getting unique trim and features. (Photo: Land Rover)

It should be noted the base Evoque is already a very well equipped SUV, with standard features that include off-road capable four-wheel drive with Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control, handling-enhancing torque vectoring, power-folding side mirrors with approach and puddle lights, an electromechanical parking brake, pushbutton ignition, a heatable leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, a colour TFT multi-information display within the primary gauge cluster, dual-zone auto climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, front and rear parking sensors, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a rearview camera, navigation, heatable 12-way powered front seats, leather upholstery, and much more.

2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE
The Discovery Sport is priced affordably yet provides premium materials and equipment. (Photo: Land Rover)

The new 2018 Evoque Landmark Edition starts at $54,000, which is just $4,100 more than the $49,900 base SE model, while the more powerful engine in HSE Dynamic trim can be had from $64,500, and the Evoque Convertible can be had from $66,000.

Despite being larger the Discovery Sport remains Land Rover’s entry-level SUV and one of the more attractively priced vehicles in its class at just $43,500 plus freight and fees, while the quickest Discovery Sport variant is available from $53,300.