The smaller Ford Escape has been in the lineup for quite some time, but with competition in every SUV segment heating up in recent years, it may not get the attention it once did. But even though there are plenty of options in the compact SUV segment to choose from, that doesn’t mean you should ignore the Ford Escape in favor of the others. Here are five reasons to give the 2020 Ford Escape a chance.

The 2020 Ford Escape offers something for everyone with a multitude of trims

As many other SUV brands are streamlining their lineups, Ford offers more choices to its customers than most with a plethora of Escape trims and powertrain options. According to Ford, the 2020 Escape SUV can be purchased in a total of four trims: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. But the trim level isn’t the only choice for new owners to make.

Aside from two gasoline engines to choose from, Ford also offers the Escape with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well. This means the new Escape comes with a total of three engine choices: the base, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that makes 181 hp, an upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter that makes 250 hp, and 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors that make 221 hp. Add in available options and packages, and the Ford Escape can be customized for any buyer.

Ford’s newest Escape proves compact SUVs don’t have to be cramped

The Ford Escape is considered a compact SUV, offering just two rows for a total of five passengers. But while the Escape is certainly not the largest SUV you can purchase, it’s one of the roomiest small SUVs in its segment. Even in the rear, adult passengers can ride easily and comfortably, with plenty of headroom and legroom.

Better still is the Escape’s second-row, split-fold seats which can easily be moved with an all-new sliding feature. In addition, the Escape offers more cargo space than most rivals at up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. 

New buyers can stay safe for less money with the help of Ford’s many standard driver-assist features

Today’s SUVs offer more tech and safety than ever before, but many brands will make you pay for it. The 2020 Ford Escape, however, offers owners tons of driver-assist features as standard equipment.

In fact, the Escape offers much more in the way of standard features than many in the same segment, helping it to earn a top-five position on U.S. News’ Compact SUV list.

According to U.S. News‘ experts, the 2020 Ford Escape comes with “one of the best safety scores in the class,” coupled with a variety of standard driver-assistance features like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features are also available, like adaptive cruise control, parking assist, a head-up display, and more.

The Escape is an SUV with car-like handling and fun driving quality

The newest Escape’s updated styling makes it look fun and zippy, and its performance is designed to match. The same U.S. News experts state that it “provides enough power for most driving situations, rides smoothly on most pavement, and has better handling than many of its rivals.”

While the interior of the Escape provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo, it certainly doesn’t drive like a big, bulky SUV. Its updated suspension system helps make the Escape’s ride smoother and more car-like than ever.

Lots of options and upgrades offer advanced tech in the 2020 Ford Escape

While the Ford Escape’s base S trim comes with basic features like a 4.2-inch display with AM/FM radio, there are plenty of great features in higher trims and plenty of available options for buyers to choose from.

Standard equipment in Ford Escape SE models and above include an impressive 8.0-inch touchscreen display with the Sync 3 infotainment system. Additional standard features in the highest trim include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and in-dash navigation. But options like a head-up display, panoramic moonroof, and power liftgate are also available.

Although all base models of the Escape come paired with an automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is optional for every trim.