Ford is a leader in SUVs with models such as the Explorer, Expedition, and highly-anticipated Bronco. However, the 2020 Ford Escape has trouble living up to the auto manufacturer’s heritage of toughness.

Consumer Reports dinged the 2020 Escape with a low predicted reliability rating. But that’s not all. The publication also noted that this Ford compact SUV lacks cargo space compared to its competitors.

The Ford Escape marketed primarily toward young adults and growing families. Unfortunately, the 2020 Escape’s two main drawbacks might be the essential aspects its targeted demographic wants in their next SUV.

The 2020 Ford Escape has questionable long-term reliability

One attribute families don’t want in their SUV is unreliability. They want to know their vehicle will always get them where they need to be and that it’ll remain problem-free for a long time.

The 2020 Ford Escape could have problems being a dependable family vehicle. Consumer Reports gave the compact SUV a 2/5 predicted reliability score. Although, the publication’s data showed that the Ford Escape had made improvements in this category over the past few years.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has already issued four recalls for the 2020 Escape. The NHTSA gave the first recall for an issue with the seatback recliner. Then, the organization followed with recalls for the side airbags, the automatic transmission, and the rearview camera.

It’ll be tough to get away in this Escape

Road trips, grocery shopping, and weekend excursions all require abundant cargo space. The sheer convenience of ample storage space is why compact SUVs are the most popular segment in the automotive market.

The 2020 Ford Escape simply fails to live up to its rivals’ standard of cargo space. It offers 33.5 cubic feet of storage space behind its rear row and 65.4 cubic feet with the back row lowered down. In comparison, the 2020 Honda CR-V provides nearly 76 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

How might this shortcoming affect you in your daily life? Every cubic foot can make a significant difference when it comes to your travels and adventures. For instance, you might not be able to fit that last suitcase in the back of the SUV while you’re hurrying to the airport. Or maybe 65 cubic feet isn’t enough room to store all of your family’s sporting equipment.

Drivers who live an active lifestyle might be better off buying a Honda CR-V or one of Ford’s roomier options, such as the Ford Explorer.

How does the 2020 Ford Escape measure up in other areas?

Consumer Reports gave the 2020 Escape a 62/100 overall vehicle score. However, this compact SUV has some true positives to go along with its drawbacks. 

The publication noted its nimble handling and efficient standard and available hybrid engines as strong points. Plus, the Ford Escape earned a perfect score for braking. Meanwhile, an additional negative was the vibration created by the standard 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine.

The 2020 Ford Escape also comes with a reasonably impressive amount of driver-assistance systems. It comes standard with a forward-collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot warning system, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The final verdict

Ford has a long-standing history of reliability in its SUVs. However, the 2020 Ford Escape simply missed that mark. This model’s intended consumer would encounter a frustrating lack of functionality with its low-trending scores in reliability and spaciousness. 

While Ford appears to be making strides in improving its reliability scores, buyers would do well to look elsewhere until the manufacturer resolves these issues.