Ford Explorer (6th Gen) and Escape (4th Gen)

In the good old days, the sedans from Ford such as the Focus, the Fusion, and the Taurus became bestsellers, but with the advent of the previous-generation Explorer and Escape, those Blue Oval sedans' days are numbered because with record-breaking sales of SUVs, Ford had no choice but to kill the rest of the passenger car range, except for the Mustang, leaving the Blue Oval nothing but crossovers and trucks on their range. The latest generation of Ford's bestsellers shows the grim trend why crossovers are treated like Hollywood superhero movies in cinemas and these two new versions will have their whys on that.

2020 Ford Explorer

Starting with the all-new Ford Explorer, which starts at a decent 36,675 US Dollars plus on road costs, and it is one of the horsemen of the crossover apocalypse that brought the demise of the Blue Oval saloons, primarily the Taurus because the previous model outsold the Taurus by a landslide.

2020 Ford Explorer

Observing on the design process, the new Explorer looks almost identical to the previous model it replaces, judging from the side and the back that was copy-pasted from the old one while slapping a front with the face of the Edge. Questionable looks aside, Ford insists that it is an all-new model because of what lurks underneath it but more with that later on because it's time to get to know its interior.

2020 Ford Explorer interior

2020 Ford Explorer interior

Practicality is the main reason why the Explorer is a hit among American families and this new model is no exception. On the driver's side, you can expect high-tech stuff dominating the dashboard as well as the optional tablet-sized touch-screen that works pretty much like the Multi Sense from Renault. Because the available tablet-sized touch screen behaves like an Android tablet, some will have a hard time toying around with the gadgetry flowing through the Explorer's insides, but despite that, you get seating up for seven people and space at the back for stuff on their next outing. Nice.

Like most Ford SUVs, the new Explorer comes with the available foot-activated liftgate so when your hands are full, you can lift your foot to have the back door open for you and store everything you got. Simple. There's loads of space to fill into the Explorer and considering how spacious the new model is, that's another main reason why families bought it for such purpose.

2020 Ford Explorer

Now we get to know what lurks underneath its American metal and the new Ford Explorer rides on a brand new rear-wheel drive architecture, which promises to be more sporty and athletic compared to the previous model and before you get too excited about burning rubber, it's too bulky to drift this crossover. Sorry. Anyway, although too big to drift for a crossover, the optional Intelligent 4WD takes good care of its powertrain and braking systems, making it capable of handling through different road conditions, be it tarmac, gravel, or snow. You can take it offroad but why would you want to?

The basic cooking model comes with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, which produces 300HP of power and 310lb-ft of torque, but if you go for the even beefier 3.0L EcoBoost V6, you get 65HP more and max towing capacity of up to 5,600lbs. In the semi-high performance ST version, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine produces 400HP of power, which is slightly less than its main rival, the Dodge Durango SRT. All of them are mated to a 10-speed AT, which sounds too massive for a gearbox like this.

Those looking for fuel efficiency can expect the Explorer Limited Hybrid to arrive shortly and this variant comes with a 3.3L V6 engine mated to an electric motor and a 10-speed AT, making it more enjoyable to drive than, let's say a Lexus RX450h.

The new Explorer boasts a wide range of safety features to keep it safe on and off the road One major example is the new Active Park Assist 2.0, which allows the driver to parallel park or perpendicularly at the touch of a button. Surprising but scary indeed if you're not into technology.

2020 Ford Escape

Next up is the fourth-generation Ford Escape, which starts at a very reasonable 24,885 US Dollars plus on road costs. The previous Escape outsold the Focus and Fusion, which got them concerned and thanks to the Escape, cars like the Focus and Fusion ceased to exist from the lineup. With the fourth-generation Escape, it continues to buck the trend for all the wrong reasons.

2020 Ford Escape

Starting at the styling department, the new Escape is pretty much like a jacked up version of the passenger car the Escape killed; the Ford Focus, meaning this crossover is covered in the Focus's blood, a dystopic sign why crossovers are easily killing passenger cars on American roads not because they're heavier and safer than their hatchback equivalents but they're more than that.

2020 Ford Escape interior

2020 Ford Escape interior

On the inside, it still has room for five people, a sensible dashboard on the driver's side, ample boot space for when they need most, and the optional foot-activated liftgate, meaning this new model is all about practicality and nothing else. Of course, the old Focus hatchback did offered some practicality but not as practical as the previous Escape, the one that killed the Focus in terms of sales, and for the new version, it's slightly more practical than the previous one. Slightly more comfortable as well.

Because the new model is covered in the Focus's blood, the new Escape now behaves like a city-class car thanks to reduced weight, better aerodynamics, and reworked suspension. Couple that with the Intelligent AWD and the new Escape works almost everywhere, even in the dirt.

The new Escape can be powered by either a fuel efficient 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine or a high-performance 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine which produces 250hp of power and 280ft-lb of torque. All of these engines are mated to an 8-speed AT with the latter comes with Paddle Shifters.

Those looking for less pain at the pumps are pleased to hear that the Escape Hybrid has returned on the fourth-generation and apart from that, there's the first-ever Escape Plug-In Hybrid in the mix. Both of these electrified Escapes come with the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine and eCVT.

Like the new Explorer, the new Escape boasts a wide range of safety features to keep it safe on and off the road, including the new Active Park Assist 2.0, which allows the driver to parallel park or perpendicularly at the touch of a button.

The new Explorer and new Escape are undeniable proof why Ford chose to sell only SUVs and trucks rather than passenger cars because they believe those outdoor-focused models are the future. In reality, those who bought such crossovers would rather stick on the road at Day 1 and leave as is forever. Shame.

This is the dystopic reality the American automotive industry is facing right now and with SUVs treated like Hollywood superhero movies, it's the end of the world for the saloons and hatchbacks as they know it.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Third-generation Ford Escape

Just like the third-generation Ford Focus that sold globally, this all new, third generation Ford Escape is now ready to take on the world and show the rivals how does this American-made radical crossover capable of. For the first time, like the upcoming Fusion which will sold in the world market as the new Mondeo, the new Ford Escape will be sold as the new Kuga. This is part of the ONE FORD approach. The Ford design executive director of Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa, Martin Smith, said "Escape's athletic good looks are no accident. We wanted to create the impression of an athlete like a runner or swimmer in the new body - right down to the defined muscles that convey movement and energy."

2013 Ford Escape

Despite the athletic design, think of this as a third-generation Focus that has the back of the Hyundai Tucson iX because the front view does look like the new Focus while most of the body really look like the Hyundai Tucson iX! Who would knew such a thing? It's like some of the designers are Asian Americans! Anyway, I think this new model looks a bit more "Made in USA" rather than being a Tucson wannabe and it really looks, um...well let's be honest, feisty. That's right. It's a very feisty crossover you can park with pride at Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall.

2013 Ford Escape interior

On the interior, the Ford design DNA really spills it out on the new Ford Escape. A rather typical Ford interior, like the ones you seen at the Fiesta and the new Focus, provides a kinetic expression for the driver in each and every angle. Interior colors include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone. (Depending on the exterior color) The Ford Escape accommodates up to five people and with the rear seats folded down, it provides enhanced cargo capacity — 68.1 cu. ft. of space for luggage concerns. If you go for Ford's SYNC powered by Microsoft, you can take advantage of its eight-inch LCD center touch screen, a four-inch LCD screen located on the instrument cluster, dual USB ports and Wi-Fi® capability. SYNC allows you to use voice recognition, listening to music, hands-free calling, integrated SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, EcoRoute, and everything to keep you interested while driving the new Escape. An optional Sony Audio System features 390 watts of power, 12 high-quality premium speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer. This is all about innovation made to achieve new heights.

2013 Ford Escape

The entry-level engine for the new Escape was the 2.5L Duratec iVCT I-4 engine that produces 168HP of power, 170lb.-ft of torque, 9.7:1 of compression ratio, and EPA estimated fuel mileage of 22 City / 31 Hwy. If you're not into this, you are now opted to choose one of two newly developed engines for the first time available for the new Ford Escape. First up, the 1.6L EcoBoost Ti-VCT GTDI I-4 engine that produces 178HP of power, 184lb.-ft of torque, 10.1:1 of compression ratio, and fuel mileage of 23 City / 33 Hwy. Lastly, the new 2.0L EcoBoost Ti-VCT GTDI I-4 engine produces 240HP of power, 270lb.-ft of torque, 9.3:1 of compression ratio, and fuel economy of 22 City / 30 Hwy. All of those are fitted with the 6-speed SelectShift transmission. EcoBoost-equipped Escapes do come with the optional Intelligent 4WD System that monitors traction and cornering conditions every 16 milliseconds and automatically adjusting torque distribution where needed. It comes with Torque Vectoring Control that enhances the G's by transferring torque to the wheels that have the most grip, making handling a bit more agile like a lightweight hatchback. This is like a big fat Focus but feeling like on a South Beach diet!

The new 3rd generation Escape comes with the active park assist, like most Fords, that allows the car to park by itself, making parking a hassle-free for the driver who's getting to have his or her neck broken for spending most of the time turning his or her head to the rear side. Hands-free parking is the same thing you'd expect from the SPAS fitted on modern Hyundais! Who would knew such a thing?! Another safety feature is the optional BLIS® with cross-traffic alert that detects blind zones and alerts you to incoming cross traffic while you are slowly backing out of a driveway or parking spot.

Available colors are; Ginger Ale, Tuxedo Black, Deep Impact Blue, Frosted Glass, Ingot Silver, Kodiak Brown, Oxford White, Ruby Red, Sterling Gray, and White Platinum.

My comment:

The design of the all new 2013 Escape really makes you want to park with pride outside Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall but sorry. This isn't for you. There are a lot of other cars who can do the job much better. But the Ford team chose another route to show the Escape's true potential. Nope, it's not the streets of Sydney, not the Italian autostrada, not the Autobahn, and neither is the Swiss. It's TRANSFAGARASAN. Yep, Transfagarasan highway. I really wish I want to put the new Ford Escape on the twists and turns of Transfagarasan, just to show how good it really is thanks to its Torque Vectoring Control and the optional 4WD.

With this whole Transfagarasan idea wasn't part of my imagination, this new Escape may have as well park with pride at the suburbs or at the kiddie playground. Sadly then, it's cool if you're a soccer or a tiger mom. Prices start from 22,795 up to 30,695 US Dollars so on paper, the base model is much more affordable than the idiotic Chevy Equinox! To be clear; IT'S CHEAPER THAN THE NEW EQUINOX!! STICK WITH IT!

Photo: Ford Motor Company