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| 2020 Ford Explorer |
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| 2020 Ford Explorer |
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| 2020 Ford Explorer interior |
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| 2020 Ford Explorer interior |
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 2020 Ford Escape |
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| 2020 Ford Escape interior |
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| 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
