2020 Ford Escape (Kuga): Revealing Photos Show A More Stylishly Focus-ed Design

The last time we spotted the all-new Ford Escape (or Kuga as it is known in Europe) it carried a camouflage cloak that kept most of the design hidden from curious eyes.

Now, however, the 2020 Escape has been spotted in the United States wearing nothing but thin camouflage foil. As a result, we get the clearest look yet at the midsize crossover and our first impression is it looks like a 2019 Focus on stilts. Maybe that’s Ford’s way of compensating for not bringing the all-new Focus Stateside.

The new Escape/Kuga will be the first SUV to adopt Ford’s latest design language featured on the latest Focus. Notice the upwards sweeping design of the shoulder line, the gaping grille placed lower than before, the similar headlights and taillights, as well as the fewer edges around the body.

It looks a lot like the new Focus America doesn’t get

Speaking of the grille, on this particular prototype it features a mesh black treatment similar to the grille of the Focus ST-Line. Still, the rather small wheels and abundance of plastic cladding leads us to believe it is not an ST-Line version.

The 2020 Escape/Kuga does look sportier overall than its predecessor, adopting a sloping roofline towards the rear and a rear window that seems more inclined than before. While it looks nice, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on cargo space.

One photo also provides a peek inside the cabin, revealing a touchscreen display mounted at the top of the center console. As with the new Focus, the upcoming Escape/Kuga will be roomier and will adopt higher quality materials and the latest active safety and convenience features. Expect systems such as Pre-Collision Assist, Active Park Assist 2, Blind Spot Information, Evasive Steering Assist and more.

As for the engine lineup, the new crossover will offer EcoBoost gasoline engines and EcoBlue diesels in certain markets, available with the new nine-speed automatic transmission. Various forms of electrification are also on the table.

The All-new Ford Escape/Kuga is likely to debut in the second half of this year as a 2020 model.