If one of your resolutions involves finding a new compact SUV, you have a hefty menu of vehicles from which to choose. There is some steep competition, including the redesigned Ford Escape. As you sift through the barrage of features and tech, you may be wondering about safety. So, just how safe is the 2020 Ford Escape? We took a closer look at ratings, equipment, and reviews to find out.

A competitive landscape for compact SUVs

As consumers make shifts to buying more compact SUVs, the automakers are taking heed. These smaller vehicles are getting much-needed enhancements to increase cargo space, performance, and fuel efficiency. Some of the top-ranking contenders include Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Ford has come out strong in 2020 with an all-new design for Ford Escape.

Improvements for Escape in 2020

In addition to redesigning the Ford Escape, Ford made a series of improvements overall. Reviews are suggesting the infotainment system is easy to use, and the seating capacity is offering more adult comfort in both rows. Escape’s handling has improved and now offers a more comfortable ride when compared to previous model years. There are new powertrains for Escape as well. Standard under the hood power is provided by the new 180-hp turbocharged, three-cylinder engine.

Available safety features and driver assistance options

The Ford Escape comes equipped with a few basic and expected safety features, including two full sets of LATCH car-seat connections. If you’re considering an Escape, you’ll enjoy other standard assistance features across all trim levels, like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, driver drowsiness, and forward-collision warning systems.

Ford offers the Co-Pilot360, which is the technology platform for many of these features. If you have secondary drivers, you might also appreciate the MyKey feature. This allows you to regulate speed and audio volume.

Additional available safety and tech options include a heads-up display, rear parking sensors, and parallel parking assist. Depending on the trim level or packages you choose for your Escape, you can add some of the best features to help improve your safety behind the wheel.

How much do the extra safety options cost?

The base model Escape S will set you back $24,885 and come with those standard safety features previously outlined. Bump up a trim level to the SE to upgrade your touch screen and add Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SE starts at $27,095, and the hands-free tech is a must-have for safe driving.

Adding Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of tech is also worth the $695 to upgrade. The best and plushiest version of the Escape is the Titanium. The starting price is around $33,400, and at this trim level, you’ll enjoy all the best driver assistance and tech features.

How the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety scores the Escape

The 2019 Ford Escape was a top safety pick for the IIHS. But, how well does the new redesigned 2020 model fare? In terms of crashworthiness, Escape receives “Good” ratings throughout the evaluations. In crash tests, the IIHS evaluates a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers and passengers in a variety of impacts.

• Small overlap front – driver side
• Small overlap front – passenger side
• Moderate overlap front
• Side
• Roof strength
• Head restraints and seats

The results also indicate the 2020 Ford Escape is “Good” for protection occupants’ head, neck, chest, hips, and lower body during various impacts.

How the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration scores the Escape

The NHTSA hasn’t officially evaluated the 2020 Escape yet. Although, they did give it a five-star safety rating for the 2019 model. Even with the new redesign, you might speculate a similar rating for this new model. Both NHTSA and IIHS tend to fall in line with each other’s findings. So, it might be a safe bet to expect similar safety endorsements from the NHTSA.

Overall, the 2020 Ford Escape is a capable and safe compact SUV. It’s definitely worth your consideration and a test drive. If safety is a priority, you can breathe easier, too, knowing it comes standard with a host of safe-driving basics.