Thoughts on new Ford Escape and it's AWD system

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wbwanzer

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The new Ford Escape has just recently come onto my radar as a next vehicle. I've watched some YT videos and like what I'm seeing. But I have a few questions. It sounds like there is a whole new powertrain for 2020. Is the 2.0T for 2020 updated from the 3G engine? My impression is that the 2.0T engine was reliable. What about the AWD system? I've been impressed with the AWD I've seen in videos, but of course those were 3G or older. Do you know what type of AWD system is used in the 4G Escape (Haldex maybe?) Is 4G AWD the same as prior generations or better? Also, what about the 8 speed transmission? Sounds like it's new also. Who developed it?

I'm hoping to drive one soon. Now sure if there are any available yet nearby. I'm not in the market to buy right now, but am trying to research and get my ducks in a row. Right now the Equinox with the 2.0T in at the top of my list. I've driven it twice and liked it a lot. Also driven the RAV4, CX5, and Tiguan. The new Escape looks to be right up my alley. The 2.0T is pretty quick for that segment of SUV.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Nifty you can disconnect it like old school "advanced" AWD systems to save fuel.

I would wait for a review to see how it performs in a rough conditions. I will only state my experience with Ford AWD was abysmal with two front wheels down 4" off road (snow packed smooth shoulder was) into snow/ice and the rear tires on bare pavement. The fronts spun like mad while the rear interemitently would kick power but not enough torque to pull the car up onto pavement. That was 2017 Ford Flex.
 
I learned a long time ago, if there is a major change, new power train, etc. in a vehicle don't buy the first year of it. Let the early adopters do the testing and report back. While change is usually good, sometimes there are screw ups that don't show up until the vehicles see some real world use. Good luck with your choice.
 
Originally Posted by demarpaint
I learned a long time ago, if there is a major change, new power train, etc. in a vehicle don't buy the first year of it. Let the early adopters do the testing and report back. While change is usually good, sometimes there are screw ups that don't show up until the vehicles see some real world use. Good luck with your choice.

As a first year (1981) purchaser of a Ford Escort, I heartily agree with this advice.
 
Originally Posted by demarpaint
I learned a long time ago, if there is a major change, new power train, etc. in a vehicle don't buy the first year of it. Let the early adopters do the testing and report back. While change is usually good, sometimes there are screw ups that don't show up until the vehicles see some real world use. Good luck with your choice.


Thanks. I agree with your thoughts on avoiding a new gen of vehicle. I guess I could wait until this time next year for a 2021, but I was hoping to make a move sooner than that. Right now I guess my priority should be test driving one.
 
Originally Posted by wbwanzer
Originally Posted by demarpaint
I learned a long time ago, if there is a major change, new power train, etc. in a vehicle don't buy the first year of it. Let the early adopters do the testing and report back. While change is usually good, sometimes there are screw ups that don't show up until the vehicles see some real world use. Good luck with your choice.


Thanks. I agree with your thoughts on avoiding a new gen of vehicle. I guess I could wait until this time next year for a 2021, but I was hoping to make a move sooner than that. Right now I guess my priority should be test driving one.




The other side of that coin is that the automakers are making changes pretty often. You might be waiting a long time for problems to settle out.
 
I'm just not really into fords, and the Escape isn't very fast. I went with the CX5 instead.

The equinox is an interesting choice as well, and I'd pick it over the Escape, but I did the GM thing and wanted Japanese.


To answer your question, however, the Escape's AWD system is likely to be G2G. Ford has really done decent with their AWD's.

My issue with the 2020 is that it looks like Ford is trying to ape the CX5, and coming up terribly short. Check out the HUD for example. Total econo-version of the CX5's unit. Interior is strikingly similar, and I bet the Ford's won't feel/be half as nice, if the HUD is any indication.
 
Originally Posted by PimTac
Originally Posted by wbwanzer
Originally Posted by demarpaint
I learned a long time ago, if there is a major change, new power train, etc. in a vehicle don't buy the first year of it. Let the early adopters do the testing and report back. While change is usually good, sometimes there are screw ups that don't show up until the vehicles see some real world use. Good luck with your choice.


Thanks. I agree with your thoughts on avoiding a new gen of vehicle. I guess I could wait until this time next year for a 2021, but I was hoping to make a move sooner than that. Right now I guess my priority should be test driving one.




The other side of that coin is that the automakers are making changes pretty often. You might be waiting a long time for problems to settle out.

Perhaps, but the method I suggested has saved me and a lot of other people grief. I learned the hard way once. If a platform is that bad where they have to make a lot of changes to address problems I'd stand clear. The only way to know that is to wait unfortunately.
 
Originally Posted by wbwanzer
Originally Posted by demarpaint
I learned a long time ago, if there is a major change, new power train, etc. in a vehicle don't buy the first year of it. Let the early adopters do the testing and report back. While change is usually good, sometimes there are screw ups that don't show up until the vehicles see some real world use. Good luck with your choice.


Thanks. I agree with your thoughts on avoiding a new gen of vehicle. I guess I could wait until this time next year for a 2021, but I was hoping to make a move sooner than that. Right now I guess my priority should be test driving one.


Wait 6 months past release and you'll see the issue likely sorted. Although Ford never sorted the Fiesta/Focus DSG garbage and just pushed on consumers knowing it was bad and hoping for a fix.
 
With the way ford is dealing with the Sync 1 radio issues and especially the DCT transmission issues I'd just skip ford all together; even though the new escape doesn't have either.
 
Originally Posted by izualangel
https://www.aam.com/media/story/aam-to-supply-awd-ptus-for-global-ford-crossovers

This is a change from the older, trouble prone, "sealed for life" PTU used for a decade or so. The American Axle setup sounds like a good idea, I'm hoping for the sake of future Ford owners that it's a step up from the older PTU issues.

The PTU will still be there - I think Ford currently uses a Haldex setup on the current Escape and Explorer. I was in a 1.6T Escape and it held its own in the snow.

It's the Explorers that are stressing out the PTUs, especially in cop car duty. Ford is switching the Explorer back to a RWD-based format.
 
I have that system on the wife's ‘19 Lincoln Nautilus. It seems to be undetectable when it engages (if in fact it has ever kicked in). The idea of the driveshaft never turning in FWD should surely save wear and tear. Hers has the 2.7 and gets along pretty good. Lincoln is building some pretty nice cars here lately. My niece leases a MKC and is going to get an Aviator next year. She hasn't had one bit of trouble with it. She loves the concierge service. Oil change, tire low, whatever, make one phone call and your driving a courtesy car while they pick up, service and return her car freshly washed.
 
Originally Posted by nthach
Originally Posted by izualangel
https://www.aam.com/media/story/aam-to-supply-awd-ptus-for-global-ford-crossovers

This is a change from the older, trouble prone, "sealed for life" PTU used for a decade or so. The American Axle setup sounds like a good idea, I'm hoping for the sake of future Ford owners that it's a step up from the older PTU issues.

The PTU will still be there - I think Ford currently uses a Haldex setup on the current Escape and Explorer. I was in a 1.6T Escape and it held its own in the snow.

It's the Explorers that are stressing out the PTUs, especially in cop car duty. Ford is switching the Explorer back to a RWD-based format.


Ford hasn't used the Haldex system in many many years. There are two issues with the legacy PTU's. For whatever reason, they can leak (so pay attention). The biggest thing is heat. The PTU on 75% of the FWD based vehicles don't include an external cooler. They are supposedly air cooled by the design. Now for 90-95% of people that won't be an issue. However, if your PTU does overheat that will basically kill the fluid and you will need to change it immediately. The fluid will become virtually useless once it's cooked. There really isn't much fluid to begin with. Most Taurus SHO, some Explorer, and all Explorer PI units all have a true cooler.

Starting with the Nautilus and Edge in 2019, Ford has changed their design. Essentially, less moving parts for a "disconnect" when you don't need it. I have yet to hear of any problems with this system.
 
Originally Posted by zzyzzx
Why not get the more reliable front wheel drive version of whatever vehicle you end up getting?


I'm not really worried about the reliability of the AWD, I'm just more interested in how it works compared to some others. I don't need AWD most of the time, but it's nice to have when it snows or occasionally on a dirt road in the mountains in Virginia.
 
Originally Posted by wbwanzer
Originally Posted by zzyzzx
Why not get the more reliable front wheel drive version of whatever vehicle you end up getting?


I'm not really worried about the reliability of the AWD, I'm just more interested in how it works compared to some others. I don't need AWD most of the time, but it's nice to have when it snows or occasionally on a dirt road in the mountains in Virginia.

I know the situation as well. Never had an issue with awd systems. Even my jeep
 
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