Used 2020 Ford Escape for Sale near Illinois

Compare 2020 Ford Escape Trims

The 2020 Ford Escape offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to well-equipped models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $12,293
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 33 hwy
• Most Popular: SE AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

S FWD — "Who It's For"

The S FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $12,293 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 786 listings
• View S FWD listings

S AWD — "Who It's For"

The S AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag, making it a practical choice.

• Avg. market price: $12,816 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 168 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View S AWD listings

SE FWD — "Who It's For"

The SE FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded vehicle with a good mix of features at a reasonable price.

• Avg. market price: $12,972 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 2,534 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SE FWD listings

SE AWD — "Who It's For"

The SE AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a popular trim with added all-wheel drive capability and desirable features.

• Avg. market price: $14,128 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 3,448 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SE AWD listings

SEL FWD — "Who It's For"

The SEL FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a comfortable ride with additional features without going overboard on price.

• Avg. market price: $14,144 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 641 listings
• View SEL FWD listings

SEL AWD — "Who It's For"

The SEL AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty feel with all-wheel drive and a host of premium features.

• Avg. market price: $15,281 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 1,418 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SEL AWD listings

Titanium AWD — "Who It's For"

The Titanium AWD is the pick for shoppers who want top-tier luxury and performance in a compact SUV.

• Avg. market price: $16,536 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 1,626 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Titanium AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — SE AWD

With 3,448 active listings, the SE AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse SE AWD listings

Best Budget Option — S FWD

At $12,293 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,128 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse S FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — S FWD

The S FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 27/33 MPG/MPGe.

Browse S FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2020 Ford Escape cost?

Prices have softened 10.48% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,519 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2020 Ford Escape a good car?

Generally — the 2020 Ford Escape earns a 4.4/5 user rating and an 8.00/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its smooth driving experience, numerous features, and safety technology. The review summary also points to strong acceleration and comfort, and the overview frames it as a high-tech, handsome, and surprisingly athletic small SUV.

The main trade-offs are limited cargo space, plus some owner complaints about space for taller passengers, a noisy engine under acceleration, mixed feelings about the gearshift design, and limited wireless charging compatibility. That makes it a strong fit if you want a compact crossover with multiple powertrain options and a more polished feel, but less ideal if maximum utility is your top priority.

Good and great deals account for 34.0% of listings, so there is still meaningful value in the market.

Is the 2020 Ford Escape reliable?

Owners rate it 4.4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a vehicle that feels dependable in daily use, with smooth driving manners, strong safety technology, and features that many drivers seem comfortable living with over time. It also highlights the kind of ownership experience that can feel trouble-free when you value comfort, acceleration, and a well-equipped cabin.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the Escape delivers a level of quality and performance that elevates it above a basic commuter SUV. Ford’s standard advanced safety suite and broad powertrain lineup add to that sense of confidence.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability concerns and more about choosing a well-kept example that avoids the compromises some owners mention.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Ford Escape?

At 71.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Pay close attention to body condition, interior wear, and whether the features you want are actually present on the trim you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S comes with 17-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, a 4.2-inch instrument-panel screen, manually adjustable front seats, and a 4.2-inch center screen, while the SE adds 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, automatic climate control, heated front seats, satellite radio, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and an 8-inch Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. CarGurus recommends the SE trim because it adds the most useful everyday upgrades for the money.
• Powertrain: The Escape offers four engine options, including a 3-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, a 2.5-liter hybrid setup with 198 horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid variant. The conventional engines use an 8-speed automatic, while the hybrids use a CVT.
• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard and includes forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver drowsiness monitor. The base trim still gets the full suite, which is a major strength.
• Infotainment: The base trim uses a 4.2-inch screen, while the SE upgrades to an 8-inch Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The tech setup is one of the biggest reasons to move beyond the base model.
• Fuel efficiency: The non-Sport hybrid returns 44 mpg city, 37 highway, and 41 combined. The SE Sport returns 43/37/40, the 1.5-liter turbo returns 27/33/30 combined, the AWD version of that engine returns 26/31/26, and the 2.0-liter turbo with AWD returns 23/31/26.

Which 2020 Ford Escape trim should I buy?

The 2020 Ford Escape is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SE, SE Sport, SEL, Titanium.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, but it feels stripped down with the small 4.2-inch screen and basic interior equipment. You still get Ford Co-Pilot360, so it covers the essentials, but it makes the most sense only if price is your overriding concern.
• SE: This is the best-value trim. It adds the 8-inch Sync 3 screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat, which makes it the smartest choice for most shoppers.
• SE Sport: This trim adds blacked-out styling touches, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a hybrid drivetrain. It suits you if you want the hybrid setup and a sportier look.
• SEL: This trim adds fog lamps, roof racks, a hands-free power liftgate, memory for the driver’s seat, synthetic upholstery, sport bucket seats, and a heated steering wheel. It is the better pick if you want more convenience and comfort features.
• Titanium: This is the most upscale version, with 19-inch wheels, LED fog lamps, acoustic-laminated glass, a dual-panel moonroof, premium audio, leather seating, and a nicer cabin presentation. It is the right choice if you want the most premium Escape experience.

Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard across the lineup, so even the base trim gets a strong safety foundation.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Ford Escape?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and pricing softness to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,519 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.48% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,493, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Ford Escape's resale value?

The current average of $14,493 sits slightly below last year's $16,190.

That softer pricing suggests the Escape has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you keep the vehicle in good condition and choose a desirable trim, you may be better positioned when it comes time to sell.

The current market also shows that shoppers still have plenty of inventory to compare, so resale value will likely depend heavily on trim, condition, and equipment. A well-kept example with the right features should remain easier to move than a neglected one.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.4/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Ford Escape safe?

The 2020 Ford Escape earned the best overall score of Good from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in all phases of testing.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard and includes forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver drowsiness monitor. That gives you a broad set of driver-assistance features even on the base trim.

Should I buy a 2020 Ford Escape or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.48% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 redesign brought a more polished cabin, multiple powertrain options, and standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $15,597, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $14,493 average.
• It adds only minor updates, including new appearance packages, exterior colors, an available tow package, and slightly improved fuel economy.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2020 is the stronger buy because it already has the redesign benefits and a lower average price. If you prefer a slightly newer model and do not mind paying more for modest updates, the 2021 is the secondary path.

How does the 2020 Ford Escape compare to the 2020 Honda CR-V?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2020 Ford Escape:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Stylish design, Standard advanced safety features.
• Cons: Not much cargo space.

2020 Honda CR-V:

• Pros: Great handling, Fuel-efficient.
• Cons: Outdated technology, Interior materials feel cheap.

Our experts score the 2020 Ford Escape 8/10 and the 2020 Honda CR-V 7.5/10. The Escape looks like the more feature-rich and better-equipped choice, especially if you care about styling and safety tech. The CR-V counters with stronger fuel economy and better handling, but its older-feeling tech and cheaper-feeling interior materials hold it back.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.