Next-gen crossover looks a lot like the Ford Focus Active, adopts a softer design

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If those are the production taillights, they look just like the Chrysler 200.

 

Looks nice, a bit more car-like and less like a rugged SUV. It seems that the CUVs are becoming more like European hatchbacks.

 

 

I get a CX-5 vibe from it. I like it. Looks a bit lower for a better center of gravity and less narrow overall, so maybe a better handler.

Also in the first picture there is a new 2020 Explorer ST behind the new Escape. Excited to see if they hit 400hp with it. Current is rated at 365hp.

 

They are definitely taking it to where today's trends seem to be- more carlike. Looks a little too soft and feminine to me, but overall the body and details are pleasant (Audi/Mazda body and Tesla 3/Grand Cherokee lighting). It is hard to beat the first generation body. That thing sold like mad, with it's clean, boxy, yet modern styling, and torquey V6. Was basically an affordable mini Explorer.

Look forward to more details, as this one has nowhere to go but up. The current Escape does nothing to inspire in any way.

 

I also liked the first generation too. The first several years had some hiccups but those were smoothed out over time. The early ones also had a column mounted shifter. Eventually they went to a common floor mounted one. The hybrid was great and continued onto the second generation. It was a decent seller, and I always questioned why they discontinued it. Ah yes the old 3.0 Duratec V6

 

 

I agree with Kira. Looks better than the present one (which was derived from the European Ford Kuga), but they could have done the D-pillars a little better (too low and slanted/raked).

 

 

i agree with others it does look a bit more 'car like' with a lower hood height to wheel arch unlike the foul ecosport.

 

Sorry, but I don't like this at all. Looks like a jelly bean now. Interesting that Toyota goes completely the opposite direction beefing up the Rav4 going more rugged SUV like (more Tacoma). So Ford drops cars and is going to just do tall cars?

 

I agree. I would not mind the new Rav4 at all. This doesn't appeal to me at all and I was a fan of the previous generation Escape. Almost got one, in fact.

 

If they would raise the grill to meet the hood line (like the Explorer behind it) it might give a bit more SUVish appearance

 

except Toyota's powertrain choices for the Rav4 are lame as hell vs the Escape (2019 engine choices- standard 2.5-liter I-4 engine offering 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque while getting up to 21 city MPG and 29 highway MPG. The 2019 Ford Escape SE and SEL trim levels feature a standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine offering 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque while getting up to 23 city MPG and 30 highway MPG. The 2019 Ford Escape Titanium trim level features a standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine offering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque while getting up to 21 city MPG and 28 highway MPG)