https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ford-escape-history/

Thankfully, there's an all-new 2020 Ford Escape on the horizon packing a fresh design, powertrains and technology. But before the fourth-generation model lands in showrooms this fall, let's take a quick look back at the history of the Blue Oval's compact SUV.

The first Escape arrived on the scene for 2001 with Ford working with Mazda to develop the compact SUV. Slotting below the full-frame Explorer in the lineup, the unibody-based Escape came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder churning out 130 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Those looking for more giddy-up could option a 3.0-liter V6 with 200 ponies and 200 pound-feet that worked with a four-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard, but both drivetrains could be equipped with a Control Trac II four-wheel drive system.