Once thought of as a “Baby Explorer” when it debuted in 2001, the Ford Escape made the small SUV segment its own, and soon developed its own following, personality, utility, look and feel. The 13th top-selling vehicle in 2019, Escape is Ford’s No.2-best-selling vehicle, behind only the F-Series.

For 2020, Escape, has been redesigned for its fourth generation, and brings back a hybrid model, after a seven-year hiatus.

The 2020 Ford Escape is all-new with an aerodynamic design stemming from a sloped roofline, optimized liftgate spoiler and efficient underbody. Two hundred pounds lighter than the previous incarnation, due in part to the extensive use of high-strength, lightweight steel, Escape gains power, fuel efficiency and sportiness across all of its five trim levels. The 2020 edition offers four powertrains, including a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant, and introduces technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity. Escape introduces new sliding second-row seats for 2020 that enable best-in-class second-row legroom and as much as 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space. And Ford’s smartest-ever small SUV features new selectable drive modes and Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technology. Available features include a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, a first-for-Ford in North America heads-up display and its first-in-class driver-assist features Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist.

The new Escape’s architecture goes for sportiness, borrowing its shield-shaped trapezoidal grille from a similar sixth-generation Mustang inspiration, while the lower front end pays homage to Ford GT. Compared to the previous model, the all-new Escape stands lower, wider and longer.

The 2020 Escape continues in its compact crossover footprint though this year’s generation gains 2.4 inches in length to 180.5. Escape measures 66.1 inches in height (0.2 inches lower) and 74.1 inches in width (a gain of 1.7 inches), on a 106.7-inch wheelbase – up 0.8 inches. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.9 inches and Escape has a curb weight range of 3298 lbs. to 3884 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration.

Performance upgrades help make Escape a fun-to-drive sports-ute, with both its gas engine-powered models and the standard hybrid available with all-wheel drive. EcoBoost-equipped models get a new quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth, responsive shifting, while every Escape receives an all-new suspension and improved dynamics with a new isolated rear subframe.

Available in either Front-Wheel-Drive or Intelligent 4WD, Escape’s engine choices include the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter FHEV iVCT inline-4 engine that delivers 198hp and 170 lbs-ft of torque with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection and the 2.5-liter PHEV that gives you 209hp. The standard hybrid targets best-in-class EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles and the plug-in hybrid targets a best-in-class EPA-estimated pure-electric range of 30-plus miles. For gas-engine devotees, a direct-injection 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop returns, rated at 180hp, with 177-lbs-ft of torque and a EPA estimate of 26mpg/city, 31mpg/highway and 28mpg/combined. The other option, a turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost® inline-4 with Auto Start-Stop also returns this year, supplying 250hp and 275 lbs-ft of torque on premium fuel, with EPA estimates of 22/28/24. I drove the 1.5-liter and averaged 28.6mpg in mixed-use tests. My weeklong test included some interstate trips, in-town maneuvers and one soft-road test, and I found the system to provide just enough power to pass when asked, and to conquer uphill grades sufficiently. A track test showed a steady 7.7-second zero-to-60mpg sprint and a 16-second-flat quarter-mile. My small SUV showed carlike steering, balance and an family driving and passenger experience.

Inside, the cabin is well-appointed with seating for five. Accommodations are tight for taller drivers, as headroom measures 40.0 inches in front and 39.3 in row two. Legroom can be stretched to a maximum of 42.4 inches in row one, while second-row passengers have 38.9 inches. Shoulder room is 57.6 in row one and 56.0 for row two, representing small gains in shoulder and legroom.

The 2020 Ford Escape is available in five trims. The S trim starts at $24,885 with the 1.5-liter I-4 EcoBoost® engine and Sync® with 4.2-inch LCD Screen Display; the SE that I tested, starts at $27,105 with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® and adding SYNC® 3 with 8-inch LCD Screen Display, 10-Way Power Driver with Heated Front Row, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start and more; the SE Sport Hybrid starts at $28,265 with the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine and more; the SEL trim starts at $29,265 with the 1.5, reverse sensing and a power liftgate; and the Titanium trim started at $33,550 in FWD with the 2.5-liter Hybrid, 10-Speaker Audio System and more.

My Escape SE added Rapid Red exterior paint for $395. Upgrading from FWD to all-wheel-drive added $1500; Ford Co-Pilot Assist™ added $695 for Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®. Splash guards added $210; a Panoramic Vista Roof added $1495 and Destination Charges of $1245 plus an Acquisition fee of $645, put the sticker-as-tested at $33,390, but incentives of $1625 and other discounts are available, so check with your dealer.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive helps wrap the end of August at Carlisle (27-30) and for 2020, two great displays will offer guests a chance to look at the past and present of the brand, all in one place.  This year’s weekend plans to host some 5,000 Corvettes and tens of thousands of guests, all flocking to America’s Automotive Hometown to see every generation of Corvette, shop for Corvette parts, meet those who build their beloved car and more!

Heads will turn at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds as the event remembers 1970 Corvettes; the C3, while also shining the brightest spotlight possible on the 2020 Corvette; the C8.  It’s been 50 years since the 1970 Corvette was introduced to consumers and this display will showcase some of the best from that era.  Positioned under a display tent on the Fun Field, dozens of ’70 Corvettes will run the gambit, from show quality drivers to low mileage originals, this display is a must-see for any lover of Corvette’s past!

While one part of the grounds will welcome Corvette history, another will welcome its present and future in the form of the 2020 C8!  This showcase isn’t just any old display of cars, it’s a mass gathering from Team Chevrolet.  Last year, they brought 14 pre-production models to Carlisle, parking some in general parking, others under a tent and two as part of a special display room in the heart of the Fun Field.  Expectations are that all of that AND MORE will be part of this August’s event!  The display room/big box is back, Team Chevrolet is back and with the 2020 Corvette available to consumers, expect even more on grounds from show-goers along with those carrying Michigan plates.

There’s one other can’t miss display planned for August and that’s the annual Chip’s Choice showcase.  For 2020, the display is hands off from the Corvettes at Carlisle team and instead, is being selected exclusively by the team from Bloomington Gold.  In fact, this display will feature a dozen or so cars that were Benchmark Award winners. 

“Carrying on the Carlisle tradition for the 50^th anniversary of Corvette, the 1970 display will be a tremendous hit,” noted Lance Miller, co-owner of Carlisle Events.  “Some of the cars lined up for this year’s event are truly must-see cars and we’re very excited to shine the spotlight on these amazing cars,” continued Miller.  “This year’s Chip’s Choice will be another staggering display of incredible Corvettes supplied by our friends at Bloomington Gold.  Bill Locke and Guy Larsen from Bloomington Gold have been sending me the submissions for this year’s show and I’m EXCITED to see them in person.  Plus I’m really eager to see some of the modifications that people are coming up with for the all-new 2020 Corvette, it’ll be a great event!”

Discounted single day admission tickets are available online now through event weekend.  There is even a package deal available that offers access plus a shirt.  Those looking to show can save 10% by registering now through July 27.  After that date, registration shifts to full price and is still available online through event week, but relevant materials must be picked up versus being mailed with an early registration and savings.  Call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com to learn more.

The public took to Honda’s Pilot when it was launched in 2002, as the first three-row, mainstream SUV to be developed on a car-like unit-body platform. That following has resulted in more than 2 million units sold since, and it remains a top-20 vehicle on the sales floor.

Pilot’s last full regeneration occurred for the 2016 model year, and after a mid-generation re-styling last year there are no major tweaks for 2020, with the exception of a new top-of-the-line Black Edition trim level based on the former top-tier trim, the Elite. The new Black Edition adds exclusive exterior and interior styling enhancements, and like the similar Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, the Pilot Black Edition comes exclusively in Crystal Black Pearl paint and includes Black Edition badges on the grille and tailgate, Black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels, and blackout treatments for the grille, headlight trim, side trim, door handles, window trim and fog light accents. Inside, there is red accent lighting for the dash, doors and center console, with red accent stitching on the front and second row captain's chairs, door panels and steering wheel. The Black Edition logo is embossed on front seats and floor mats, and the front and second-row seats get a red accent to the perforated-leather seating surface.

For the rest of the 2020 Pilot line-up, Honda has added Honda Sensing® as standard on all trim levels, along with available HondaLink with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, CabinTalk™ and CabinControl™ applications, and Honda i-VTM4® torque-vectoring all-wheel drive is now available on all trims.

However, the Black Edition isn’t the only loaded and trendy trim on tap. I tested the next line-topper, the Elite model, which was imbued with such accouterments as a Panoramic Sun Roof and such interior upgrades as heated second-row captain's chairs, heated and ventilated front seats, perforated leather front and second-row seats, heated steering wheel, 590-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers and Multi-Zone Audio, wireless phone charger, illuminated front- and second-row beverage holders and LED front-row map lights. Outside the Pilot Elite has automatic-dimming, power-folding side mirrors and standard Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ All-Wheel-Drive System. From a safety perspective the Pilot Elite comes with Honda Sensing®, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies designed to keep you out of bad situations by alerting you to things you might miss while driving. Honda Sensing® includes Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Borrowing inspiration from Honda’s Odyssey minivan, Pilot comes at you with an aggressive grille featuring a bold interpretation of the Honda “flying wing” design, and sporty front fascia with standard LED low-beam headlights. The rear features wing-design taillights, and sculpted tail. The eight-person family utility vehicle is built with unit-body construction with slender, non-boxy lines and a powerful stance. The 2020 Pilot measures 196.5 inches in length; 78.6 inches in width; and a wind-wobbling 70.6 inches in height on a 111.0-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 7.3 inches, and curbweight ranges from 4036 lbs. to 4400 lbs. depending on trim and extras.

Inside, Pilot is filled with soft-touch materials throughout the cabin and tech runs supreme throughout with audio/connectivity and driver conveniences. The Pilot Elite cabin is accommodating, with headroom of 39.5 inches up front (some trim models reach 40.1 inches), 40.9 inches in row two and 38.9 in row three. Legroom is 40.9 inches in the front row, 38.4 inches in the middle row and a child-accommodating 31.9 inches in row three. Shoulder room comes in at a comfortable 62.0, 62.0 and 57.6.

The 2020 Pilot powers up with a 280hp, 262 lb-ft of torque 3.5-liter V6 engine. Depending on the trim model, it is mated either to a 6-speed automatic or 9-speed automatic transmission. My Pilot Elite was outfitted with a 9-speed and was EPA rated at 19 mpg/city, 26mpg/highway and 22mpg overall in AWD. My mixed-use tests showed an average of 21.3mpg.

Fit for soft-road conquering and in-town deftness, my Pilot reacted well on the highway, softened road irregularities and accelerated better than niche expectations with zero-to-60mph tests finished off in 6.6 seconds during a 15.3-second quarter-mile (hand-timed).

The 2020 Honda Pilot is available in six trims in both 2WD and AWD, with the AWD costing an additional $2,000, starting with the LX at $31,550 for 2WD; the EX at $34,430; and the EX-L at $37,860. All of those come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the following upper-tier Pilots are outfitted with a 9-speed auto-trans. The Touring trim starts at $43,715, the loaded Elite trim in AWD only, starts at $49,215 and the Honda Pilot Black Edition starts at $50,715 in AWD.

My test Pilot Elite in Deep Scarlet Pearl matched to a Beige Perforated Leather interior came with advanced Navi and rear entertainment system and 20-inch alloy wheels. We added Body side molding for $225, door edge guards for $105, door visors for $275, hood air deflector for $185, moonroof visor for $155, Premium running boards with lights for $725, perforated leather heated second row captain’s chairs for $300, and a splash guard set for $115.  With destination and handling charges of $1120, my 2020 Honda Pilot Elite stickered at $51,125, but discounts may be available, so check with your local dealer.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

On March 20, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions announced an unprecedented change of dates for an event.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Spring Carlisle and its two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions transitioned from its original April 22-26 dates to the final days of May.  At the same time, a secondary/back-up date was announced in the event that the pandemic was still a societal concern.

Though health experts have begun to share a more positive outlook on the outbreak, out of an abundance of caution and continued reviews of federal, state and local mandates, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions are invoking its planned June back-up dates for Spring Carlisle 2020.  The NEW dates for the Spring event are June 17-20 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds with the auction planned for June 18-19 at the Carlisle Expo Center. 

As with any rescheduled event, all original tickets, car corral spaces, vending spaces and auction commitments will be honored.  Best of all, the new Spring Carlisle and auction dates falls over Father’s Day weekend but not Father’s Day itself, meaning a great time out with Dad in Carlisle for the event, while also being able to enjoy Father’s Day at home with friends and family on Sunday, June 21.

“Social distancing seems to be working and our country is on the right track to getting back to normalcy,” said Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller.  “While we are all going in the right direction, we also recognize a continued need to protect our community of Carlisle, staff, guests and customers who historically attend Spring Carlisle and our auction.  It’s with this abundance of safety in mind that we have decided to utilize our previously announced back-up dates of June 17-20,” continued Miller.  “A summertime car event with Dad over Father’s Day weekend is how we’ll present the event and I look forward to seeing everyone in Carlisle starting June 17.”

As previously noted, the new dates for Spring Carlisle 2020 necessitates a one-time cancelation of Carlisle Auctions planned Summer Sale auction, originally scheduled for June 27.  That event WILL return in 2021.

During this event, as well as others on the schedule, Carlisle Events will continue to be proactive from a health and sanitation standpoint within the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.

• Carlisle Events and its neighboring properties will be adding additional sanitizer stations to the food court, entry gates AND guest services.
• ALL ticket takers and hand stampers will be offered gloves and hand sanitizer that is 60% (or greater) alcohol.
• Carlisle Events has secured a disinfectant from the suggested CDC list that quickly kills viruses and bacteria. This, combined with portable hand sprayers will be utilized in bathrooms, food court, vendor services, guest services and within the Carlisle Expo Center as part of auctions and third party events.
• Make available disinfectant wipes and sanitizer at ticket booths, vendor services, guest services and the Carlisle Expo Center.
• Communicate these measures to our guests, staff and business partners.
• Additional measures and suggested healthcare guidelines are available on the CDC web page.

For details regarding the NEW Spring Carlisle and auction dates for June, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.

The Nissan Sentra was created with a name that evoked the image of a “Sentry”, to bring to mind a safe small vehicle. Beginning life for model-year 1982 as a compact, it has since evolved into a mid-size. The sixth best-selling sedan in America this year, Sentra is all-new for 2020, beginning its eighth generation as a vehicle that is wider, longer and heavier than last year, but lower for better aerodynamics and stability. The new-gen Sentra has also gained 17 percent more horsepower and picks up a small bit of fuel efficiency.

Sitting on a new platform, the 2020 Nissan Sentra exterior is sportier and more muscular looking; it gains better road stability and driving dynamics through the redesign, new suspension and steering system; it adds a comprehensive suite of intelligent connectivity technologies, including available NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™; adds as standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 and available driver assist technologies; and the interior is redesigned with more modern, luxurious and premium accouterments.

Outside, Sentra’s new sculpted demeanor is more aggressive and sporty than is expected from a lower-priced sedan. The powerful stance and premium look are highlighted by Nissan's signature V-motion grille, available thin LED headlamps and floating roof. A lower rear roofline and wider shoulders, with wheels flush to the body, enhances its boldness. The Sentra SR trim I tested, provides a more athletic appearance with a sport-style rear spoiler, black-painted side mirrors with integrated turn signals, lower body side sill extensions, 18-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels, and chrome exhaust finisher.

Once Sentra was a sub-compact, but it is firmly entrenched as a midsize now, weighing in with a curb weight of 3084 lbs. for my test Sentra SR – more than 100 lbs. heavier than last time --  and measuring 182.7 inches in length (up 0.6 inches), 71.5 inches in width (2.2 inches wider than last year) and 56.9 inches in height (an aerodynamic lowering of 2 inches) on a 106.8-inch wheelbase (0.5 inches greater), with a pavement-scraping minimum ground clearance of 4.9 inches. 

The 2020 Sentra's all-new interior is more refined, more touch-oriented and more luxurious – above expectations in the compact sedan segment. Attention to detail and craftsmanship can be found throughout the interior, with satin chrome aluminum accents, the intuitive placement of controls, contrast seat stitching and a standard D-shaped steering wheel. Standard features include Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, which help optimize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long distance driving. Other interior features include remote keyless entry with push button start, RearView Monitor and Rear Door Alert.

With seating for five, Sentra offers a roomy 44.0 inches of front legroom (a gain of 1.5 inches) and a comfortable 37.4 inches of rear legroom. Headroom is cramped up front at 37.5 inches with sunroof (losing a half-inch over last year) and tight in the rear at 36.7 inches. Shoulder room exceeds niche expectations and gains 1.7 inches at 56.4 in row one and 54.5 for row two (up 0.6 inches).

Sentra's driving experience has also been upgraded. All 2020 Sentra models come equipped with the latest generation Xtronic transmission – no manual trans is offered. Sentra is now powered by a new, fuel-efficient 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque – increases of 25 hp and 21 lb-ft over the previous model. Sentra's top-level driving dynamics are provided by a new independent rear suspension matched to a McPherson strut front suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers. Also new are a responsive dual-pinion rack electric power steering system and Nissan Intelligent Trace Control technology, both standard. With an EPA rating of 28mpg/city and 37mpg/highway, my week of mixed-use tests yielded an average of 32.3mpg.

Even with the power increase, Sentra still performs as one expects a compact to act. Passing at speed and accelerating uphill should be strategized, and at the track, Sentra improves a bit. The last last-gen Sentra I tested was slow, at a 9.6-second dash and 17.6-second quarter-mile. The new-Gen perked up to 9.2 and 17.2. Steering was predictable with lessened understeer.

Available in three trim levels, the base 2020 Sentra S starts at $19,090. The SV trim Sentra starts at $20,270, and added 16-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, Premium Cloth seat trim, 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, Apple CarPlay® integration and more. The premium The SR trim I tested comes with 18-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels, Dark chrome V-Motion grille, Chrome exhaust finisher and more, and starts at $21,430. My test SR, in Two-Tone Monarch Orange Metallic / Super Black exterior paint, for an extra $595, played off a Charcoal Sport Leatherette Interior as part of the $2170 SR Premium Package that was loaded with an Intelligent Around View® Monitor, Power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way power lumbar, sport leatherette-appointed seats with contrast orange stitching, heated front seats and more. A Clear rear bumper protector was installed for $75, and an impact sensor was added for $125 (alerts you to denting and attempted break-ins). With Destination and Handling charges of $925, my 2020 Nissan Sentra SR as tested stickered at $25,320.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>