Looking for an affordable family SUV? With its unique hatchback design, powerful engine options, comfortable interior, technology features the whole family will love, and impressive safety ratings, you will definitely want to check out the 2019 Ford Escape.
Unique Hatchback Design
The shape of the Escape has not changed since it was re-imagined seven years ago, with a design that contradicts the very category it falls under. Looking nothing like an SUV and instead purposefully made to look like a hatchback, the sleek downward sloping design shows off the new raised roof and large cargo space. Lots of curves can be found on the exterior of the vehicle, adding to the hatchback mentality.
Power Under the Hood
The base S trim features a 2.5-liter, I-4 engine producing 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque while the SE trims increases the power with a 1.5-liter, I-4 turbocharged engine generating 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, at the Titanium level, you will find a 2.0-liter, I-4 turbocharged engine delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and built-in paddle shift controls due to the expectation that the driver will use this engine’s thrust quite liberally. All three engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Comfortable Interior
The base S trim features a 60/40-split folding reclining rear seat, a height-adjustable driver seat, air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Jump to the SE trim and receive heated front seats, rear air vents, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button ignition, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar adjustment.
The SEL level adds rear parking sensors, premium cloth upholstery ideal for hot climates, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, and power-adjustable side mirrors with heating. The luxurious Titanium level brings an automated parallel and perpendicular parking feature, driver-seat memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start, front and rear parking sensors, heated and 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and ambient interior lighting.
Technology to Keep You Connected
Tech features at the base S level include a six-speaker audio system with a USB port and CD player, the Sync interface with AppLink smartphone integration, a 4.2-inch central display, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera.
The SE trim adds an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Sync Connect, satellite radio, a nine-speaker audio system with dual USB ports, and enhanced voice controls. Those choosing the Titanium trim will enjoy a 10-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio, additional 12-volt power outlets, a 110-volt, a navigation system, and a household-style power outlet.
Safety
An SUV that prides itself as a family vehicle must prove itself as a safe vehicle first. The Ford Escape has received a five out of five on overall safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Escape performed well on both the frontal and side crash tests. Ford also went the extra mile and included forward collision warnings and a blind spot safety system as standard features on the Escape.
Come experience the 2019 Ford Escape yourself and visit Rochester Ford to schedule a test drive today.
There’s something about a nice Italian restaurant that feels special even before you eat a bite of food. Rochester, Minnesota, has a number of Italian eateries, and we’ve chosen three to recommend that have delicious food as well as a rich, rustic ambiance.
Terza Ristorante
Terza Ristorante is a local favorite that’s known for its ambiance and decor, as well as a superb wine list, handcrafted pasta, delicious tiramisu, and the rooftop bar.
Popular entrees include the grilled salmon, chicken piccata, and handmade gnocchi. Polenta, sweet corn risotto, and roasted fingerling potatoes are among the tempting sides. The poached pear salad features blue cheese made in Faribault, Minnesota. If you go for a pizza, try something unusual like the prosciutto and fig, featuring 600-day cured ham and dried mission figs, or go for an authentic Margherita pizza.
Terza is at 30 Third St. SE. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday and 3-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar
Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar is another popular restaurant in Rochester, featuring a wide variety of Italian pasta dishes and dinner salads. The outdoor seating is a plus among guests who like to enjoy the view while sipping wine, beer, and specialty drinks.
Victoria’s has a huge menu with a range of price points. The seafood menu has more expensive dishes, including grilled Norwegian salmon and shrimp Italiana. Rich entrees such as chicken roasted butternut squash ravioli and chicken or pork tenderloin Tetrazzini are made with ingredients that show care for the dishes. The spaghetti carbonara is such a simple dish, yet it somehow warms the soul. The pasta menu also includes housemade pesto sauce you can order with your choice of pasta.
Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar is at 7 First Ave. SW. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria
Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria serves authentic New York-style pizza and traditional Italian dishes. You can buy pizza by the slice or by the pie. Choose a traditional cheese pizza or opt for the La Fresca, an open-face square pizza with zucchini, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and mozzarella. The restaurant also offers two hand-tossed Sicilian pizzas, one with fresh basil and the other with basil pesto, and four stuffed Sicilian pizzas. Authentic Italian pizzaiolo selections include hand-stretched pies, including bruschetta, which features fresh herbs, olive oil, diced tomatoes, and Parmigiano and mozzarella cheeses.
Our attention was drawn to an Italian specialty calzone made with a rich mixture of prosciutto, Calabrese, salami, ricotta cheese, ham, and mozzarella. Calzone and stromboli can be custom-filled with the same ingredients used as pizza toppings. Also on the menu are sandwiches, soups, and appetizers, including bruschetta zeppole, topped with tomato, Parmigiano cheese, balsamic, and fresh basil. To go with the meal, Pasquale’s serves simple, affordable wines that a family might serve at the dinner table in Italy. Beer is also on the menu.
Pasquale’s is at 130 Fifth St. SW. It’s open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
These three Italian restaurants in Rochester, Minnesota, are enough to get anyone hungry for Italian food. We wish you a delicious meal.
Image by Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
4 of the Best Features of the 2019 Ford Taurus
As a full-size car, the 2019 Ford Taurus offers more space, more features, and more power than the other sedans in the company’s lineup. Its near-luxury options make it a great option for anyone who wants a refined experience without spending too much money, so have a look at these Taurus features and decide for yourself whether Ford’s large sedan is right for you.
Two Potent Engines
The 2019 Ford Taurus can come with one of two engine options. The first is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that gives you 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. That’s plenty of power to get you around town and have fun driving down country roads on a lovely day. However, you can also get a version of the engine that adds an EcoBoost twin turbocharger to give it 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. This version comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it both more powerful and more stable than the standard Taurus model.
Plenty of Interior Space
The 2019 Taurus comes with one of the biggest trunks of any sedan no matter what its size or class is. The trunk space measures out to 20.1 cubic feet, which is more than you get from some hatchbacks. That extra space also extends to the passenger cabin, which gives you 44.2 inches of legroom in the front row and 38.1 inches in the rear. With the right trim and features, that much space makes the Taurus a good choice for carpooling to work.
The SHO Performance Trim
The 2019 Ford Taurus has four trims to choose from: the SE, the SEL, the Limited, and the SHO. The SHO trim is different from the rest for a few reasons, including the fact that the SHO is the only trim to come with the EcoBoost upgrade and standard all-wheel drive. You also get paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and a sport-tuned suspension, but you can also pick up the performance package for even more upgrades like performance brakes, sport-tuned steering, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and a performance-tuned suspension.
Comforts You can Count On
All four trims of the 2019 Taurus offer plenty of features, but the Limited has the best list of them all. On this trim, you get ambient lighting, a Sony-brand audio system, SYNC 3 with smartphone compatibility and built-in navigation, and 10-way adjustable seats for the front row that come with heating, cooling, and perforated leather upholstery. You also get conveniences like MyKey, an entry system that lets you keep your key in your pocket as you drive.
If you’re in the market for a new large sedan, the 2019 Ford Taurus makes an excellent addition to anyone’s garage. However, you should hurry up if you want to give one a chance because Ford has said they plan to focus more on SUVs and trucks in the future. If you don’t test drive and buy a new Ford Taurus soon, you might not get the chance to buy a new Ford sedan in the future.
You might not think of sunny, humid days when you think of Minnesota, but summers in the Land of 10,000 Lakes can get just as unbearably hot and stuffy as they get further south. Fortunately, the cure for a humid day is the same in the north Midwest as it is elsewhere: find some shade, sit in a stiff breeze, and cool off by eating some tasty ice cream. You’ll find all the usual brands in town like Dairy Queen and Coldstone Creamery, but if you want a truly unique ice cream cone you should try one of these locations.
Flapdoodles Ice Cream
The founder of Flapdoodles named his ice cream store after the rather whimsical name his father gave to his boat back in Alaska. Flapdoodles currently has two locations, one on the frontage road across the highway from the Target plaza and one on South Broadway just past 16th Street. They also operate a food truck in downtown Rochester during the summer. Flapdoodles gives their ice cream a sailing-inspired twist by servicing sundaes with cones (sails) sitting on top, but you can also order plain sundaes, cones, pints of ice cream, and milk shakes.
The Local Pizzeria
You’ll have to drive north out of Rochester along Broadway (and eventually Highway 63) for about 20 miles to find the Local Pizzeria of Zumbro Falls. Once you get there you take a left onto Main Street and you can’t miss it. The Local Pizzeria is obviously proud of its pizza recipes and specialty combinations, but they’re just as proud of their ice cream menu. Stop in for lunch with a large pizza or a hot sandwich, but remember to leave room for a waffle cone or a cake cone with two scoops of ice cream.
CherryBerry
CherryBerry Frozen Yogurt is a Minneapolis-based franchise that has started to expand nationwide. The idea for the shop is simple: guests can pick one of the many frozen yogurt flavors available and then mix in or top their froyo with whatever they want: sprinkles, berries, or anything else they have on hand. You can add as much or as little as you like, because once you’re done you’ll pay for your sweet treat based on its weight. That lets you control your own portions at the CherryBerry just a couple blocks away from St. Mary’s Hospital.
Culver’s
Culver’s is another regional franchise that recently started expanding. In Culver’s case, the business started in Sauk City, Wisconsin and has two Rochester locations, and both happen to be in Walmart plazas at the north and south ends of town. Culver’s is famous for its Butterburgers and dinner menu options, but it’s also famous for its tasty frozen custard. You can order a custard sundae in the restaurant or to go, you can get a Concrete Mixer with cookies and candy mixed in, or you can buy a pint of their latest flavor as you head out the door.
There’s nothing quite like eating a smooth scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day. That’s why so many Rochester residents eat frozen treats every year.
Image by Ruth Hartnup is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
The Ford Explorer has gone through a complete redesign for the 2020 model year. It still looks much the same as it did last year, but the interior has more space, the engine options are newer and stronger, and the features both inside and out are fully up to date. That’s a lot of reasons to buy a new Explorer if you’re in the market for a midsize SUV, but the best way to understand is to give it a drive for yourself. You’ll notice quite a bit once you get in the driver’s seat.
To Feel the New Power
Depending on the model you choose, you’ll find one of three power plants under the hood. First is a relatively small 2.3-liter I-4 engine that uses Ford’s EcoBoost turbo design to get 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Second is a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that also uses EcoBoost and offers 365 horsepower with 380 pound-feet of torque. Then there’s the brand-new hybrid option, and with this engine, you get a net 318 horsepower and an expected fuel range of 500 miles.
To See the Interior Features
Standard equipment on a 2020 Ford Explorer includes an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with SYNC 3, but on higher trim levels you can upgrade that to a vertical 10.1-inch screen that rises up out of the center console to make it easier to see while you’re driving. A tri-zone automatic climate control system is standard equipment, and depending on the trim you can also get a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that lets you customize the information it gives you.
To Experience the Interior Space
Midsize SUVs with three seat rows can sometimes feel cramped, and not every model has enough room in the third row for adult passengers. However, that’s not the case with the 2020 Explorer, which has room to spare in all three rows and makes reaching the back row easy thanks to sliding second-row seats. You also get 18.2 cubic feet in the rear cargo area. That’s plenty for everyday driving, and if you need more room the back rows fold flat to give you up to 87.8 cubic feet for cargo.
To Test the Safety Features
Every trim of the 2020 Ford Explorer comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 package. This means you can count on getting automatic high beams, the Lane Keeping System, Automatic Emergency Braking, and the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. This is on top of other standard safety features like AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and the SOS Post-Crash Alert System. Depending on the trim you can get extra safety features like a 360-degree camera, Active Park Assist 2.0, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2020 Ford Explorer is the best version yet, and people are already starting to notice just what the new Explorer has to offer. Find out for yourself by visiting Rochester Ford for a test drive.
The Best Spots for Outdoor Fun in Rochester, MN
Rochester, Minnesota combines the busy city center of a large city with the quiet suburbs and nature walks of the rural towns that surround it on every side. That means you don’t have to look far to find ways to have fun in the Great Outdoors when you live in Rochester, or if you’re one of the many visitors who end up in town thanks to the world-famous Mayo Clinic. Regardless of why you’re here, there are definitely places to have some outdoor fun.
Quarry Hill
The Quarry Hill Nature Center takes its name from the old stone quarry that helped build some of Rochester’s first buildings. You can still see the quarry if you decide to wander through the park, and you can follow the handy signs to find it. In fact, since those first buildings sat where downtown Rochester is today, you can easily walk to Quarry Hill from the center of town by following a paved nature walk that starts just east of the river.
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is just north of the skyscrapers but still well within the downtown Rochester area. Silver Lake is a human-created lake that was once used as a coolant reservoir for the local coal plant, and when the plant was in operation it kept the lake warm and made it a popular spot for Canada geese and other migrating birds. These days the coal plant is out of commission, but the lake is still a popular spot for both migrating birds and humans who want to enjoy a lovely walk or rent a boat to take out onto the water.
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
If you head northwest out of town along Valleyhigh Road you’ll come across Oxbow Park. Oxbow offers visitors a wilderness park that’s still in shouting distance of Rochester, and they offer primitive camping sites you can reserve between May and October. The park is also the site of Zollman Zoo, a modest place that displays a few dozen wild animals native to Minnesota. The zoo is an active rehabilitation center, so the animals that stick around in the exhibits usually have permanent injuries or are too adapted to life in confinement to survive in the wild.
Cascade Lake
The Cascade Lake Park is a relatively new addition to the nature areas of Rochester, Minnesota. The area is an artificial wetland dug out while developers built some of the residential apartments in the area, and it offers some lovely views of the lakes and nearby homes. At the north end of the lake area you’ll find the biggest pedestrian overpass in the city, and while you’re on the bridge you’ll see two highways, a frontage road, and a nature path that keeps going north until it meets up with the Douglas Trail, a 12.5-mile trail system.
While you can surround yourself with busy streets and tall skyscrapers by walking down Broadway in Rochester, Minnesota, you don’t have to walk far to find yourself in a great spot to have some outdoor fun.
Image by Tony Asleson is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
Get Behind the Wheel of These 3 Powerful Ford Trucks
With the world’s best-selling truck, a hard-nosed heavy-duty option, and a newcomer to the bunch, Ford’s truck lineup is unlike any other in the world. If you’re in the market for a truck loaded with capability, functionality, and versatility, one of these options is the perfect match. Here are just some of the reasons to get behind the wheel of one of these powerful Ford trucks in Rochester, MN.
Ford Ranger
After an eight-year hiatus from the Ford lineup, the Ford Ranger returns in 2019 laden with top-notch amenities, power, and extras. The source of the Ranger’s power is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. At first glance, this engine may seem undersized, but with a turbocharged element, this pickup’s capable of pumping out 270 ponies and up to 310 pound-feet of torque.
Mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission and your choice of either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the Ranger pumps out a majestic 7,500 pounds of towing capacity. In addition, this truck gets a best-in-class 1,860 pounds of maximum payload capacity, enabling you to throw just about anything in the bed.
In addition to its brutish power, the Ranger also comes with some of the best off-road features in the segment. A traction control management system allows you to change from five different settings at the turn of a dial, while four-wheel drive dishes out even more traction and agility. For the true off-road enthusiast, the FX4 Off-Road Package includes an improved suspension, upgraded shocks, higher clearance, all-terrain tires, and skid plates.
Ford F-150
The world’s best-selling pickup needs no introduction. For over 40 years, this stalwart has provided some of the best amenities and capability in the pickup industry. To power the F-150 in 2019, Ford employs a brigade of six engines.
The stock engine is a 3.3-liter V-6 that delivers 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, while the option is a 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder delivers a lively 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 is the next offering, sporting 375 horsepower and a best-in-class 475 pound-feet of torque (with exception to the Ford F-150 Raptor). The high-output variant of the 3.5-liter V-6 is unique the F-150 Raptor, doling out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
The largest of the six engines is a 5.0-liter V-8 that’s good for 395 horsepower and up to 400 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel rounds out the lineup with 250 ponies and 440 pound-feet of torque. When properly equipped, the F-150 tows up to 13,200 pounds, making it a powerful ally.
Ford Super Duty
If you still don’t have enough power to complete the job, take a look at the Ford Super Duty. Available in three options (F-250, F-350, and F-450), it has the brawn to complete even the most arduous tasks. A 6.2-liter V-8 powers each trim, kicking out 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. An available 6.7-liter turbo-diesel goes even further with 450 horsepower and a best-in-class 935 pound-feet of torque, resulting in towing capacities up to 34,000 pounds.
When you need to get the job done, these Ford truck models provide a comprehensive package of excitement and functionality. Schedule a test drive today to see which one of these models speaks to you.
There’s nothing that screams summer more than heading out to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s exciting, fun, and tradition for the whole family. While Rochester, Minnesota, may not offer the spectacles you’ll find in Minneapolis, the city’s surprisingly amazing fireworks display allows you to enjoy the visual aesthetic without the hassle of traffic or crowds. If you’re looking to take in the moment with family, friends, or that special someone, check out these top firework viewing spots in Rochester.
The Salute to the Fourth
Entering its fifth year in 2019, the Salute to the Fourth is Rochester’s largest Fourth of July celebration. Before the celebrations take place, you can check out a BMX stunt competition, a food truck festival, a car and motorcycle show, kids’ activities and live music. Following the festivities, fireworks will commence around 10 p.m. To get the best seat in the house, stake out a spot on the Seventh Street Bridge that spans across Silver Lake. Remember to get there early, as over 15,000 people attended the Salute to the Fourth in 2018.
Rochester Honkers Game
If you’re not cut out for the crowds you’ll find at the Salute to the Fourth, check out the fireworks display at the Rochester Honkers game. This amateur baseball team is part of a summer league for collegiate athletes to hone their skills. After their July 5 game against the Waterloo Bucks, sit back in your seat, relax, and wait for the fireworks show to begin. There’s no better spot to see fireworks without having to move a muscle.
Stewartville Summerfest
Just 20 minutes south of Rochester, the town of Stewartville has one of the best summer festivals accompanied by a stunning display of patriotic fireworks. With a parade during the morning and food, music, and drinks to follow, you’re sure to find some excitement on your journey to Stewartville. As a relatively small town, there isn’t a bad seat anywhere near Florence Park. Just remember that in past years, the Stewartville Summerfest has only been open to those ages 18 and older after 9 p.m.
Deer Creek Speedway
Located in the nearby town of Spring Valley, Deer Creek Speedway is one of the top amateur and semi-pro race courses in southern Minnesota. On Saturday, June 29, head over to the speedway for exciting stock-racing action and one of the largest fireworks displays in the Rochester area. Gates open at 2:30 for spectators and the races start at 6 p.m. with fireworks to follow. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+), $13 for students (ages 13 to 17), and kids 12 and under are free. For a high-flying good time, nothing beats fireworks night at Deer Creek Speedway.
Grabbing a picnic blanket, a few drinks, some food, and your best friends to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July is one of the summer’s best events. The only downside is that you only get to experience it once a year. Make sure to take full advantage.
Image by Epic Fireworks is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
3 Reasons the 2019 Ford Ranger is Worth a Test Drive
Returning from the dead in 2019, the Ranger is the first midsize pickup truck in the Ford lineup in eight years. During that time, the F-150 has remained king, but for drivers who don’t need the bulk or added power of a heavy-duty truck, the Ranger slots in nicely. Loaded with tons of extras, a surprisingly powerful four-cylinder engine, and all the capability you need, the 2019 Ford Ranger is certainly worth a test drive.
The Turbo-Four
Beneath the stylish sheet metal of the 2019 Ford Ranger lies an engine that many would deem undersized. However, a test drive reveals that the turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is more than up to the task. Sporting 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, the Ranger is always up to the task.
With this engine at the helm, the pickup doles out an impressive 7,500 pounds of towing capacity to go along with a best-in-class 1,860 pounds of maximum payload capacity. You’ll need to check the box to equip the towing package for these capabilities, but if you need a versatile work truck or one that’s up for an adventure, it’s a no-brainer.
Ford Co-Pilot360
With any luck, you won’t have to call the Ford Co-Pilot360 active safety suite into action during your test drive, but you’ll find solace in knowing that the Ranger is looking out for you even when you’re distracted. Equipped on all trims of the 2019 Ranger, the Ford Co-Pilot360 system offers a comprehensive package of driver-assist and advanced safety features dedicated to keeping you safe and mitigating accidents.
Standout features of the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite include automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, a lane-keeping system, a blind spot monitoring system, pre-collision assist with automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert for both vehicle and trailer.
Adventure Ready
You might have to negotiate with your salesman to take the Ford Ranger off-road, but if possible, it’s worth a gander. Packed with off-road features and a mean disposition, the Ranger is always up for an adventure.
Four-wheel drive is optional, but a strong choice if you’re used to hitting rock, snow, gravel, or mud. To handle these various scenarios, the Ranger comes equipped with a terrain management system, allowing you to manually set your traction control via a dial on the center console. Locking rear differentials also provide improved traction in any condition.
If you want to take your Ranger’s off-road capability to the next level, check out the FX4 Off-Road Package. When equipped on your test-drive model, this package offers a superior ride in a load of conditions. Standout amenities include Trail Control, all-terrain tires, undercarriage skid plates, an exposed steel front bash plate, and monotube shocks to provide exquisite handling.
As much as you read about the amazing qualities of the 2019 Ford Ranger, nothing compares to getting behind the wheel. Schedule a test drive today to see if the Ford Ranger scratches you where you itch.
As one of the preeminent names in innovation, design, and research and development, Ford leads the charge when it comes to feature-laden vehicles. In 2020, their run of form continues with a number of updated and refreshed options. If you’re searching for a new car within the next year, here are the new Ford models to throw on your shortlist.
2020 Ford Explorer
The 2020 edition of the Ford Explorer is the sixth-generation debut of this iconic SUV. Completely redesigned both inside and out, the Explorer reaches new heights in style and features after a decade of minor cosmetic changes.
One of the most interesting facets of the 2020 Explorer is the addition of both an ST model and a hybrid model. The souped-up ST model — which stands for Sport Technologies — features a 400-horsepower engine that sizzles down the road. A hybrid model ushers in a new era of efficiency for the Explorer, but with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, it doesn’t lack in the power department.
Other highlights include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the Ford Co-Pilot360 advanced safety suite standard on all models, and an impressive 87 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear. With all it has to offer, this arguably the best Explorer yet.
2020 Ford Escape
The 2020 Ford Escape is another model that enters a new generation completely revamped from top to bottom. Now in its fourth incarnation, the Escape changes its appearance to appeal to a wider base of buyers. Stretched and widened but riding closer to the ground, the Escape appears almost car-like at first glance. But with 37.5 cubic feet of storage volume behind the rear seat — 3.5 cubic feet more than last year — it still has the versatile element that made it a hit with young families.
Like the 2020 Explorer, the Escape adds the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. However, its available traction control system is an intriguing option. With this feature, you can turn the Escape’s all-wheel-drive system into a terrain-dominating machine. A turn of the console-mounted dial provides five modes, including normal, deep snow/sand, sport, slippery, and eco. The Escape wasn’t an off-road beast in the past, but 2020 looks it will right the ship.
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
In the automotive world, few companies have such street cred as Shelby. For over 50 years, this after-market company has worked with Ford to produce some of the fastest and most iconic sports cars known to man. Beautifully sculpted for both form and function, the GT500 is a two-door variant of the Mustang that provides more speed than most people can handle. Under the hood lies a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 with the first-ever dual-clutch transmission in a Mustang. With over 700 horsepower, you’ll have to hang on for dear life.
After discontinuing all its sedans and compacts after the 2019 model year, Ford had to show that the rest of its lineup isn’t lacking where it counts. With this fleet of 2020 vehicles, neither consumers nor the company seems all that worried.
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