Motor1 caught a glimpse of a heavily camouflaged vehicle in full test mode in the deserts of Nevada. The state serves as a popular grounds for automobile testing due to the blistering temperatures. While it can’t be confirmed, it’s believed the SUV is a next-generation Ford Escape.

What leads to the conclusion that the spied SUV is likely a Ford Escape? The headlights are partially exposed, and the design there certainly resembles those from Ford automakers. The overall SUV’s profile also fits that of the current 2018 Ford Escape. There’s also a clear notch just above the rear window, a staple design of the current-generation Ford Escape.

With that in mind, though, there are clear differences as well, which leads one to suspect that we’re looking at a new-generation and not merely a facelift. A mid-cycle refresh already occurred in 2017. The current generation has also been around since 2013, which is a long time by compact SUV standards.

The fenders seem to have a slenderer design. It also sits a bit lower with a rear fascia that is worlds apart from the current design.

Since the Ford Escape refresh just took place for the 2017 model, the spied vehicle – if it is indeed a Ford Escape – likely is not a 2019 model. It’s a 2020 incarnation at the very least.

Visit Motor1 to learn more and see a zoomed-in pic of the SUV in question.

Folsom Lake Ford is the place to be for SUVs. Aside from the Ford Escape, we also carry the 2018 Ford Explorer. See our  Ford certified inventory near Sacramento, CA, to see if we currently carry pre-owned SUVs.