2020–2025 4th generation (CX482)
2020–2025 Ford Escape Fluid Types and Capacities
Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2020–2025 Ford Escape takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: 8F35 8-speed automatic (gas models): Mercon ULV, total fill ~8.5 qt (dry fill 7.7 qt); no dipstick, level check via fill plug at temperature. A drain-and-fill takes ~3.5–4 qt. Hybrid/PHEV eCVT (HF45/HF55) uses Mercon ULV as well; sealed in normal service.. Coolant: Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted. Hybrid/PHEV have a separate battery/electronics cooling loop, service separately, dealer recommended..
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2020–2025 Ford Escape fluid guide
High confidence| System | Fluid type & capacity |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted. Hybrid/PHEV have a separate battery/electronics cooling loop, service separately, dealer recommended. |
| Transmission | 8F35 8-speed automatic (gas models): Mercon ULV, total fill ~8.5 qt (dry fill 7.7 qt); no dipstick, level check via fill plug at temperature. A drain-and-fill takes ~3.5–4 qt. Hybrid/PHEV eCVT (HF45/HF55) uses Mercon ULV as well; sealed in normal service. |
| Brake fluid | Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2); Ford recommends replacement every 3 years |
| Power steering | None (electric power-assist steering) |
Plain washer fluid; no special spec
Which Ford Escape model years does this cover?
These fluids specifications apply to every Ford Escape built from 2020 through 2025 — the 4th generation (CX482), compact crossover suv (c2 platform; refreshed for 2023). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2020–2025 Ford Escape
- 2020All-new car-like generation; hybrid returns. 12V battery moves to Group 48/H6 with stop-start; key fob switches to CR2450.
- 2021Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) finally launches in the US after a delay caused by the European Kuga PHEV battery fires
- 2023Major refresh: new front/rear styling, trims renamed (Base, Active, ST-Line, Platinum), available 13.2-in SYNC 4 touchscreen, LED headlights standard; power restated to 180 hp (1.5L), 192 hp (hybrid), 210 hp (PHEV). Wipers, tires, oil specs carry over.
- 2025Carryover year; check open recalls (fuel injector 25S76, PHEV battery 25V-789) before purchase
2020–2025 Ford Escape fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a 2020–2025 Ford Escape take?
- 8F35 8-speed automatic (gas models): Mercon ULV, total fill ~8.5 qt (dry fill 7.7 qt); no dipstick, level check via fill plug at temperature. A drain-and-fill takes ~3.5–4 qt. Hybrid/PHEV eCVT (HF45/HF55) uses Mercon ULV as well; sealed in normal service.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a 2020–2025 Ford Escape use?
- Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2), pre-diluted. Hybrid/PHEV have a separate battery/electronics cooling loop, service separately, dealer recommended..
What brake fluid does a 2020–2025 Ford Escape take?
- Motorcraft DOT 4 LV (Ford WSS-M6C65-A2); Ford recommends replacement every 3 years.
Sources
- Ford owner's manual, 2020 Escape 1.5L capacities (5.3 qt, Mercon ULV, 8F35)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2020 Escape 2.0L (5W-30) and 2021 2.5L hybrid (0W-20, 5.7 qt)
- Ford, 25S76 cracked fuel injector recall FAQ (2020–2022 Escape)
- NHTSA, Part 573 report, recall 22V-859 (cracked fuel injector)
- NHTSA, consumer alert, 2020–2023 Escape hybrid engine-failure fire recall
- Center for Auto Safety, 2020 Escape recalls/complaints (21V-922, 8F35 shudder TSBs)
- AutoZone, Escape battery groups by year (96R → H6/48 for 2020+)
- Ford Escape forum, 2020 hybrid 12V battery location and Group 48 AGM upgrade
- fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Escape / Hybrid / PHEV EPA ratings
- Mavis / tiresize, 2023 Escape OE tire sizes (225/65R17, 225/55R19)
- WiperBladesUSA, 2020/2021 Escape wiper sizes 24/20/11