---
title: "2020-2025 Ford Escape Transmission Fluid & Coolant"
description: "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.."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/fluids"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 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..

## 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) |

Note: 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.

- [2020 Escape](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020)
- [2021 Escape](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2021)
- [2022 Escape](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2022)
- [2023 Escape](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2023)
- [2024 Escape](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2024)
- [2025 Escape](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2025)

## What changed during the 2020-2025 Ford Escape

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2020 | All-new car-like generation; hybrid returns. 12V battery moves to Group 48/H6 with stop-start; key fob switches to CR2450. |
| 2021 | Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) finally launches in the US after a delay caused by the European Kuga PHEV battery fires |
| 2023 | Major 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. |
| 2025 | Carryover 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)](https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=6854&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&moidRef=G1635371&Uid=G2092357&ProcUid=G2092359&userMarket=usa&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web)
- [AMSOIL lookup, 2020 Escape 2.0L (5W-30) and 2021 2.5L hybrid (0W-20, 5.7 qt)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2021/ford/escape/2-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-z-99z-z/)
- [Ford, 25S76 cracked fuel injector recall FAQ (2020-2022 Escape)](https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/recall/recalls-and-faqs/25s76-bronco-sport-2021-2024-and-escape-2020-2022-cracked-fuel-injector-and-underhood-fire-risk-recall/)
- [NHTSA, Part 573 report, recall 22V-859 (cracked fuel injector)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V859-3756.PDF)
- [NHTSA, consumer alert, 2020-2023 Escape hybrid engine-failure fire recall](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/consumer-alert-important-ford-and-lincoln-fire-risk-recall)
- [Center for Auto Safety, 2020 Escape recalls/complaints (21V-922, 8F35 shudder TSBs)](https://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2020-ford-escape/)
- [AutoZone, Escape battery groups by year (96R → H6/48 for 2020+)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/ford/escape)
- [Ford Escape forum, 2020 hybrid 12V battery location and Group 48 AGM upgrade](https://www.fordescape.org/threads/2020-ford-escape-hybrid-replace-12-volt-battery-with-larger-group-48-agm.117248/)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Escape / Hybrid / PHEV EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Ford_Escape.shtml)
- [Mavis / tiresize, 2023 Escape OE tire sizes (225/65R17, 225/55R19)](https://www.mavis.com/vehicle/ford/escape/2023/)
- [WiperBladesUSA, 2020/2021 Escape wiper sizes 24/20/11](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/ford/escape/2021)

## Other Ford Escape generations

- [2013-2019 Ford Escape fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2013-2019/fluids)
- [2012 Ford Escape fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/fluids)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/fluids).

## More for the 2020-2025 Ford Escape

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/oil)
- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/brakes)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.