Overview & Reviews

Since its introduction, the Ford Escape has been one of America's best-selling small crossover SUVs. Considering how many other vehicles are available in this segment (many of them well established before the Escape's debut), this may come as a bit of a surprise. But Ford has a keen knack for designing SUVs that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

With the original Escape, Ford successfully combined the styling and four-wheel-drive capability of a traditional SUV with the size, practicality and driving characteristics of a midsize car. For the urban dweller in need of something comfortable, versatile, fun to drive and capable of doing some light-duty off-roading or towing, it fills the bill perfectly. Of course, the Escape's affordability certainly boosted its appeal as well.

Although it received a significant freshening for 2008 that brought notable improvements to the interior, the Escape soldiered on with its original platform until 2013's complete redesign. The latter rebirth vaulted the Escape toward the front of the compact crossover class, as it offers an appealing combination of styling, performance, fuel efficiency, features and comfort. Prior to that overhaul, however, many rival compact SUVs offered more refinement as well as a more rewarding driving experience.

Current Ford Escape
The current Ford Escape stands as one of the top entries in the very competitive compact crossover segment. There are three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. The S comes with full power accessories, air-conditioning, the Sync voice command system, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system. Highlights of the SE include a turbocharged engine, keyless entry keypad, a power driver seat and satellite radio. The Escape Titanium further adds keyless ignition/entry, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an upgraded sound system.

Many of the higher trims' features are available on the lower trims, while other options include a power panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, a navigation system and a Parking Technology package (with automated parallel-parking assist and front and rear parking sensors).

Under the hood is a choice of three engines, all matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Base Escapes come with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Standard on the SE and Titanium is a turbocharged 1.6-liter, 178-hp four-cylinder. The most powerful engine is an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, 240-hp four-cylinder engine. The 1.6 flies the fuel-sipper flag while the 2.0 offers performance on par with a V6 along with higher fuel economy.

In reviews, the newest Ford Escape has impressed our staff with its well-rounded road manners. The 2.5 and 1.6 engines provide adequate thrust, while the 2.0 is downright spirited. The latter flattens hills with less effort than the other two and is quieter and smoother to boot. The Escape can confidently tackle a winding road and the ride, though on the firm side, is compliant enough to take the edge off the bumps and ruts of poorly maintained city streets. Downsides to the new Ford Escape include an unexpectedly high price when fitted with options and the MyFord Touch interface, which is finicky to use.

Used Ford Escape Models
Sharing its basic platform with the highly regarded Focus, the latest Ford Escape debuted for the 2013 model year. Compared to earlier Escapes, it boasts roomier seating, higher-quality materials and a second-row seat that's much easier to fold down compared to before. The latest engine selection and features debuted at this time as well. Since then, there have been only minor updates. In that debut year, Ford offered an intermediate SEL trim level and had the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as standard for the Titanium.

The second-generation Ford Escape was produced from 2008 through 2012. Changes over the first Escape were limited to interior and exterior design. The body adopted Ford's newer styling themes seen in the Edge and Expedition, while the cabin offered a more contemporary look with improved ergonomics and more available luxury features.

The three popular trim levels -- XLS, XLT and Limited -- were once again offered. Standard feature highlights on the XLS included full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and stability control. The XLT added automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power driver seat, while the Limited provided leather upholstery and heated front seats. Option highlights, depending on the year, included dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a navigation system and an automated parallel-parking system.

Any Escape could be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Engine choices were carried over from the previous generation initially, meaning a choice of the 153-hp four-cylinder or the 200-hp V6, and both ran through a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2009 the powertrains were improved greatly, as the four-cylinder made 171 hp while the V6 pumped out 240 hp. Although a five-speed manual transmission could be had on the XLS, it's a rarity and as such, nearly all Escapes used a six-speed automatic. There was also a hybrid version of the Escape, which is covered in a separate review.

In reviews, we've found this Escape's strengths to be its wealth of high-tech features and peppy performance. Downsides included poor braking performance, an awkward-to-fold rear seat and a somewhat dated feel compared to newer rivals. That said, this generation of the Escape (as well as its Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner twins) remains worthy of shoppers interested in a well-rounded compact crossover.

The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001, and its basic exterior and interior design remained unchanged through '07. It was initially available in XLS, XLT and XLT Sport trims that were joined by the leather-lined Limited a few years later. Ford Escapes were equipped with a rather anemic base engine – a 2.0-liter four that made 130 hp -- until '05 when it was replaced by a 2.3-liter four that made 153 hp. This first-generation Escape also offered an optional V6 that made 200 hp. Although the four-cylinder engines could have a five-speed manual, most had the optional four-speed automatic that was standard on the V6.

Considering how many of these Escapes were sold, shoppers should have plenty of opportunities to be choosy and find a used model that suits them. First-year Escapes were tarnished by numerous recall notices. Though likely resolved at this point, going with a 2002 or newer model might be a good idea. Potential buyers of this first generation of Escape should note that its interior materials were of poor quality, with cheap, hard plastics everywhere.

User Reviews:

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  I wish I could Escape from this car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Marc Bahm - January 21 - 12:52 pm

  I drive this car as my company provided vehicle for me to use because I drive it for work to go to customers. I mostly do highway driving so I am in the car for long periods of time. There are so many things I dislike about the car, but Ill try and not to ramble on and keep it simple. The interior, poor seat fabric, not very roomy at all for leg room, in fact the amount of space between the brake pedal and gas pedal is so small that I can barely fit my foot between the brake and the console that runs down to the floor. The seats are very uncomfortable for longer trips than 45 minutes, the seats are not long enough and hit your thigh mid way and create a cramp in your leg. The engine is the worst, I have had this in the shop for so many recalls I have lost count. The latest trip to the dealership was because the engine light came on again, now the turbo has stopped working and it must be replaced. Dealer said its a 10 hour job. Im glad I dont have to pay for this as it is a fleet lease vehicle, but if I had to pay for this I would be very upset after only 89K miles. If I would have bought a GM, Kia, or Chrysler they at least have 100K warranty on there power train and transmission. Come on Ford get with the program, if you are going to put these turbos on more of your vehicles step up and add more warranty to them.

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  Do yourself a favor, dont buy it. - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Curt - January 4 - 3:05 pm

  If there was a lower rating for transmissions I would have given it. This car seems to have a ton of recalls, which the techs like to tell me that Ford is looking out for its customers. I like to view it as, a lot of poor design choices from a company who has been making cars to long. I get being new and innovative, but how about making a car that doesnt have the worst transmission in the world?!? Did they even test the damn thing before they threw it into cars? I realize that all cars have their issues, but this car seems to be the worst I have ever dealt with (dont believe me? just google it).

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  poor mileage since recall - 2015 Ford Escape
  By JF - October 15 - 3:06 pm

  I used to get good MPG, 22 in city, 28 highway, ever since the so called recall for who knows what my MPG suck, 17-19 city, 22 highway and I am not a fast start, dime stop driver. What happened, who knows, took to dealer and their test says overall 22mpg, that SUCKS. I have 9000 miles on this car and why did it drop, well Ford claims it is not due to the recall, I disagree 100% as it happened after the update. Wont be buying another Ford, and this is my 2nd Escape, first one was a LEMON, had it 5 weeks and was in shop every week. Ford in my opinion is 100J% WRONG, I asked them to remove the update considering it can be done, it is a computer they do it to and they mouth off about some stupid government law saying they cant do it. So be careful if you expect to get good mileage, you will not. I cannot give high marks for anything because of poor miles per gallon after the recall. The information below is good except for zip code, will not allow me to enter mine and the miles, I have 8,800 miles

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  Stranded twice and recalls galore - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Brad McLaughlin - October 5 - 1:36 pm

  My 2013 Escape was purchased brand new. As the sole owner for 30 months and 107,000 miles I was extremely disappointed with the this car. I have owned a Ford car for 17 of my 27 years as a driver. This Escape left me stranded twice due to phantom overheating alarms that were part of numerous recalls. The car was at the dealer for service more than 12 days of those 18 months. All for recall issues. Dont buy a Ford on their first model year.

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  Great Vehicle Until the Turbo Died - 2013 Ford Escape
  By James Tarpley - September 29 - 8:40 am

  After the initial recalls in 2013, my 2013 Escape SEL was very reliable. I had it in the shop three times in 3 years (78K miles). Ironically, all three times were because the cluster communicated that Engine Coolant was low and the engine needed to be serviced. The first two times, the local Ford dealer ran a pressure test and it passed with no leaks. The dealer informed me that sometimes the coolant just leaves the system and they cant find the reason for it. The third time, they advised me that it was still holding pressure, but the turbo was leaking oil (causing a fire hazard), so it needed to be replaced. After seeing the $3,000 estimate to replace the turbo and comparing it to a resale value of $12K, I elected to sell the vehicle at auction without performing the repairs. At auction, with the necessary repair disclosed, I was able to get $9,600 for it, so it worked out in my favor. The only other issues I had were Ford Sync related. The radio and blue tooth connection would stop all sound through the vehicle speakers. The Ford Sync people walked me through the process for fixing it the first couple of times. I had to perform a master reset on the electronic system. This is like restoring an Iphone to original condition and erasing all added data. Lastly, as far as mileage, I averaged 26K miles/year. My combined average fuel economy came out to 21.2 MPG. Not bad mileage, but not what I expected for a 4 cylinder motor with an "Eco-boost" performance enhancer. I even adjusted the performance of the motor to be as economical as possible. I really did like my 2013 Ford Escape SEL and was sad to leave it at the dealer and send it to auction. It was a pretty comfortable ride on trips. I took a 5 day trip from NW Arkansas to Washington DC and back, and I was pretty comfortable the entire trip. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing the turbo was roughly 25% of the entire vehicle, and with the motor/transmission and electronics being 3 years old with 78K miles, I could not justify that significant of an expense. If I had picked the 6 cylinder option without the turbo, I would never have let it go.

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  Burned by ford - 2015 Ford Escape
  By michelle b - August 23 - 12:01 pm

  Bought a 2015 escape in February in June started hearing a noise coming from the engine. The mechanics at dealership said it was fuel injector that ruined the piston.We had to have a new engine put in. We felt should buy it back because it was defective, Ford said no because it was a new engine being put in,this was not satisfactory to us.We had to buy another one. The dealership or Ford would not trade it out for another Escape so we had take a hit and pay another 3 thousand dollars plus pay the taxes again. Weve have bought 12 cars from this dealership over the years and this is how we were treated and Ford didnt care either therefore we will not buy another Ford product!!!!!!!!

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  had few issue - 2014 Ford Escape
  By GReg - July 16 - 7:41 pm

  10 K radio stop working for 1 hour dealer could not explained why battery disconnect thats all they did to reset issue 13k ac stop blowing for one hour on long trip from Detroit on hot day..gate inside handle already broke loose If u do oil change good luck to remove oil filter no room for hand or any tool

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  Reliability Nightmare on 2014 Ford Escape 2.0 AWD - 2014 Ford Escape
  By itsmejs - May 30 - 9:04 am

  Nice looking vehicle that has had many issues. When I was looking for a new vehicle it ended up being between the Toyota Rav4 and the Escape. I wish now that I would have chosen the Rav4. Problems and more problems! It took Ford 1-1/2 years to fix my Escape door that would not always latch shut. At least I think its fixed now. 2.0 engine has intermittent hesitation that Ford has not been able to resolve. Rear differential noise has been repaired twice in 25,000 miles. Trans slips from 1st to 2nd and sometimes downshifts for no reason. Besides the recalls dealing with Ford customer service is just about as bad as calling my cable company.

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  A big disappointment - 2014 Ford Escape
  By patinportland - May 12 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this vehicle thinking that for the compact space I would get descent gas mileage. well I get 17 MPG in city and 26 on highway - far below what I was told back seat has little room if front seat passengers are tall. lots of rattles and road noise. Have taken it in for issues three times in first year. The console is designed poorly and not a lot of handy storage, compared to the Toyotas or Hondas I have owned this is a great disappointment in terms of quality and design

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  Wont own Fords again! (That Sucks) - 2012 Ford Escape
  By jmjett - December 31 - 12:28 pm

  I leased a new 2012 Limited 4x4 V-6. I have always liked Ford products, and even worked for them in the 90s.This rig has had a water leak problem since purchase. Its been almost 3yrs,and thank god my lease is almost done!! It has had 12+ repairs on the same problem, and mostly has had the same repair done. Repair doesnt work! It is a small leak, and most of the time it runs down the back window, but has run from small hooks in back,sunroof, soaking passenger side floor boards front and back.Living in the NorthWest isnt helping. Super disappointed in Ford for how this was handled or not handled. Ive been ruined for life and no longer will support any of Fords products! (wish differently)