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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  2008 Ford Escape XLT - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Rb_osu - November 2 - 9:51 pm

  Bought the 2008 Escape new in 2007. Loved it until about last year when we started to get nickeled and dimed on repairs. To be expected of an older car I suppose. Electrical in drivers seat went out. Front end rods needed replaced. Starter was going bad. Some of the interior was also wearing. Given the years we lived out west and now in the south, I suppose the oppresive heat likely accelerated these issues as I know people who have 2004 escapes and have had none of these issues. In the end we ultimately traded it in for a bigger vehicle as we added to our family & needed the space.

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  Good Performance and Value - 2014 Ford Escape
  By James - October 31 - 11:27 am

  First the good news. It is a nice looking SUV. Especially with the Titanium Package. We got a good deal on the price of the vehicle from the Ford Dealer in addition to 0% interest. The 2.0 Turbo engine is smooth and powerful. This SUV has good acceleration with the optional 2.0 Ecoboost engine. Driving without being real conservative, we average a combined city/highway mileage of 27.3 miles per gallon. The ride is comfortable and the vehicle handles well. Brakes are good. Navigation screen is a good size and gives clear directions. Controls are good quality. The SUV has good room inside and the back seats laying flat is a great feature for more cargo space. They are also easy to operate. Heated front seats are nice and the rear camera/sensors work well. Minor negative observations. I wish there was just a little less road noise at highway speed. Seal at bottom of doors would probably help get rid of some of that. The front seats could use about another 1/2 inch of knee bolster. The Sony Audio System is acceptable but is not as good as the Harmon Kardon one we had in our last car. The Sync System has a hard time understanding voice commands. These are minor negative observations after owning vehicle for 18 months and 15K miles. Ford Escape is a great vehicle and a good value for the money.

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  Love My Escape! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Mitch - October 28 - 7:19 pm

  Drove a Camry for 12 years and 165,000 miles. Did nothing but change oil and tires. Giving it to my son for college graduation. Bought a loaded, 2015 Escape Titanium 2.0 4 wheel drive 2 months and 3,000 miles ago. Hoping have the same luck with this vehicle. Test drove Santa Fe, Rav 4, Terrain. Escape no question hotter look, hotter interior, and better drive. Way more pep than the others. I wanted a small SUV with decent gas milage. Miss the 30-32 I was getting with Camry but knew my milage would go down. Getting 25.1 average so far. Like the fact it is all wheel drive moving to 4 wheel drive when I need it. Looking very forward to see how it does this winter. Love the interior. Hands free Navigation, phone, stereo, climate. I have had no issues with voice commands. It lets you know what you can say, very easy to get comfortable with. Love never needing to take the keys out of my pocket. Love the key pad on door. I got the full length sun roof - LOVE IT. Never had one before. Heated seats, memory seats - LOVE IT. Also love using the foot to open back gate, that has come in handy many times. I know it is early but every time I get into it I look forward to driving it. So far so good!

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  Great little SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Kelly Lelito - October 25 - 2:56 pm

  This is the best car I have owned to date- I loved it.

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  Good design but crappy parts - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Jon - October 16 - 5:04 pm

  I got the 2014 Ford Escape Titanium AWD (2.0 Liter engine). I really like the design of the vehicle and the interior. The fuel economy isnt as bad as some have stated. I average about 24mpg combined (27-28 highway). The AWD does a really good job in slippery conditions, and I was pretty impressed with it. However! I bought it in Nov 2013 and Ive already had a few issues that really surprised me. The first issue was within 10k miles. I had a bearing go bad in my front right wheel. The warranty covered it no problem, but it was still really strange. A couple of months later I had back left strut go bad, and I had to get that replaced. Still it was under warranty so it wasnt a huge issue, but I was starting to worry about the quality of the Ford parts. Now this week I took it in for a knocking noise when I back-up and it turns out my front left strut is bad as well. This time however it was only covered under the extended warranty for some reason, so I had to pay a 100$ co-pay. At this point Im basically considering my options to escape this Escape. Im barely at 35k miles on this thing and not quite 2 years of ownership. I understand parts go bad, but for 3 parts to fail in the first 2 years and 35k miles worries me.

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  Good value - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Mike - October 15 - 5:08 pm

  I bought this vehicle on New Years eve 2014 and at writing have 22,000 on it. I knew I was not buying a high end luxury car and dont try to pretend that it is one. Fuel economy is fair to good (25.3 combined over 22,000, I dont ever reset trip 1) and I am not disappointed although like everyone else Id like a little more. The rear seats are of the "lay flat" design so they are not the most comfortable, that is a trade off in any SUV/CUV with lay-flat back seats. We seldom have back seat passengers and only for a short distance so its no problem. I have put several hundred miles at a time in it and Im big guy @6 / 275, and find the front seat a bit on the firm side but still comfortable. I would like to have a slightly larger fuel tank even if only one or two gallons more. Overall this is a very good vehicle for the price. Its only been in the shop for its oil changes.

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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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  Worst SUV on the Planet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By DM Piazza - October 12 - 4:19 pm

  Worst SUV ever!!!!!!!!!!! Bought my Escape SEL/AWD brand new push start technology package, rear hatch release sensor, auto start, ambient lighting, heated front seats pretty loaded. Let’s start with the obvious issue 1st it stalls when you are driving it. This happened 5 times in 2 years once pulling into the driveway (husband was driving) ok let’s chalk that up to a fluke. The 2nd time it stalled I was pulling into my work parking lot so far each time it was taken right back to dealership and left there for them to FIX every time within hours I was called to say they could not duplicate the problem so hence no found issue nothing done.. The 3rd time it stalled was on Highway Route 1 in stop and go traffic I almost got back ended so again right back to the dealership mind you this is all in the first year and a half of owning it. This time it stayed there for almost a week and the dealer said it had a recall so they would update the electronics (still however not able to duplicate the problem) and asked me if I was sure I was not turning it off while driving it??? REALLY??? REALLY??? YES I AM POSITIVE I AM NOT TURNING OFF MY CAR WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IT !!!!!!!!!!! Received the call it was ready and to come get it. Ok off I go back to the dealership hopeful all will be fixed and I will have no more issues. Oh was I mistaken I left the dealership and headed down Route 295 to pick up a friend HUGE MISTAKE !!!!!! about 5 miles into my drive in stop and go traffic yep you guessed it STALLED AGAIN!!!!!!! At this point I am losing my mind and call to have them come pick up the death trap on the side of the road. Again no problem when they get it back to the dealership. Now I am still shaken up but willing to take it again. This time for a few months its ok I am optimistic that all is better and the issue is resolved. Oh how wrong I was……. The last time it decided it didn’t want to continue driving it stalled while I was making a left hand turn into a shopping center in the middle of a very busy 4 lane road I almost caused a several car accident thank goodness I was used to the stalling and threw it in neutral started in and floored it into the lot just missed getting t-boned but a second. This was it for me it took me over an hour to stop shaking, crying and being able to breathe again. The escape was traded by the end of the week. Since getting rid of it I have found out a lot of other people have had the same issue with accidents due to their escape stalling while driving it. I will never own another Ford product as long as I live. Ford is aware of the Issue and is being charged by the NHSA for not warning consumers of this huge problem with the Escape & Focus. There is a class action Law Suit also due to Ford not taking responsibility. So if you are looking into this SUV please do a lot of home work. I feel truly lucky that this suv did not kill me while I owned it.

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  So Far So Good - 2015 Ford Escape
  By square85 - October 8 - 12:26 pm

  Leased a 2015 Escape SE 4WD 2.0 in August and have about 1200 miles on her so far. Got some extras that I didnt necessarily want but the dealership gave me a deal so I took it. Have the vista roof and wouldnt recommend it honestly it barely tilts open and if you open it 100% instead of the standard opening, there is a terrible buffeting sound that travels throughout the inside of the car. I would recommend the 2.0 because it really performs and takes off MPG is so-so but that is to be expected when there is so much power to give. There is no interior storage but I knew that when choosing the vehicle so I cant really call that a "con." I dont understand the negativity behind MyFord Touch Ive never had an issue and thus far has worked flawlessly. Some more observations: -Headlights work fine and I like that they automatically come on when the wipers are put to the low setting -Grown to appreciate the dual zone climate control -Cant live without a power hatch after having one now -Driver seat is very comfortable -All cars should come with built in blind spot mirrors -Keypad entry is nice use it more to lock the car than anything else -Engine turns over very quickly -Power reserve stays on even when the keys are out of the ignition as long as a door isnt opened -LED interior lights are nice and bright Only "issue(s)" Ive had would be the power shade for the vista roof vibrating within the first days of ownership while parked on an incline and it hasnt happened since. Its only happened two or three times but the car will shift very hard when turning it on and shifting out of park.

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  Big mistake! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Angie - October 6 - 2:10 pm

  I traded in my 2012 ford escape for the 2013. When I got my 2013 ford escape sel I loved all the luxury items its loaded. I bought it used with 17,100 miles. From the first month I owned it until now (I only had the car 7 months so far) its been into 3 different garages 7 times due to a big list of problems. Now again its in the garage they informed me that the turbo needs replaced thank goodness I got an extended warranty or this car would be gone. And also 11 recalls have been done to this car. I use to love ford.