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 dunno about the other guys, but I love my Escape! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By codeglia - August 30 - 3:19 am

  In the few months that Ive had my 2011 Escape XLT, I cannot say enough about how great it is! The short story is that it is comfortable, handles like a dream, is equipped with all that I was looking for (and more), and the power from the 3.0 V6 surprised the heck outta me the other day, while merging onto the freeway going UPHILL! Plus, Ive easily averaged over 30mpg on freeway trips! As far as having to remove the three headrests before being able to lower the rear seatback (to flatten-out the cargo space and make it larger)... I simply removed them when I first got the vehicle and left them out. Ford continues to make the best and highest-quality cars you can get... bar none!

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  Excellent - 2010 Ford Escape
  By wboese - August 9 - 11:14 pm

  Bought this car new in November of 2009. It currently has 38,000 miles and has been on several cross country road trips. Friends are always impressed with sync and with the power that comes from the v6 engine. The 6-speed transmission really gives it a great boost in fuel economy. 22 city, 28 highway and I dont drive like I want to take forever to get where Im going. Absolutely no problems with the car, and the fact that it hits the high rpms in a very short time is a big seller since it gives the car a great amount of power increase. Quiet on the road and no noise from the transmission or engine like some others have reported. No leaking on the passenger side either. Great car!

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  Works Great - 2012 Ford Escape
  By fehowner - August 6 - 9:29 pm

  2012 Escape Hybrid - FWD Pros: 1. Acceleration is on par with our conventional 2003 V6 Escape. 2. Getting better than the EPA estimate of 32mpg combined and that is with the AC running most of the time. 3. SYNC is awesome. 4. Since the base hybrid is more equivalent to a V6 XLT when considering options and performance characteristics the actual hybrid premium is closer to $4500 which makes this a great value. 5. There is an 8yr/100,000 mile warranty on the battery. Cons: 1. Exterior is a little dated. 2. Must insert and turn key like a conventional vehicle to "start" it. 3. ICE always on above 45mph which seems like a waste while coasting down a long steep grade at highway speeds.

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  love it! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By h2hummer679 - July 27 - 7:51 pm

  i own a limited 08 escape and i am very pleased with it so far. It is surprisingly more roomy than you would think. the ride is a little rough but thats understandable with a suv. navigation works waaay better than any tomtom or garmin ive used. havent tested it out in the snow with the 4wd but im expecting great things from it. the gas milage is great for a vehicle this size and with a v6.

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  great value - 2003 Ford Escape
  By northerngirl1 - July 5 - 12:08 pm

  My 2003 Ford Excape LXT has been a great, reliable vehicle. It doesnt handle as well as my Jeep Cherokee in the Minnesota Winters but it isnt as heavy either. No complaints. I change the oil evert 3000 and rotate the tires every 6000 like clockwork. At 95,000 miles....other than routine maintenance like brakes, replaced tie rod ends once, I havent done anything major to it. Looks like new!

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  2011 Ford Escape AWD V6 - 2011 Ford Escape
  By laurel2011 - March 21 - 11:28 pm

  So far, so good. I love my Escape! It is a pleasure to drive and has lots of fun (and functional) features. I spend an hour a day on the road (mostly highway) and find the Escape to be comfortable, with excellent handling and a nice amount of "umph" when merging. I am a little bit nervous after reading about all of the reliability issues other owners have experienced but personally I havent found the Escape to be noisy or had issues with brake quality (knock wood). No, this is not a Lexus but it isnt meant to be. It is a reasonably priced old school SUV with enough high-tech features that it doesnt feel outdated.

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  4 CYL FWD seems good so far - 2011 Ford Escape
  By kcmh - March 2 - 8:12 am

  Purchased one last week from the Dayton, Ohio area. Drove back to Columbus and already like the car so far. Front seats are comfy and plenty of room. 4 CYL is pretty small for it so dont expect a lot of power but the 6-speed auto will make up for it. Cargo space is pretty good. I packed in a golf bag (Staff bag) with fire gear and still had room. And was able to use the cargo cover still Sync system kinda hard to use, and turn by turn directions calls a phone number to use. Thats odd.

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  Help Please - 2010 Ford Escape
  By nmcrae - December 14 - 8:26 pm

  After 6000 miles I say this is a very good vehicle. Good visibility, easy driving, satisfactory fuel economy. Just one aggravating problem: too little heat from the floor vent. In this northern climate, good heating is important upper vents work fine, feet are blocks of ice.

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  Research and you shall see - 2011 Ford Escape
  By macc4644 - December 13 - 9:39 am

  I have wanted an Escape for several years but never pulled the trigger because of the reviews. This year I decided to look at them again. I get a new vehicle for business yearly so I have had much experience with the competition. For $50K you do not get real leather in a Touareg. A $35K Wrangler is the real deal but rides harsh with bad road manners and the backseat is just for looks. The Nissans are too old school and pricey. Hyundais are no longer cheap or full efficient. I looked at everything in the SUV market from $20-$60K and everything bad I read about the Escape is worse in cars costing much more. The 2011 has a great interior and the Limited has everything you could ask for.

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  Gas Tank - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jerod - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I recently switched from a 2003 Explorer to the 05 Escape and although I really loved and miss the Explorer, I think the Escape is great. The only thing that really pisses me off every time is when the gas hose shuts off. I should be able to start the gas and walk away. I live in Wisconsin. Its cold. Come on! Other than that I love it :)