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 love it - 2004 Ford Escape
  By apple annie - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving the 2003 for several months, both on the road and in town. I love the way it handles and it is great for shopping. My husband who did not want me to buy it, loves it and drives it all the time. It is great on the highway also, good mileage, comfortable and easy to handle.

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  Not too shabby - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jeff - August 14 - 10:12 pm

  Overall pretty happy with our V6 XLT 4x4 at 83,350 now. Handled tough Colorado 4x4 trails well even without low range (as well as slippery roads). Only a few problems: idle air control valve and blower motor died. ~22 mpg HWY, ~18 city.

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  2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TexasEd - August 13 - 12:20 pm

  I am disappointed in the fuel mileage. Engine lacks power and torque. Front end seems too light in weight. Interior design and comfort is nice and exterior design is very pleasing.

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  Escape Delivers - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Bill Wolverton - August 13 - 2:05 am

  This is my second Escape and again, I was not disappointed. The car looks good, handles great and is a nice value. The size is perfect for me. It holds what I need in the cargo area (golf clubs, shoes, etc.) and is easy to maneuver. I got the 2.0L engine and it accelerates quite nicely. All in all, am delighted.

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  2005 Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary Manley - August 9 - 12:36 pm

  Very nice car for the price range with WONDERFUL gas mileage. I drive 100+ miles per day, mostly highway, and my average miles per gallon is now 36.2.

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mauijewels - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I really love my new ford escape. I tested the jeep liberty, and the Xtera,the escape definately drives alot better. smooth ride. The All wheel drive (4 x 4) works really good too. It is a very comfortable car. We have a new baby, and I feel very safe in this vehicle. I would have really liked to wait for the hybrid, but I needed a new car for the summer.

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  Replaced my german ML - 2013 Ford Escape
  By cwpbup - July 29 - 6:34 am

  I have had this vehicle for only a week, but it is so much fun to drive and it has everything you might need on a vehicle. I especially love the blis which tells me who is in my blind spot. The engine is so peppy you might think your in a sports car. Ford has a surefire winner in the new escape.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Ji m - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The Escape has a very powerful engine and it handles very well. Even for a compact SUV, it has a decent sized cargo space even with the back seats upright.

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  Let It Snow! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Luv It - July 27 - 2:00 am

  After driving a rented Escape for a week in Colorado I was hooked! It was comfortable (which for me is very important, I am short and this is the first vehicle that I can drive and not feel like the steering wheel and dash are in my chest),peppy, and quiet. My driveway is 200 feet long, uphill to get out in the morning and with even an inch of snow I was never able to get out with my minivan. Now, even with 8" the Escape doesnt even struggle, it just plows right through to the top! All though I did tons of research prior to buying, I went with the Escape and Im so glad I did!

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  wifes new suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By vmc - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Great over all SUV, this is my wifes and she has nothing but good things to say about it. The only things that she and I do not like are that the leather seats are too firm and it has no outside temp or compass feature.