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:

• 

  First newer used car - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Drew - July 25 - 6:39 am

  First car Ive bought from a dealership, it suits me very well. Perfect size for longer commutes if you want to ride in comfort

• 

  Love it/hate it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By april - July 23 - 4:26 pm

  I love this SUV but i HATE the way that i must fill the gas tank up every 3-4 days due to the small gas tank and the AWD 6 cylinder. It seems that every time I drive it, I must stop at the gas station. I also find blind spots in changing lanes and backing up but hope in time I will get used to it! I am also disappointed in the placement of the speakers in this vehicle. Sound is not that great.

• 

  Excellent! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By petrified - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is fun to drive and very useful when out of town for the day. It is a great buy, and i am planning on keeping it for a long time!

• 

  Sloppy Transmission - 2007 Ford Escape
  By rockdoggy - July 19 - 11:08 am

  Blazing Copper: Great looking vehicle, good ergonomics except the arm rest/center console and cup holders. My wife cannot use because it is too far back. Gas mileage not as good as sticker suggests, about 19-22 with 50/50 highway/city driving. Transmission can sometimes jerk into gear. Also when needing to merge on freeway its like breaking then jerking into gear. Need to work on that. It is as if the vehicle has trouble deciding which gear it wants. Handling is great, tight turning radius, easy to park and lots of room.

• 

  Cracked Radiator - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Paul - July 19 - 6:54 am

  With Less than 30,000 miles, had to get it towed twice and went through 2 cracked radiators. Not happy

• 

  could be better - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Lawrence A - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Great power Nice white gauges.Trans shutters between gears about 45 mph.Rear binds up in 4WD.Headliner and door panel replaced.Ford is aware of trans and binding problem and will fix trans but I have to pay for flushing of trans $150 which is under warrenty.These cars cost to much to be taking back to the dealer to get fixed.

• 

  comme ci comme ca - 2003 Ford Escape
  By KITTY - July 16 - 10:00 am

  i bought my car with every possible feature yet it doenst even have a trip computer or a compass and every other time i drive it, the back up sensor device beeps solidly when in reverse and then out of no where it works just fine. the other day i had to turn the key three times before it started??? and it only has 700 miles on it

• 

  Love It!! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Richko - July 16 - 10:00 am

  2nd SUV- bad luck with Honda (transmission)

• 

  An excellent small SUV. - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Michael - July 9 - 9:22 pm

  I have had no problems with this vehicle at all so far. It has a lot of power and has very good fuel economy for an SUV. It has very tight and responsive steering. (a lot like a sports car.) It is quite easy to park this thing in tight parking spots. When I drove it from Texas to California in late November of 2006, I was getting 27MPG on the highway. When I took it for a drive in the San Gabriel Mountains, I noticed that it climbed the steep grades and mountain passes with no problem at all. It rides very smooth and quiet. It has lots of room for its size. I can fold down the seats, lay out my sleeping bag and have enough room in the back to stretch out and sleep inside this thing.

• 

  I love this car! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By John Coseglia - July 8 - 10:09 am

  I didnt realize how much I was going to love this car. It is so comfortable, even for a small person, and I can see out the windows. I feel like I need a booster seat in most cars. We rent a lot of cars on vacation and that is how we discovered the Escape.