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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  Ride to Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By winnie - July 3 - 2:05 pm

  An excellent vehicle in all respects. The only complaint is the tires. Highway noise is bothersome at any speed. After two long trips we changed to Michelin and solved the noise problem.

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  Mixed bag - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Missouri owner - July 2 - 12:56 am

  Very comfortable with a smooth as silk ride. Mileage is decent. Room for 4 with comfort. Very sharp eye appeal. Its my second Escape and the resale is very good. Very good acceleration. Oh yeah, there is one big problem. This vehicle squeaks and rattles like it is about to fall apart. Dont seem to be able to get it fixed.

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  Change of Habits - 2004 Ford Escape
  By chomsky - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I think there are still bugs that need to be worked out. My Escape has about 76,000 miles and had to have a new master brake cylinder. I have never had as many problems with a Ford as I have had with this Escape. The resale value also drops very rapidly. Yes, sorry to say my next car will be something besides a Ford. Like my grown children say buy a foreign made car they last. Old habits are hard to break but my Escape has broke this one.

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  Not quite there yet...wait a while - 2005 Ford Escape
  By zadscmc - June 24 - 9:40 am

  While the mileage is good (28mpg), the intstrumentl cluster has not been modified to the needs of a hybrid. No battery gauge (full/empty), no engine heat gauge (for hybrid efficency a need to know). CVT is horrid, needs a manual transmission. Interior doesnt work for a short person (5 foot) as the cupholders are hard to reach and the between seat storage is behind the seat. Dashboard is hard to read at dusk.

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  Ford Tough - 2005 Ford Escape
  By whowe417 - June 22 - 12:03 am

  Love the V6-pep, get-up-and-go of my new SUV Escape, very reliable, stops on a dime, makes me feel safe out on the road, handles like a dream, nice headroom for taller people which is quite nice, roomy interior, very nice exterior in body style, I like the Ford warranty on the Powertrain, love the safety features as well, very happy with my new Escape SUV...thanks FORD!!!

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  What a great Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TXRangers - June 20 - 1:36 pm

  We were looking at moving from our Windstar to a small SUV when we discovered the Escape. We were hesitant about giving up some space, yet we have been very happy with the Escape. The V6 is quick and powerful and the ride is car! This is the most FUN vehicle we have ever had! The only negative we have is that we wish there were a little more padding in the door armrest. Other than that we really love this SUV! This is a little bottle rocket!!!!

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  U.S. Power - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rob K. - June 18 - 1:13 pm

  Ive had my 05 XLT AWD V6 Escape for almost a year now, and I love it. It has excellent pickup, and I have driven the CR-V,Santa Fe, and the RAV4, and despite what some publications say, it is every bit as quiet as the others. As for performance and road feel, it simply blows the others off the road. The CR-V and the Santa Fe had sloppy handling, and the RAV4 was a little slow. As for interior quality, the CR-V and Santa Fe were way below. The Escape is a perfect combination of power, quality and practicality. The rest of the world just follows the leader!

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  Ford Escape is the best S.U.V. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bosgeo - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  1 year review - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Taybjay - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Ok the gas mileage stinks. My buddies Ford Excursion Diesel gets better. The seats are rock bottom hard. (metal folding chair hard!) The wiper stalk always gets in the way when you shift gears in the automatic. And the throttle response is very rammy. But whos complaining! The steering tracks in a BMW fashion. Theres room in this small ute. The 4x4 tracks well in snowy conditions.

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  BEST IVE OWNED - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JDS - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I must say this compact suv is the best vehicle ive owned so far.Ive tried many different vehicles but none stood up to the stability and held up to the honor this vehicle does.My last truck didnt last me more than year and half of my life.I drove it from 7 miles to 35000 miles in that 18 months i owned it and had nothing but transmission problems.My ford escape has been the best in room looks reliability and stability for me and has far suprased the test of my drivingfar surpased any expectations i had imagined.Ive had the prevlidgeand state that everyone should takethe chance to experience the love you could have for this vehicle!!