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:

• 

  Great little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By me - February 22 - 11:37 am

  I have owned my Escape AWD for a year and a half now, and I have been impressed with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, and the interior is roomy enough for my family of four. I have a little over 50,000 miles on it, and I havent had to replace or repair anything. It handles great on the icy Idaho roads in the winter, and my wife feels safe driving it. That being said, gas mileage leaves something to be desired. I only average 17mpg with the Escape, while I average 14mpg with my much larger Duramax truck. The fuel tank is also too small.

• 

  Ford Escape - Skip this one - 2005 Ford Escape
  By gomar - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Our Ford Escape is the least reliable new car weve ever owned (weve bought plenty new). It has been back at the dealer at least once a month on average since we bought it. It is been repaired more often than my old Subaru. Not all of it is Fords fault - it started with the Firestone tire fiasco. There have been no life threatening failures, but the car has continuous problems.

• 

  Great Truck! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cheesehauler - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I Ordered my Escape from the factory so I could get exactly what I wanted. I drive my Escape everyday, mostly city driving. I get between 18 and 22 mpg. Average since purchase: 18.62mpg because of mostly city driving. I use my Escape on Hunting so I do quite a bit of off roading. I live in Wisconsin and it is great in snow. The ride is nice with the leather and the payload is great for hauling cheese! I did alot of research before ordering my Escape and, at the time, I believe it was the best truck in its class.

• 

  GREAT SUV FOR THE MONEY - 2001 Ford Escape
  By GEORGIADRIVER - February 13 - 10:00 am

  WONDERFUL SUV WITH MANY FEATURES. RIDES,HANDLES AND CRUISES WELL. GOOD PICKUP WITH V6 ENGINE. RECOMMEND IT FOR ANY ONE LOOKING FOR A COMPACT SUV AT A GREAT PROCE.

• 

  Honda vs Ford - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Linda.crawford61@yahoo.com - February 11 - 10:13 pm

  I have owned only foriegn cars i.e.: Toyota, infinity, and Honda for the last 25 years and didnt think I would ever buy a Ford. We drove every small SUV on the market and the Escape meet all of our requirements. We have owned it a month and have been very pleased thus far. We got the SE 2.0 Eco Boost. I think any engine smaller than that would be too small. So far so good. Loving this car.

• 

  I love my Escape! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Karen - February 11 - 9:33 pm

  Ive only had my 2003 Escape for about three weeks now but I do love it! This is my first SUV and it took a little getting used to but now that I am, Ill never go back to driving a car. The Escape handles great, has great acceleration and looks really sporty. The interior is roomy except I think that the seats are too short. This is the only thing that keeps the comfort level from being perfect. The stereo has great sound and I love having the six disc cd changer in the dash. I miss the outside temp,compass displays and lighted vanity mirrors from my car. Waiting for snow to check out the 4 wheel drive as this will be my first experience with it. Overall, its a great vehicle.

• 

  ok suv - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Dave Paupp - February 11 - 1:06 pm

  Nice looking/riding. Transmission one time had a problem........

• 

  Good but - 2009 Ford Escape
  By dave - February 7 - 6:06 am

  Overall the Ford Escape is pretty good. It is comfortable to sit in and drive. It looks good and has handled well in the snow. The major issue I have with the car is that the gas pedal has a strange feel to it. It vibrates prior to shifting and does not feel solid. Im debating taking it to the dealership to see if this is normal or if there is something wrong with my car.

• 

  Love my Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Kathryn - February 6 - 10:56 pm

  I really am amazed at my delight of my Escape. From reports I thought that the Escape was not going to be a very good investment ... thankfully I decided for myself. It is very comfortable and easy to handle. It is a blast to drive. And I get 23 miles to the gallon. It seats 5 comfortably with a lot of leg room. I definitely recommend the Ford Escape to everyone.

• 

  Good SUV if you like maintenance - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rickranjer - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I like this SUVs style, pick-up and interior. Honestly though, I do not like the fact that I have had to take it in three times for a throttle body replacement, one time for a manifold exhaust leak, two times for rusty bolts on the door, one time for a loose gear shifter and one time for my coolant leak. I have around 23,000 miles on this vehicle, which is quite a few after a year and a half, but with these problems, I wouldnt recommend this vehicle out of its warranty period.