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:

• 

  Ford Escape 2002 - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Emster - January 3 - 2:52 pm

  This is a good car for the most part, I think there are some design flaws that make this vehicle a "high maintenance" vehicle once the warranty is up. I had trouble with the wiring and windshield cracks. Overall, it got me where I needed to be with little trouble. It has a smooth ride and fits 5 comfortably.

• 

  Womens SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By BRENDAN - January 3 - 1:29 pm

  This vehicle is the second one which I have owned. The 1st one being a 2003 Escape XLT. This in itself speaks about my overall satisfaction with the vehicle. I call it a womens SUV mainly because of its smaller size. It handles as good as or better than a car and its usefulness far surpasses any car. I have traveled across Canada with this vehicle fully loaded with belongings and with an 18 cu.ft. luggage carrier on the roof rack and did it quite comfortably. The handling is exceptional in all weather and conditions.

• 

  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By anfmichael82 - December 30 - 9:03 am

  I leased the 05 Ford Escape in April of 04. I absolutely love this truck! I have had no problems with it, and have been very satisfied. This is a very reliable vehicle. The only things that I didnt care for was that it needed better gas mileage, and when on uneven ground the interior started to sound like cheap plastic. Overall I would definitely lease this car again.

• 

  06 Escape 5 Speed - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Drew - December 28 - 2:06 pm

  My family and I really love our new Escape. Gas mileage is wonderful averaging about 25 mpg with mostly city driving! And its 4X4! Plenty of power with the manual trans. Would like to see more options available with the 5 speed. i.e. fog light, power seat, sunroof, 6 disc privacy glass.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By J D - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Read Edmunds.com reviews prior to purchase and previous comments were on target in regard to benefits and limitations. My choice was between the full size Explorer and the Escape. Feel I got a better value (considering my needs and affordability)buying the XLT Excape versus an XLS Explorer. Lots of zip with the V-6, feels sporty and more car-like. Console shifter a plus. Love the cargo space and the fact that the rear seats fold flat. It fits my two needs-- haul a few passengers comfortably or haul some gear efficiently. Looking forward to driving this vehicle on an upcoming road vacation.

• 

  Ford - 2004 Ford Escape
  By nkw1013 - December 27 - 9:19 pm

  Purchased the vehicle for my wife three years ago. Vehicle has not had any problems. Just routine maintenance and fuel, no complaints.

• 

  The Sanders experience - 2007 Ford Escape
  By michaelsanders - December 26 - 6:48 pm

  We love driving around and so far the weather here has been mild, so we cant wait till we get some bad weather to see how it performs under those conditions.

• 

  Little blue rocks - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Grant - December 20 - 10:34 pm

  This is my first new car and so far I love it, its so smooth and so easy to drive its unreal after all it is an SUV. Ive tested many small utes Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, etc. - its the best of the bunch - not quite as many features as the Tucson but the Escape is quick and zippy and gets just as good gas mileage as the rest. The inside is simple could be better but works for me. The only weird thing so far is when turning it turns great in big turns but in really shallow turns its kind of hard on your wrist.

• 

  Fun Car - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Jenn - December 16 - 9:50 am

  I love my 2007 Escape. Its fun to drive, looks sharp and I get a lot of comments on it. The only thing I would change is the dashboard. I prefer digital info on the radio, such as temp, fuel range, etc. but that is not an option on mine. I would also put more numbers on the speedometer. Its a little difficult to tell if I am driving 65 or 70 because of the limited numbers listed.. Other than that, I am very happy with my vehicle.

• 

  Great Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Gr8Escape - December 10 - 6:41 pm

  We bought our Escape when they came out in 2001. We were drawn to the body style and took one for a test drive. We bought an XLS with a 4 cylinder engine. My wife likes the fact that it has a low-emissions rating. She averages 28 MPG in the summer. It drops to 25 in the winter. This was something we could not find in any other SUV, foreign or domestic. Since the purchase the Escape has been excellent. Nothing more that routine maintenance has been required. We now have 80,000 miles on ours and will buy a new one when Ford comes out with a new body style