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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  One of the best SUVs for the money! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dbj - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Despite some of the shorcomings such as: the gearshift on the console that interferes with radio/cd operation, and the quality of the front dash, I think its a great SUV!

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  An overall winner! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mba1956 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  After 6+ months with the Escape, I still have an high opinion of this SUV. Its spacious interior and great V6 engine are definitely best in class. Reliability has been excellent with no problems.

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  Great little truck - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Sue - July 10 - 12:00 pm

  Bought this to replace an F150 4x4 Supercab. In addition to being much easier to park, this little Escape handles well, rides well, looks great, and seems to be pretty well made.

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  Ruby Red!! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By janet wofford - July 9 - 4:58 pm

  I had never heard of this site, but once I did, WOW!! It guided me to so many choices and then I narrowed it down and their my car was staring in my eyes!! I am so glad because I didnt have to go to all the dealerships to look for a car,because I set in my home!!

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  An economical, but a big SUV! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kane - July 4 - 2:30 pm

  My old car was a Toyota 4Runner, but hated the gas mileage and pain at the gas stations. So I switched to an Escape. At first, I was worried I might lose lots of the space I had in the 4Runner, but a surprise! My Escape has as big an inside space as my old one. I might be wrong, because my old one was a mid- sized SUV, but at least I feel that way and Im sure about that. My big dog can fit in easily behind the 2nd row seat along with some groceries without a problem. The engine is very smooth and peppy. The acceleration is a little slow, I think, but heck, Im not a race car driver, nor do I want to waste gas for quick acceleration.

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  Great ride - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ccpayton - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my new escape. It rides and looks great. I wish the gas milage was alittle better especially with the price of gas. I looked at all small SUVs and felt the escape was the best out there.

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  Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mac110m - July 4 - 7:58 am

  Drives very nice .Good on long trips. Smart 4 wheel drive system works really good. Just love the whole SUV!

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  A Nice Driving Machine - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike - June 29 - 12:53 am

  I didnt like the old Escape, so as soon as I saw the new Escape, I went to a dealer and test-drove one. It was much much quieter than the old one my brother is driving. Also, I like the front new grille. The price is also very reasonable compared to ridiculously asking price of a RAV4. I cross-shopped with a RAV4 and CRV and found the starting prices are similar, but once I add the same options a Escape has, the Japanese models cost $3K more. The feul economy is what I expected. It just gives me an everyday enjoyment on the road to work and home. I like the curtain bag, too.

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  awesome suv - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Forrest Gump - June 28 - 10:54 pm

  Just got my new 2007 Escape XLT, and its only been a few hundred miles, and I love every minute of driving it. It has great pickup, drives like a car, and handles some limited off-roading Ive done so far. The seamless 4wd is great - I couldnt get the car to spin in the rain, and it pulled right out of the sand. I cant wait to see how it will be in the snow. Great 6-disc CD changer, nice sounding stereo with good bass. This is the perfect SUV: good size, power and fuel economy. What more do you need?

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford Escape
  By TEEKAY - June 27 - 11:37 am

  This is a peppy and fun ride. It gets pretty good gas mileage for a V6 as compared with other SUVs. Great for hauling kids, pets and plenty of cargo. User friendly when flopping down seats to make room for cargo. The best truck I have ever owned. Much better cargo area than my Nissan Quest minivan. Minivan cargo areas are deceiving. I havent had the trouble people tell you about with domestic "American" made cars and trucks. This was my first domestic car and a real winner.