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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  My Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lisa - May 23 - 5:20 am

  Feels like a truck. But its not. It gives you the room to pick up and drop off without having to get someone to move it for you. Its sporty yet I am very confident that I am safe when driving it. I love my Escape! I would recommend it to anyone interested in a small SUV.

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  Midnight Edition - 2002 Ford Escape
  By GoBlue - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Its fun to drive and its great looking. Ford, though, really skimped on some features, especially interior lighting. For example, there is no light for the ignition keyhole and many of the operating controls are painted on in white with no backlighting for dark roads. A compass and outside temp gauage would have been nice as well as a little less plastic inside.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Brian Yee - May 17 - 11:10 am

  I bought my Escape last December and it hasnt let me down yet. Its quick and comfortable like a car, like a quick car, and it still rides right over the bumps like an SUV. I can fit a lot in the rear area, including a few surf boards or my dogs crates. All of the seats in the back fold down and they are all comfortable. The front seat is fully adjustable and it feels really nicely put together, like a really stiff nice ride. The 6 CD changer is nice, but the speakers could be a little better. There are enough room for cups and CDs or whatever else. It looks great and it feels wonderful to drive, I really recommend going and driving an Escape for yourself.

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  Loyal Ford Owner - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Rich - May 17 - 2:21 am

  This is the 2016 SE model with 2.5 liter engine. It is a solid SUV. Almost no road noise. Gas mileage is better than the rated figure. Instrumentation is clear and easy to use. It has a smooth ride in city or on highway. The rear seat cushion is a little stiff, but we never use it for passengers. We are very satisfied.

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  Terrific small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By David McDonald - May 15 - 7:40 am

  First time purchase of an SUV. Fun to drive and relatively cheap to operate. Highly recommend.

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  WELL PLEASED - 2005 Ford Escape
  By D LITTLE - May 11 - 1:54 am

  I really enjoy my vehicle. My only complaint - some areas of craftsmanship appear rushed around doors and carpet areas. Also my shocks have small leak at only 22,000 miles.

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  Escape 01 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Corky - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Car has actually been very good with a couple of notable exceptions. The outside drivers mirror - we are on the 4th one installed and it still vibrates at highway speeds. V6 may have too much-it is difficult to take off from a stop without turning the tires over. MAJOR COMPLAINT is with the tires FORD put on it-ours were Generals and only had 23k on them before replacement - did rotation/balance every 4K. Long trips have been OK-it ran great and was fairly comfortable. Too much wind/road noise. The only reason we bought this over the CRV was the availability of the sunroof and the extra horsepower.

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  Love my Escape! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ccoccia - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Ford Escape is a great buy for the money. After totalling my Explorer in 02, I was hesitant to go to a smaller vehicle but have been extremely happy for over a year now. I feel safe and confident in the Escape... sitting up higher in traffic than a car (for visibility reasons) with a lot of interior room.

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  dusty - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Linda Kammeyer - May 7 - 7:48 am

  The only negative I have found with my 2016 Escape is the dust that collects around the inside of doors and the hatch. We travel some gravel roads and always have dust in door frames and hatch.

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  Build better - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Cathy - May 4 - 1:23 pm

  I like my Escape but the only thing I dont like is the cheap interior. The fan knobs break easy and I think they should use a higher quality material.