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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  Fun SUVette - 2006 Ford Escape
  By HA - April 18 - 8:30 pm

  Looked at several of the smaller SUVs and got this one based on the FORD name, safety packages and mileage. It came with the leather package and the sun and sound package for free, I am assuming in response to the many complaints of inferior interior design. The better stereo is great and the sunroof is nice too. Do not like the center console and cup holder placement though. Engine is surprisingly responsive considering it is only a 4 cylinder.

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  Grandmas Car - 2012 Ford Escape
  By frances duggan - April 17 - 10:26 am

  I have always loved and bought Ford vehicles. They are reliable, comfortable, safe and stylish and affordable. I have grandchildren and great grandchildren and we always feel safe and comfortable. I love my SUV.

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  05 ESCAPE XLT with 75,000 miles - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JW - April 8 - 9:52 pm

  My Escape is a company car. At first I wasnt happy getting it, but after driving it 75,000 miles in 2 years, I now luv it. It has proven to be comfortable and reliable (I drive it aggressively). The V6 is torquey and quick. The interior design is functional and comfortable. I carry 4 adults, the rear passengers never complain.This SUV has been extremely reliable (NOTHING has broken) and seems indestructible when driven hard regularly. Ive taken it off road a few times the AWD was all I need to get through the deep mud. A snow storm dumped 25" and this SUV drove through unplowed roads and snow mounds without a problem.This SUV has proven to be tough, comfortable, reliable, speedy, and sporty. I recommend it.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Lorie Styles - April 8 - 6:25 am

  I purchased this truck because of the quality I heard from friends. It is a compact SUV with lots of room and such a smooth ride. My mother has health problems and it was easy for her to enter and exit the vehicle with little effort!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Noryn - April 7 - 7:06 pm

  I have been looking at Escapes for several years. Early this year I purchased an WRX (awesome car) but found myself needing more of a SUV. So 2 times this year I have been researching and testing vehicles to drive. The Escape was hands down the best vehicle I tested. I tried a Jeep Liberty which was sluggish and stiff--the difference was night and day. For some reason above it wouldnt let me choose the 6 cylinder option which is what I have. It has awesome pick up and gets decent gas mileage--I get about 20.5 mpg but I live in the city. The interior is gorgeous, especially at night. The vehicle is very stable, even in steep curves. Ford has done a great job on this.

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  Love my Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Michael - April 7 - 9:44 am

  I love my 05 Escape. It looks a lot better than the previous years. It has an excellent ride (no bounce like other Fords usually have) and great pickup! I love the room inside. I think it could have better gas mileage. I get average 19 mpg (I drive about half city and highway). I would really recommend this car. 30,000 miles, and not a problem so far (knock on wood).

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Escape
  By David - March 26 - 11:35 am

  Great SUV. Never has given me a problem yet with now 6k on it. Always gets compliments. Great for driving to work to weekend. I am happy that I purchased this.

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  Nice car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Rick - March 26 - 7:28 am

  Bought the car without doing much research. It is fun to drive, has great acceleration, and is very good in snow. Has lots of storage, and is very comfortable for long drives. The ride is much better than the Explorer I owned prior to buying this car. I have had absolutely zero problems with the car.

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  Great handling, sporty, good price point - 2006 Ford Escape
  By dave_7248 - March 19 - 8:07 pm

  Responsive handling, manageable size, and sporty look have been satisfying. After researching and test driving at least 12 vehicles (RAV4, Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Jeep Liberty, etc.) for more than a year, I finally decided on the 2006 Ford Escape. The combination of being fun to drive, the safety canopy package and the price point kept pointing me back to the Escape. Ive rented the Escape at least four times, and have always been satisfied at the end of my trips (despite having a bad back). My concern has always been the Ford name -- will the Escape be reliable? Im a big Consumer Reports fan, and they gave the vehicle a great review for reliability.

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  Fun SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By cb - March 18 - 9:50 pm

  This is a great little SUV. Its small enough to not feel as cumbersome as many of the larger utes, but still avoids feeling like a "toy", which I did not find to be true of the RAV4 and CR-V I took a look at. We got the Limited with every option except towing and sunroof. Ive never had much use for a sunroof, and if I wanted to tow, I would buy a larger vehicle intended for that type of use. Highly recommend the titanium green color. It maintains a clean appearance longer than many colors, and looks great in sunlight. Overall a very nice vehicle, with surprising options. Highly recommended.