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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  Not too bad, not the best.... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By DMedic911 - February 27 - 9:21 am

  I have owned my Escape LTD for almost two years now and have not had any problems with it. Very comfortable and nice to drive. Not disappointed in my purchase, but would not purchase another one and ready for a change 2 years later. Biggest complaint is gas mileage at an average of 11-12 mpg in the city. I think a full sized truck with a large V8, pulling a motorhome could do better. Resale value not held over two years with only 11k miles.

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  Fun Drive - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rk - February 19 - 2:38 am

  Great SUV. Looked at Jeep liberty, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Nissan Xterra. At 62" I have enough room up front. Good MPG, V6 has good power, easy to drive around town. Road noise and small fuel tank is the only down side on road trips. I had zero problems with the Escape so far.

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  Best small SUV in its CLASS - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robby D - February 17 - 7:49 pm

  Bought the car to help save on gas and boy it sure did so. I havent had any problems whatsoever. This has been the best bang for the my buck to date. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for to save on gas has enough interior room and has all the gadgets that you will need.

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  2005 Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Susan - February 15 - 9:03 am

  From the moment I first heard about Ford planning an Escape Hybrid, I wanted one. I got mine in early November 2004 and have been very pleased. Except for a faulty computer brake problem (which was quickly diagnosed and fixed at no expense or inconvenience to me), I am delighted to drive this car. My favorite part is the handling -- the manauvering is smooth and easy. I have already hauled some furniture and other large items for my daughter who is moving to her first apartment -- and it is easy to fit things in and move out. My husband and I drove across the mountains in cold weather and it kept pace with or outperformed all the other vehicles on the road at all altitudes.

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  Love It - 2006 Ford Escape
  By GCS - February 14 - 10:37 pm

  Have had this SUV since 19 Dec 2005. I have not had any problems with the car at all. Traded in a Ford Taurus 4D and find this vehicle to be a pleasure to drive. I have sons that are 6 ft and this SUV has the room to allow them to be comfortable in the rear seats. Great travel vehicle.

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  MY FAVORITE SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By CAROLYN - February 14 - 4:36 pm

  I love to drive my new (used) Escape. It is sporty, sexy & fast! It fits into tight spots yet plenty of room for my 64" hubby. I went from a Lexus to my Escape and I just think it was the best choice for us since we spend 1/2 our year in the mountain snow and the other in the city. I chose this over a Lexus LX470 after reading many reports online, I chose to buy this and very happy I did.

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  Enjoyed every mile of it - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Christianne Nunez - February 12 - 3:59 pm

  From the moment I saw it I fell in love with the looks (both exterior and interior). When I bought it and had the chance to drive it, I loved it even more. It has been reliable (great engine power when street lights turn green, and when having to advance slow moving vehicles, which I attribute to the combination of its light body and 6v engine) and it has been fun, making me look and feel younger. Great for outdoor activities (going up the mountains or the beach). Huge trunk capacity.

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  Excellent small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By bnny911 - February 12 - 3:33 pm

  I loved this model so much that I traded in my 2001 Ford Escape for a 2006.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Karen - February 10 - 9:17 pm

  I have the XLT Sport V6 and am very happy with it. I think its an attractive and sporty automobile, and was very affordable. The ride is nice, its very peppy with lots of pick up. Plenty of room for my 3 kids and I and lots of room in the back for groceries, backpacks or strollers. It handles beautifully and is a lot of fun to drive. It had a lot of nice options as well.

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  Cool little gas hog. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lil D from Richmond - February 10 - 2:51 pm

  Im far more impressed with the Escape than expected, this being my first Ford vehicle. Good execution. Engine power, handling, space utilization, and price are great. Gas tank is way too small for its consumption. Cruise distance is just fair at best at 280 to 300 miles per tank for highway. Guess that was an agreement between Ford and some oil company. Should have outside temp and compass standard (or optional) for XLT model, their most popular model.