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 Year Later - 2009 Ford Escape
  By seancav - July 29 - 9:45 am

  I have now had my 09 Escape for one full year. I am happy to report that I very pleased with it. It has been very reliable and fun to drive. I have spent two months in the mountains with it and have found it to be one tough vehicle. I have to do some trail riding in the mountains and the traction control on the car has taken me to places that I could not have gone without it. I am surprised that some of the recent reviews have given this SUV such a low rating. I love this car. Before this purchase I had only bought cars from Japan. I wanted to spend my dollars in the US. I gave Ford a try and am glad that I did. Do not be afraid to buy this car. Its great!

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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Dawn - July 28 - 9:10 pm

  I used to drive a small sports car, but I decided I wanted something bigger, but not too big that I could handle. The Ford Escape Limited was the smallest Ford SUV. I was really surprised at how easy it is to handle. The ride is smooth. The interior looks awesome. I have the leather trim, sunroof and premium stereo. Ive gone on two long trips in it and the ride was very comfortable. The gas mileage is okay. I have a V6 so I expect it to be along the same lines of any other SUV. I have the capless gas tank, a major plus. Everything in the interior is situated for comfort. I had to take it back to the dealer to fix a recall item, but problems otherwise.

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  excellent car for money - 2010 Ford Escape
  By mike - July 23 - 5:59 pm

  We bought this for our daughter, although it is 4 cyl there is plenty of pep. Everyone prefers driving this over the other cars. Seats are great sync system is amazing. mileage is 22 city. surprising amount of leg room. looked at several others like rav4 and Honda but they were not even close. very happy.

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  MUCH better than expected! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By usc.grrl - July 13 - 2:49 am

  Ive always liked the look of SUVs but hated the fuel economy. The Escape has it all! I was originally planning on purchasing an XLT until I drove the Limited with the Sync Navigation, sold! I HAD to have it. Ive now had this car for a month and 1,300 miles and love it more with each mile I drive. Looks great, drives great, and has more than enough to keep even the most discerning Tech Weenies occupied on long drives! LOVE it!

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  First SUV - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mikey B - July 8 - 2:16 pm

  Been driving this for 2 weeks now and it has been great! Mine is black with the Sport Appearance Package (black rims, grill, spoiler, handles, headlights) with charcoal interior. Black on Black on Black. SYNC, sunroof, V6, auto starter. The pickup is amazing, style is fun and its just an all around great SUV. The seats are comfortable. The whole thing feels solid. Recently took it on a 4 hour drive up north and it was fantastic! The SYNC got me home with no problems! And I really like how you can send driving directions to your car from google maps!! I love this SUV so far!

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  Well worth it - 2009 Ford Escape
  By bman - July 5 - 1:31 pm

  Bought this vehicle used from a local dealer. Had a Fusion previously and definitely love the extra room. Has a great ride, mpg, and low wind noise. Test drove Rav4, Pilots, and Equinox and kept coming back to the Ford.

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  Its A winner - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Donna - June 29 - 4:21 pm

  Ive driven cross-country from west coast to east. I call my car the Willy Nelson b/c its on the road again and again. I love my car. Its old now I find myself having to replace brakes a lot often but I think its b/c Im being taken advantage of by mechanics.

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  Ford Escape 6 AWD - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Tom - June 23 - 10:48 pm

  Bought this for my sons high school graduation. I am impressed by the tightness of the vehicle, rides nice,safety features are definite plus, a lot of car for the money. Our escape came with side bars, SYNC, moonroof, towing, etc. At a very reasonable price. My son loves it and my 15 year old daughter loves it ( they think it looks like a (Land Rover).

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  Unfairly maligned? - 2010 Ford Escape
  By brikwil - June 17 - 10:28 pm

  I have owned 2 Explorers and now this Escape, and I simply dont understand any complaints about rear seat comfort. In particular, these vehicles have rear seats that are designed to create CARGO areas when they are not in use as seats. As such, I appreciate the fact that they dont recline or move fore/aft, etc. When I fold them flat, I want them to "disappear" and become cargo space, and thats exactly what they do. If my main purpose were to haul people around in my back seats, then I would buy a different vehicle, not an SUV. In the Equinox, the back seats fold down to an angle and do not create a sturdy, flat CARGO surface. Thats not my idea of a "sport UTILITY vehicle."

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  Escape over Toyota - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Steve - May 25 - 3:53 pm

  As a former Toyota owner I could not be more pleased with my Escape. The last Toyota was a loaded 2008 Camry XLE and the Escape matches or exceeds that car in every way. It is a pleasure to drive and do believe the interior is bad by what you read. Mine is the charcoal color leather and really looks great!