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:

• 

  Totally love it - 2009 Ford Escape
  By SmallTownGuy - February 7 - 2:23 am

  What a great vehicle, totally love it. Just bought it Nov 24th. SYNC is so much fun..a great feature! I also like the power sunroof with shade. Never had Sirius satellite radio before and wiil definitly subscribe once my 6 months runs out. Am very happy with my Escape, would recommend it to anyone. Everywhere I go, people come over and ask me about it. As a big guy, I feel very comfortable in it, very roomy. Ride is smooth and it handles very well. I did get the 4 wheel drive and havent really tried it out. Living here in Maine, we have some pretty nasty weather, so I am anxious to see how it handles in snow.

• 

  Fun little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mkgibbons - February 3 - 7:48 pm

  This is a fun little SUV to drive. I love the look of it and the feel of the wind rushing through my hair when the moonroofs open. Mileage has been pretty good, and the all-wheel drive is helpful in snowy MN winter. Road noise gets a little high when at highway speeds.

• 

  GREAT RIDING CAR - 2004 Ford Escape
  By sabrina perruzza - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE THE CAR BUT I HAVE IT FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND I HAVE SOME PROBLES WITH IT AND AM GOING TO TRADE IT IN. I FEEL LIKE FOR HAVING A CAR THAT LONG I HAVE PUT WHEY TOO MUCH MONEY INTO IT

• 

  Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Doretta Clevenger - January 31 - 9:05 pm

  Ashtrays should remain an option. There is a perfect spot for one but now is just a hole in console. Not much room between the door and the seat adjuster. Good thing we dont have large arms. Geared just a little high for driving in hill country.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Had! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Hockeymom - January 31 - 3:26 pm

  I have only had an Escape for three months and for every day I drive, I love it more. My kids find it gives them more room than our old minivans did. Its a little truck-like for slow town driving but for average speeds its comfortable.

• 

  Great Roomy Small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Jill - January 31 - 3:05 pm

  Excellent gas mileage, enough room for hockey equipment, and perfect for traveling.

• 

  Cool little small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Darren - January 29 - 9:44 pm

  Very nice small SUV. Good power with V6. Handle like a car, taut but compliant suspension. Very maneuverable with tight turning radius. Bright fog lights. Comfortable and roomy for its small size. Its a lot of car for your money. The 2005 redesign looks much improved over previous model years. Cool wheels. Like my shifter on the console. XLT package comes nicely equipped. Mileage is within range, 22-23 on highway. Now I wish Ive gotten a sunroof.

• 

  Owner of Ford Escape 2006 - 2006 Ford Escape
  By norm - January 29 - 12:02 am

  I owned a 2005 put 7000 miles on it and decided to buy a new 2006 with less features on it. The ride is great since it is a 4X4. The all around gas mileage is 22 milesto the gallon, which isnt too bad.There are no rattles inside. The power the 4 cylinder puts out is enough to go anywhere. Took in the muddy field with no problem. All around the car is excellent.

• 

  Not when its broken - 2002 Ford Escape
  By hanges - January 27 - 6:35 am

  This was the best performing vehicle that I have EVER owned too bad it had to go into the shop for work over 12 times in one year (20,000 miles). Rotors, fuel lines, EGR valve, fuel tank gaskets, etc. I did get 30 mpg with it and with it fully loaded (floor to ceiling with slip 40/60 seats) set the cruise at 72 and never have it drop below 70, even then going through the Rocky Mountains.

• 

  Great Value for the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ted - January 26 - 6:27 pm

  Bought the base 4 cylinder 5 speed new last year. Roomy, versatile, fun to drive, ECONOMICAL, and very capable in bad weather. The size is deceiving. Looks small on the outside, but its as big as our Cherokee on the inside. Routinely get 26 - 27 mpg in town, and 29+ mpg on highway. Anti lock brakes are standard, and the car feels very solid on the road. This little 2.4L 4 cylinder makes as much hp & torque as small 2 bbl V-8s did 20 years ago. LOTS of convenience features, even in base model. Upholstery material could be nicer, and I am finding that the accelerator pedal sticks (wont depress) sometimes when cold - that will be a warranty trip. Otherwise, we love it. Highly recommended.