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:

• 

  STEP AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Marty - July 4 - 1:23 pm

  My Ford Escape is self-destructing as I write - the CD player wont eject without help from my license, the rear wiper doesnt work, the right inside door panel is coming off, the shift indicator light works once in a while, the alternator had to be replaced at 24K, the right rear door doesnt shut without being slammed (this was supposedly fixed by the dealer), the doors are hard to open - feels like the door handle is going to break off (probably will soon), the left running board is separating from itself and its difficult to shift out of park when parked on a hill. The defrost only works with the visors down, the a/c is inadequate. Could go on and on, but am out of room.

• 

  Fun To Drive - 2016 Ford Escape
  By John Cee - June 26 - 10:52 pm

  Ride well good getting on and off ramps with the 2.0 Turbo engine Hugs the road love the back up system... Only thing so far I do not like is hardly no leg room in the back seats. Also need a some cubby holes upfront to put things in...(in the dash area).beside the armrest

• 

  My Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By EAM - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this SUV. Fun to drive and no problems so far!

• 

  Not bad but could be better - 2002 Ford Escape
  By chevycam - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Quality needs to be improved. I have 295 miles on it and have had to have a factory paint defect fixed. I had the known stalling problem at 133 miles. Not a great start

• 

  Best SUV in its class - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jazzy Jeff. - June 23 - 4:13 am

  After one year still love driving it. Nice power, rides lke a car. Not good on gas, but the ablity to use of low octane helps.

• 

  Problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By buckeyebic - June 22 - 1:48 pm

  With 47555 miles, the V6 4WD has lost the torque converter says the dealer. Also the sun roof quit working and the dealer quoted over $1600 to fix it because the factory sun roof is the only option available. The left front wheel bearing is gone and the front right idler arm needs replaced. Seems too soon for these types of failures for a SUV that has never been off road and used on the freeway mostly.

• 

  I Escaped - 2004 Ford Escape
  By escaped - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I first learned about the Ford Escape when I rented one to go on a long skiing trip to Vermont. I was immediately impressed. Not only did it easily fit 2 sets of adult skis, gear and luggage, but the driving performance was excellent. I drove from Pennsylvania to Vermont and it was like more like driving a car than an SUV. The Escape handles snowy and muddy terrain with no problems. I was hooked. I purchased one a week later. Absolutely love it. My other car is a Mercedes E320 4 Matic and thats been sitting in the garage lately. The Escape is really fun to drive.

• 

  Thought I was buying a small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bensgranpa - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Handles well and easy to drive. Engine noise apparent. Interior so-so. Performance very good:good braking and engine performance. Good looking. But I thought I was buying a small SUV, not a full size Hummer. Have yet to get more than 12 mpg in city driving. Our big Honda Odyssey gets much better mileage both in town and on the road. And that matters now that it takes $27.00 to fill up with regular.

• 

  This SUV is a piece of junk. - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tunes06 - June 14 - 11:00 am

  This vehicle is junk. The rear door seal fell off. The CD player refuses to give back CDs. The rear wiper motor quit. The sun roof sticks. It has been recalled twice. And now the transmission has totally failed at 61,000 miles. Ford refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem but checking the NHTSA site reveals I am not the only one with this problem. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

• 

  Its at the dealership right now - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Taco - June 14 - 2:27 am

  I had all the alarms on the screen and it just died on me for the 2nd time in as many days the it would not start for me at all so I had it towed to the dealership. They have had it for 4 days now and still cant give me an answer. The car has only 5k miles on it. I didnt qualify for a loaner because I didnt get an extended warranty , didnt think I needed it on an brand new car. I will never buy or lease a Ford product in the future.