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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  My Second Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Florencio - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought a red XLT in June of 2001, and I loved it so much, that I traded it in for a new 2004 black Limited with the black leather interior and moonroof. I only wish I could have purchased the heated seats, maybe next time!

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  Love it, but not my wife - 2009 Ford Escape
  By WhoFan - May 8 - 2:43 am

  Love it, but my wife has an issue with the seat head rests, front and back. I agree, the back one, way too far back to be of any issue in an accident or sleeping. Front, she thinks is to forward. I like it, but its about personal confort. Its the only issue, other than that, love to drive it. Dont know if the leather package has better head rest.

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  Long List of Problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Bad luck ford - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2001 XLT loaded escape Dec. 2000. After 4000 km. Serpentine belt idler pulley fell off. 8000km smelt burnt oil inside cab. Dealer replaced complete engine! Neighbour bought same vehicle same problem. Replaced jammed seat carriage. Hgh spd vibration in front end. Rebushed something and balance tires(Pour PDI) Plastic kick plate mouldings were replaced (needs mud flaps from factory) CD player jammed, deck replaced. Very poor quality job done by Ford. Dealer did rebate some cash and provide adaquate service each and every time this vehicle was in the shop (way too much shop time) Needs new engine coolant level sensor...on and on. Gas milage poor.

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  THE NEW BABY! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JTCM56 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  VERY SATISFIED WITH VEHICLE. SOLID AFTER 2 MONTHS. LOCAL AND LONG TRIPS MADE WITH NO PROBLEMS. AS REPORTED, JUST A TOUCH NOISY ON THE INTERSTATE BUT IT HANDLES LIKE A GERMAN CAR. SUPER PICKUP AND MUCH BETTER BRAKING THAN MY F150!

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  Lovin my new ride! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By DeAnna So - May 2 - 4:04 am

  The design of the steering console and handling response is GREAT... the steering wheel is a bit smaller than average which helps it to feel like a sports car and the handling response really is great! It gets really good gas mileage and is easy to get in/out of... not too high off the ground to access comfortably. It feels really sporty for an SUV. I even like it more than I liked my ML350 (Mercedes) SUV... and I liked the Mercedes a LOT.

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  No Escaping the Segment—but thats more than OK - 2017 Ford Escape
  By BRex - April 30 - 11:10 am

  THIS IS A 2.0 engine, not the 2.5 labelled above. There was no option to select 2.0 model. I purchased a 2.0 Ecoboost model—a 4 cylinder that supposedly gets the gas mileage of an economical 4 cylinder while boasting the power, save the horses of a 6 cylinder engine. The driver can get the results of the former in DRIVE mode, and the later in SPORT mode, of which the transition is the easiest to shift on the fly in the Escape than the push button methods of other like SUVs. I find early on that the engine nearly measures up to this claim. Paddle shifters are available on my model, though I really dont quite grasp the logic of paddle shifters generally. The ride is firm and composed. The steering is very good, though not as connected to the road, in my opinion, as other notable vehicles in its class. Returning now to the ride. To what do I have to compare the ride to? As an owner of a 2005 Highlander—which never left me in the lurch or side of the road, I was impressed to the last day of my ownership of this vehicle as to the manner it floated over pothole patched roadways that predominate on long, country, suburban roads, while affording a 360 view of everything going on around me. As such, I drove this vehicle like a sportscar. The 2017 Escape appears to keep this pace, though visibility is somewhat more limited. I had found that side window cameras on other vehicles in this segment may have the potential to help for quick lane shifts, but my new vehicle did not include this feature (only a backup camera). As both a techie—I love the touchscreen (and the technology packages offered, besides this detail, are the best Ive seen in all the models tested, especially for the price. Comparably supplied tech packages on mid-sized SUVs jack the price up prohibitively for my expenses. However, as a pure driver? I dont need no stinkin badges—I mean tech to back up, make turns, or parallel park. In my former vehicle, I drove through city streets and the like to the extent that one passenger asked me if I liked motorcycles. I did all these owning to the line of sight around the vehicle. The new Ford has a front windshield that slopes down very far—reminding me of a Toyota Prius. I am not sure whether this is to give the sensation of a commanding view of the road or not. Dont get me wrong, it succeeds here, but heres the rub: with the motor supposedly giving the impression of a 6 cylinder and the 18 inch tires, on the SE Trim, and the general overall impression reminding me of my erstwhile Highlander (in terms of looks and theoretical performance) I have not yet justified in my mind the potential similar price that the lower end 6 cyl, mid-sized SUVs and the Escape. The strangest thing is that my mother, of all people told me to be sure to drive over plenty of bumps before purchasing the vehicle. Having purchased the vehicle I am finding–and this is a very preliminary impression-that one can definitely feel every jolt and tittle of said bumps and holes on the road. I feel it, but the vehicle is rugged enough that it has no truck with any given road you find yourself on. But I think this is true of every compact SUV. Generally, I love this vehicle and may venture to guess the Ford Escape may move up a notch or two in this category this year! Nevertheless, I would not yet pass this small SUV off as a midsized performing SUV—but well see. I was one of the first to buy the 2017 Ford Escape in my area. Oh, one more thing to note. I must admit that I wanted to buy a manly car in my price range that is not overly cumbersome. When I first saw the 2017 Escape drive up (the salesperson) wasnt even aware they had it in yet—so as I was looking in the lot he drove up in it, surprising me. What a surprise! I was like: "thats my next vehicle (I hope it lasts 12 years), it looks cool." Of course one review on YouTube said that the Escape has had 60% of it buyers female! Oh well. Note well: this is a very preliminary review. My main impression is that it is no Highlander, but I bet it could surpass the vehicles in its own class.

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  the winner - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Aaron cis - April 27 - 10:18 pm

  I bought this cute SUV for my family needs and dont regret it at all. One of the best compact SUVs in the market with plenty of interior space. The reliability is outstanding despite the high mileage i got. Not a single complaint to make. Wife and kids love it. So why buy RAV4 or CR-V when you got the Escape?

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  Extreme commute in comfort - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Momofthree - April 24 - 3:46 am

  I have owned this Escape for about six months and have put 19500 miles on it already. My commute is 120+ miles a day and I feel like it is five. There is no vibration, road noise is minimal and I can see without blind spots even with teenagers in the backseat. I am a 59" woman and have no difficulty with seat positioning or steering and love the fact that it turns on a dime. Turns so smooth- Just like my old 76 Bronco from high school. Also have a toddler and the carseat latch features are so easy. Plenty of kick room for her legs too. Perfect height for placement of little ones, she can see out and I have no more back aches from the bend and stretch of buckling her.

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  Good Car aside from Defective Moldings - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Nick - April 23 - 1:19 am

  I just purchased my 2016 Escape SE (2 L turbo) a few weeks ago and have already had it serviced twice. Apparently the car was equipped with defective plastic door and mirror moldings that warp/melt when exposed to the sun. When I say sun I am talking about 75 degree san diego sun in February. Although theyve never seen this before the dealer happily replaced the passenger side door moldings and side view mirror moldings. The drivers side moldings soon warped about a week later. After replacing those I figured I was all set because I had replacement moldings straight from the factory. Unfortunately the replacement moldings warped when left out in the direct sun for a couple hours. The dealer is in the process of creating a ticket directly with Ford to figure out if there was a bad batch of moldings or if this is an inherent defect in all 2016 Escapes. Im shocked to not see other Escape owners with the same problem. I imagine as we get closer to summer there will be a number of customers with the same molding issue. Theres no point of replacing the moldings again as this would result in yet another trip to the dealer a week later. So for now, Im stuck with a new car that looks like it just came out of a microwave. Hopefully Ford presents a solution.

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  My Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By JME - April 21 - 3:01 pm

  The only complaint I have about the Escapeis the cruise control button shape, it has a pointed edge and got caught on clothing and popped off several times the last time I just gave up on fixing it!