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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  A large step down - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kimberly - March 5 - 3:40 am

  After owning an Explorer, I decided to move down to the Escape. Over all I was unimpressed. I expected more from a Ford SUV and loved my Explorer. I wanted something a bit smaller and was hoping it would handle slightly better. What I ended up with was a lot less room, and an SUV built for someone who could not afford a real one. I would not reccomend this to my friends.

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  So far... so good! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Kleinzle - March 3 - 6:52 pm

  Went from an Acura Sedan to the Escape because I really wanted a 4 wheel drive. Definitely fun to drive and I love sitting high up now! Husband complains about the hard leather but I think its pretty comfy. I finally am looking forward to a good snow storm!

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  Gold Ash Baby - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Lara - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I just love it!

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  Great for the money - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Mike - March 1 - 7:01 pm

  What a great little SUV for the money. Plenty of room, plenty of power (V6). Build quality could be a bit better (rattles and squeaks at 40K miles) All in all I would buy another.

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  2003 Escape XLT 4x4 - 2003 Ford Escape
  By David Wicksell - February 27 - 8:30 pm

  I purchased my Escape new in May of 2003 and have loved driving it ever since. When new they had to replace the radio (CD/tape) because the clock ran slowly. It was also missing the rubber stoppers for the liftgates glass. Both problems were fixed under warranty. After a while I noticed another couple of defects, the rubber seals in the liftgate (both the glass and the gate itself) as well as the moonroof, leaked slightly in the rain. That is just sloppy workmanship in my opinion. The moonroofs switch didnt work correctly. They were however fixed by the dealership under warranty. I now have 34,000 miles on it and it runs like new. There have been no mechanical problems or any other problems.

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  Would not rebuy - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Erica Flores - February 22 - 12:23 am

  I loved ford, so much so I only ever bought fords, but this is BS. I just bought a 2016 ford Escape and its engine is suddenly just stopping. I would be going 65mph on the free way and go to try to pass someone or get over and try to accelerate just to see that my engine has shut off. All I see is a message to put it in park to start engine. It would start right back up but It has happened three times and the third almost got me smoked my a Simi, so I bring it in to Ford Dealership since it is under warranty. They keep it for two days to tell me they have no idea what is wrong with it. That it didnt happen when they drive it and there was no code popping up so they do see a problem and dont know what to tell me. PISSED is a understatement right now. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD!!!!

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  More fun for the money! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bjmbjm1998 - February 20 - 2:36 pm

  I did way more research than average person being a gearhead. I knew the strengths and weekness of the SUV before i bought a used one. I knew because of the way Ford designs their 4 valve engines, it would eat more gas. The secret to good gas mileage is an easy foot. One thing the Escape has is the ability to pull 3,500 lbs towing. This engine gives it that ability when you need it. The problem most people will have is that it can scoot quick if you nail the gas pedal. Thus your mileage will drop fast by pushing hard. I waited to buy the top of the line till it was 2 years old. Much better price! Paid $16,900 for a loaded Limited with sunroof and tow package and 18,000 miles. Youll love it!

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  First 4WD SUV - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Ann Johnston - February 20 - 2:31 am

  Very pleased so far (1 month). Determined to buy a Ford this time for their good history; no bail out and American.

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  XLT....great SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tammi - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Handles very well, drives smooth. The SUV is stylish and has lots of room yet not as bulky as other SUV types. The only downfall I have is the small gas tank. But the I am very pleased with the XLT, it actually handles better then my car!

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  Car is a gas hog! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Fran - February 16 - 5:00 pm

  Id hoped to come close to the sticker advertised MPG rating but so far, cant come close. I am not a hot rodder, but a 76 year old female who drives to drive the posted speed limit, city or highway and dont dig out at stop signs. The last fill up I got 17.95--not anywhere near the 33 or 29 MPG as advertised. I wished I had kept my 2000 Sable, as I got 24 MPG with that and did not have to sit in a furnace at a stop light unless I turn on the Max Air which turn on the engine. I have conferred with the dealer two times, the last time they said I should try PREMIUM GASOLINE!!! I bought this vehicle for economy not to break my budget. Is anyone else out there getting this bad gasoline mileage?