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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  Justins No Boundaries Package - 2005 Ford Escape
  By No Boundaries - September 16 - 6:26 pm

  I personally am a very outdoors type guy. I like biking, kayaking, camping, hiking, climbing; you name it Ive done it. I purchased the No Boundaries Package for my Escape. I was debating between this and the Xterra. With everything that my wife and I do, and everything we bring with us, the Escape was a better choice. Not only that but it was more reasonably priced. Weve found that it has ample room for both her and I, and my newborn son. Weve been able to carry almost everything we take with us camping on the exterior rack. Including our bikes, and kayaks. We had a real rough night a while ago, and we folded the seats down and slept in the back of the Escape. It was comfortable.

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  Good price for good car, SE - 2016 Ford Escape
  By DacDog - September 15 - 7:31 pm

  Pros: 2.0 Ecoboost engine has plenty of pickup. Drives great in rain. Good quiet ride for mid-size vehicle. Good styling and comfort. Plenty of options on SE model available, unlike competitors lower end models. Wife doesnt like FOBs and button start and wanted a key. This was the best option. Has door combination lock, also a requirement not available on lower models of competitors we visited. Nice Panoramic Sunroof Sync 3 works well with Android and iPhone Rear seat room adequate for average height person Cons: Not keeping up with times. No phone storage spot for driver except cup holders, thus losing a cup holder. Limited storage space throughout Glove box almost hits passenger seat. Not functional with seated passenger. Smaller interior than most like competitors

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  Fun and Sporty! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Michelle - September 13 - 9:53 pm

  I sold my Yukon XL and wasnt ready to move down in size to a car so I had never really thought about the Escape because I wasnt crazy about the older body style. My Mom talked me into test driving one from the dealership where she worked. I loved it! My daughter loved it too. So, I figured out the colors and options I wanted and the dealership found one for me. I love it!

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  Practical, Powerful, Plenty of Space - 2002 Ford Escape
  By iowalee - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have a certified used auto with 31,000 miles. It has been reliable, handles well in a variety of road conditions, and a peppy V-6 engine. I had 3 minor problems covered free under the warrantee: Recall for engine stall. I never experienced this. The 6 CD player stopped working. The stuck discs were recovered and return. Inside AC/heat fan was noisy. No problem with Dealer

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  My take after 1800 miles. - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mfd4300 - September 11 - 5:24 am

  So I have had my 2013 for 2.5 weeks now, ready to share my insight. I had the 2010 6cy escape before this new one. I average 50,000 miles a year, for me its all about the drive and interior comfort, looks are not important to me. I am a ford guy and really wish I could get my old escape back. In my opinion not a fan at all of the new design, overall I think it will hurt ford sales. I consider this a saftey issue, and will bet on a recall eventualy. The gas pedal is way to close to the brake pedal. I have a size 12 foot and drive with sneakers on, I barely have enough room between the brake pedal and center console, imposible with work or snow boots on.

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  NICE LITTLE ESCAPEY - 2004 Ford Escape
  By EscapeADDICT - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This is justan awsome car to drive. In its class it is the best driving experience.

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  2nd Time Around - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BeachDude - September 8 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Escape, the first being a 2002 Ltd. I returned my Volvo XC90 at the end of its Lease. Decided to do some economizing. Get away from premium gas and buy something with better mpg. The improvements/features over my 2002 are substantial. Most things have been improved greatly, some things fall under "if it aint broke why did you try to fix it...but made it worse?" Parking brake release and twist locks on roof rake. Though, 5-6 speed trans would be nice. The 4 speed shifts very smooth compared to the 6 speed in my Volvo. But, with all that I am enjoying the truck!

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  Escape Limited is Great? - 2004 Ford Escape
  By lottie - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Test drove liberty, cherokee limited and escape. Liberty small in elbow room for driver and front seats.

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  I love my SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Lorraine Coffey - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my SUV! I cant find anything to complain about so far:) The cupholders could be deeper.

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  Escape into the Future - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LaChanda Hawkins - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my truck easter weekend this year. I wouldnt trade it for anything. It is dependale, great on gas, easy to handle and very spacious for my family of four.