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 fun - 2004 Ford Escape
  By brandi6004 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle to drive... good gas mileage..comfortable... fun to drive... useful to haul..great in snow...awesome sound system...great for family... safe...great looking

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  Fun Car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By irenvans - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great polyvalent car. Drives like a car and has the necessary uuumf when needed. I recommend greatly.

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  2018 FORD ESCAPE is a Good Value - 2018 Ford Escape
  By Greg in West Chester Ohio - July 12 - 9:56 am

  This vehicle is indeed a good value. I purchased a Ford Escape S. Base model that still has plenty of features to make driving this vehicle easy. The interior is a bit busy and maybe a bit dated. Backup camera screen is smaller than others but is functional. Handling is good - the vehicle feels solid. SYNC for android phone is very good. Balance of front versus rear seat room is good for a vehicle this size. Cargo space is adequate - again considering the relatively low price of the vehicle. With discounts and negotiation I purchased a $25,800 vehicle for $19,900. I am quite satisfied with the features and quality at that price. Now allow me to drive it 150,000 miles as I intend to do over the next 6 years and hopefully I will have minimal maintenance and repair issues. Then I will be even happier with my decision to purchase the Ford Escape S.

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  Finally - a non-hog SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ted Olsen - July 11 - 2:50 am

  Ford scores high in my books for having produced a really driveable small SUV that isnt guzzling gas but performs above expectations. I havent had a moments regret. Everything about my Ford Escape is fun - plenty of power, enough room, sweet design, easy handling, great road holding. Im a happy camper, so to speak.

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  Love my ESCAPE!!!!!!! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Liliabeame - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escape... I waited 3 yrs to get it and enjoy the fun in driving it... Love the interior room and looks of the vehicle...

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By clittl17 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has been so dependable. No problems what so ever. Normal wear/tear such as tires only. One set of breaks just replaced. Will replace (only when needed) with another Escape! Highly RECOMMENDED!!!!:):):)

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  Fun car with a lot of problems - 2008 Ford Escape
  By brandi - July 11 - 1:56 am

  Bought this car in July 08. Replaced an 06 Ford Escape. Have had nothing but problems. I love the car design, comfort, features. So far I have had it in the shop 4 times, in 4 months! Starting with a steering problem. The left boot shaft keeps slipping. Ford has informed me that they have no fix and to just keep bringing it back in. replaced shocks, struts, set toe, recalibrated steering wheel, caster camber,alingment etc. all within 3,000 miles. Now at 8,000 miles, I have taken it in for a right front half shaft leak, cv boot, which leaked on and blew the engine sensor. Replaced the engine sensor, oxygen sensor, instrument panel. Now the steering is sloppy again and taking it back again!

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  Get it before they go... - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Colorado Dude - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. I compared for some time now with Chevy, KIA, Jeep etc...and simply state this vehicle has power, quality, looks, and especially FUN!!!!!

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  Fun Car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Pat Luegger - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Escape to replace an aging TransSport because I needed 4WD & also wanted a smaller vehicle. It has been a fun car to drive but I have had a number of mechanical problems including the car stalling for no apparent reason, the coolant sign coming on for no apparent reason plus today, I had to have the vapor MGM valve replaced. (I only have 41000 miles on my car.)

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  love it! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jbosig - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a 95 4X4 blazer that had to go. I researched 16 different SUVs of this size and/or compatability. I really wanted bigger but needed to stay under 30K. I have 2boys and 2Labs so I needed a rugged vehicle that would wear well. The CRV, Xterra, Rodeo, Montero, and Blazer couldnt even compare. few flaws but Fordsll never be perfect, otherwise itd be a Dodge!