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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  Mechanically Unsoud - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Amy Ostrow - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Great ride when it is functioning.

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  Escaped! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Petch - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is great had a problme with the seat and dvd player. Dealer fixed promptly.

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  Great little Ford - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Rolf and Reina Fischer - January 29 - 11:43 pm

  First , the Escape. I purchased had the 2.0litre turbo, which changes this vehicle from a nice little SUV to an OMG, Im going how fast! Wanted something bigger for my wife then the Hyundai that she had and researched the Escape. This little SUV is far from little in features and interior room. First off the seating is comfortable and after driving 3 hours to Orlando, I hoped out and felt no fatigue and was ready to go. The driving characteristics are responsive and light, sometimes can feel a little to responsive, wish it had a sport mode for steering like my mustang. The power is great, 240hp out of a 2 litre turbo, crazy, kept finding myself cruising at high 80s and having to let off the gas. At this speed it averages 26.5 mph. We were loaded up with 2 dog carriers and several sets of golf clubs as well as suit cases and everything fit in the back without a single care. The interior sound was minimal, more noticeable was the tire noise from the Continental tires... All in all would have no problem suggesting this vehicle and hope to put many miles on it.

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  Accelerator sticks - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Esther Boyer - January 28 - 2:00 am

  The accelerator is too hard to push, not smooth, always jerky. Dealership says they have this complaint all the time.

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  Lots of problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By 2bit - January 19 - 2:00 am

  During the first 2 months, this thing had more rattles than my 2yr olds toybox. Mysterious pieces of metal found in door. Thank goodness for gravity eventually fixing the rest that the dealer couldnt find. Have had the enigine light come on twice and had a anti-freeze light come on from a failed sensor. Warranty (I know why they only come with 3 yrs) ran out last month and now there is a funny, speed dependant sound coming from underneath the car. At least I didnt get one that has the mysterious stalling feature. This is the last Ford I will buy ... ever!

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  Loads of fun - 2002 Ford Escape
  By atldfan - January 18 - 2:03 pm

  Having owned a Mustang GT and a Taurus, I find the Escape a great combination of both. A sporty drive and room for people and stuff. It corners impeccably, yet the handling is forgiving. I have a 70 mile commute each day, and take road trips into the mountains. The Escape is at home on the highway and back roads, as long as they are paved. Since many of the parts are shared with a Taurus, I have had some of the same HV/AC problems with the Escape.

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  Modify your driving style, or you may end up dead! - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Rob and Kim - January 18 - 7:19 am

  I experienced an almost fatal incident with the Autostop. I was deciding whether to make a left turn across the path of a large truck that had just turned the corner 300 Ft away. The truck was lumbering along, so I made the decision to pull out across its path. Apparently, the truck hit its peak Torque at that time and suddenly sped up, just as I pulled out! At this moment, the engine had decided to shut itself off! I pressed the gas and nothing happened! Not knowing WHAT to do, I pressed it to the floor, the engine started up and rolled slowly into the path of the oncoming truck!!! I was like a deer in headlights! I kept the gas buried in the floor, by some miracle, the engine finally revved into Turbo range. ALL 4 WHEELS started spinning and it suddenly slingshot me across the skinny 2 lane road. I almost lost control and ended up in the ditch. Fortunately, the road was dry and the AWD and steering were responsive, allowing me to hop into the correct lane, within a hairs breath of disaster! Not what you want to happen the first week in your new vehicle. I STRONLGY advise against engaging the Auto-Off feature unless you will either glean tremendous savings in gas OR modify your driving style to emulate driving a Yugo. Otherwise, you may end up more than disappointed, you may end up Dead. -*-*-*-* Escape Pros (Feb 2017) When the turbo hits its stride, there is an amazing thrust of power. But it is slingshot-like. Ride and handling are great. Leather wrap Steering wheel has a nice feel even in the SE trim level. Reliability. Hope Im not disappointed. My opinion is that, based on the little I know about engine friction, the auto-stop feature must be putting a huge strain on the engine at every restart. Has a 6 speed automatic instead of a frustrating CVT. Our shopping options were severly limited due to this requirement. Bonus, No keyless ignition on the SE. Most first level upgrades delete the ignition key. Bonus, Knobs located on the radio instead of somewhere else. Escape complaints I hit my head (at 6ft1) getting in and out, due to the dramatically raked windshield. It looks great, but is it practical? The seats need more side bolster to really hug you and make you feel safe. I much prefer the 2008 Mazda3 seats in my other vehicle. Tiny, TINY back seat. Ill have to double check if the CX-5 was this cramped. (I had to trim the back seat runner down to about 5 inches where it meets the console. ) The fan speed control uses a cumbersome layout of 2 buttons on opposite sides of the control panel. Had to check the owners manual to find the control. Dealer gave us the WRONG code for the keypad entry. Spent a half hour there while their computer connected to the car, wifi, internet and Ford MoCo just to pop up the correct code. Shift paddles require both hands in an awkward and uncomfortable position on the steering wheel, and the delay makes them useless even when they happen to decide to work. Much prefer Mazda sport shift. I got Cold Weather Pkg - NO heated steering wheel !!!???? Thats an upgrade?? WTFrak?? Too many Sharp edges - door outer edge. Door hand grip inside, almost cut my hand! Engine often runs at 1000RPM around 40MPH and you feel the engine gagging, far below its torque range. Why?? I personally believe that this actually HURTS gas mileage but I dont have data to back that up. Not a good feeling, causes needless vibration. NannyKey seems crazy to me. But I dont have kids. They SHOULD call it NANNY-key, not MyKey so its purpose is more obvious. I prefer volume controls on left side of steering wheel...Escape has them on the right. Many more buttons for cruise cotrol than necessary. Gas filler on Passenger side. This should ALWAYS be on Driver side in left-hand-drive countries, IMHO. The trip computer keeps showing me 18.3 avg MPG with engine-stop ENGAGED! My CX-9 with a big V6 gets BETTER mileage around town. I cannot imagine it could get much worse with the engine not shutting off. I think there must be a point of diminishing returns with this feature. All this said, would I buy it again? With the deep discount I negotiated.......YES! If they gave you the same price vs. another brand, I would seriously consider the other brand, especially if you can live with a CVT and keyless ignition. I share this vehicle with seniors, who are even less accommodating to change than I am! I think that the perfect vehicle in this class would be an Escape with a V6 and slightly more back-seat leg room.

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  #1 Small SUV! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Madelyn - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle that was built by Ford. As my dad worked for Ford for 38 years I will always drive a Ford. Before we bought the Escape I thought that it would be to small but it has enough room for us. The small suv has a lot of hp rated at 201 which is more than enough for an suv. This vehicle is only about two years old and should be a great seller for many years to come. And also farwell to the great selling Taurus.

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  Very solid - 2013 Ford Escape
  By sven7 - January 15 - 6:29 pm

  After a week of mostly 2 lane highway driving, I offer the following observations. The cabin is very quiet and the ride quality in the front seats is excellent. It handles choppy pavement quite well. In my opinion, it continues Fords recent unfortunate trend of being overly "tech-happy" even when the benefits appear slim. I was able to find one without FordTouch. Sync will only partially connect with my older Bluetooth phone, making but not receiving calls, a problem the salesperson says is common. I strongly suspect the buyer demographic for this car will be much older than for the Focus/Fiesta and simpler would be appreciated.

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  I love my Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By drt1120 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had the best time driving this car and its comfortable to drive. Its easy to handle. Gas mileage is good for an SUV and hwy mileage is really good. Its easy to get in and out of and get my kids in and out of their carseats. I will definitely keep this car a long time.