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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  BigDs Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By bigd1276 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escape. Compared to my Mustang and my wifes Explorer it rides like a cadillac. Its well built and handled well in the snow. Love the power moonroof and 6 disc CD player. Only drawback is gas mileage. Averages 18 mpg and has a small gas tank(16 gallon)

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  Pretty good - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Monifa Johnson - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car could be improved by Ford. I dont think they gave it their all.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rod Barajas - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my new 2005 Ford Escape...The front is cool looking and the interior is so fresh with the new floor shifter...I could not resist...I in the past thought the Escape was ugly...But for did a good job in redesigning this vehicle...I love the smart 4x4...It was a very good car to buy!

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  Love it! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Sandy Bartlett - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Have been researching this SUV for weeks, test drove many. The ride is very good, build seems excellent if a little spartan in the interior, but I like that and its what keeps the price down. Plus every one loves the way it looks, real head turner. Highly recommended.

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  Fun Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Bill Haupt - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Ford car I have purchaed in my life. I was replacing a Nissan Quest Van built by Ford so, I decided to try the Ford. My main purpose was to buy a smaller car that gave me better gas mileage and still gave me the interior room and hauling capacity of my Van. The car has been great and trouble free although I am disapointed in the gas mileage and exterior sheet metal work, this car has been a pleasure to own and drive.

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  great value and utility - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jeramy doer - November 21 - 10:00 am

  a 200 hp v6 makes this little suv quick and fuel efficient. spacey interior and plenty of off road capability made me choose this over the nissan xterra.

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  2005 Limited Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dustinwj - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for a month now, and only find myself getting more and more pleased with my purchase. The size is perfect, like driving a car but higher up, with much better visibility and much more cargo room. I find them to be the best looking compact SUV on the road, especially the Limited with body-colored bumper.

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  Love my Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By wrk109 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  It doesnt matter if its on top of the Pennsylvania mountains when Im hunting, traveling the open road, or passing all the stuck "big boys" on the Jersey beach when Im surf fishing, my Escape always gets me through! I love my Escape because it can convert from a family vehicle to my play vehicle with plenty of storage and seat room. I added a trailer hitch and cargo carrier for my 150 quart cooler, and put surf rod holders on the cargo carrier top for when Im on the beach. Ive had several people come over to me commenting what a sweet setup! My Escape does everything Ive asked it to do with a smile. My Escape just loves being off road!!

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  Love Our Escape - 2016 Ford Escape
  By dick hummel - November 10 - 10:05 pm

  Weve purchased our new Ford Escape less than a month ago. It has the additional Equipment Group 201A package. We havent tested it on various road or weather conditions, including wet pavement. This is our first SUV. It has very good maneuverability and pick up for city and highway driving. We havent hauled heavy loads. We love the rear camera, all-around visibility and reverse sensors that give us added protection with backing up. The interior is very comfortable but wish there were more storage compartments in the front. We love the convenient storage in our 2010 Fusion which has more storage space than the Escape. The lumbar support and ability to elevate the drivers seat, adds to the drivers comfort with less fatigue. So far the gas mileage isnt great - only 20 mpg combined city and highway. But our vehicle isnt properly "broken in" yet. The owners manual states to calculate after the first 1000 miles, which we havent reached yet. The Sync 3 is awesome and user friendly! The speaker system produces clear, crisp stereo music. Also, the mph displays in large numbers on the information display panel allows the driver to see the speed at just a quick glance. The cruise control buttons are easy to find and its much easier to resume speed with just a flip forward on the resume/cancel bar. This winter, we will appreciate the FWD that will automatically convert to AWD if needed. We have used edmunds.com for over 15 years and have found it to be a very reliable source of information for our auto purchases.

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  Fun and Capable - 2002 Ford Escape
  By JaxMax - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I really like my Escape. It moves well, handles well and is comfortable for my 61" frame. Visability is excellent and parks nimbly. At 31,000 miles my only problems have been a faulty CD player and some weird electical problems when it rains hard. I am concerned about reliability over time, especially the electronics. Overall, I enjoy it, use to carry lots of stuff and would recommend it to others.