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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  9 months in on 2005 V6 2wd - 2005 Ford Escape
  By invictarocks - January 3 - 8:27 pm

  I bought this car after a lot of research on Subaru Forrester, RAV4, Honda CRV and the Escape. I did some test drives, and the Forrester was the fastest and funnest, but a little small, and my buying decision came right after a bad experience with a Subaru dealership. The RAV4 seat was unbearable in the "fold down, kicking back" position, and sitting on the back with the hatch up was designed OUT of the model years I was looking at. I didnt like the way the RAV4 looked driving down the road from behind, as the rear suspension didnt inspire much confidence. I LOVE my Escape, and its styling. The gas mileage was a little disappointing at 20.

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  Escape from the lemon - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Sterling10 - January 2 - 11:34 am

  Do not beleive the automotive press! They complain about the exterior and interior design, as well as driving dynamics...They are wrong! The exterior looks like an SUV should. The design is bold and chunky, not soft and overly curvaceous. The interior design is pleasing to look at and touch plenty of soft touch plastic/vinyl in all the right places. The combination of colors (varying shades of tan and faux brushed aluminum) mix nicely with the overall layout and design of the instrument panel, center stack, and seating. The driving dynamics are a perfect compromise between car-like smooth and truck-like rough. Much better and quieter than my 2005 Mustang (the lemon)!

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  Escape Limited - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Ford guy - January 1 - 8:33 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Escape Limited 4 cylinder with 6A. Enough power when needed. No trouble passing on the interstate. Sounds underpowered compared to a V-6 but doesnt handle that way. Quiet interior and smooth ride. Sync is ok but I have not fully used it yet. Would be nice to know what it will cost when the three year trial is up. Goes through snow very well. At first I was concerned about the Michelin low resistant tires in the snow but they work fine.

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  Escape XLT 6 cyl - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Jay in LA - December 30 - 1:00 pm

  I got the 6 cyl, Front wheel drive (that choice isnt on the menu here). Im coming from a 07 Mercedes GL350 and I have to say, this aint bad at all. Its peppy, manageable, smooth, comfortable and pretty quiet. Easy to drive, easy to park. Still am working out the SYNC audio, but it seems pretty cool. Though I have my reservations about anything Microsoft since Im a Mac guy. It doesnt seem very synergistic with my iPod and iPhone yet. Ive only had it for 2 days so time will tell, but so far, so great!

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  Escape to LA - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Escape owner - December 30 - 5:05 am

  This car has been a joy to own: it looks great, the driving experience and handling give you confidence, is roomy, and is very reliable. It still runs like a charm after 50k miles.

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  a great suv for the money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jim r - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this suv has been one of the best autos we have ever owned great fuel mileage fun to drive

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  The Great Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mountain man/woman - December 29 - 2:00 am

  So far we have only put 1100 miles on this vehicle, but the whole experience has been great. It has the build of an SUV, with the feeling of a car. The v-6 may use a more than usual amount of gas, but the power is worth it. The inside is very spacious for a small SUV.

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  Love my Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mary E - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car. This is my second one and I plan to buy another next year. Hope the hybrid is as good. Super acceleration, great comfort but a little noisey, especially at high speed. Need to tighten it up a bit.

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  Sensible and Secure - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Gasman30 - December 28 - 8:46 am

  Purchased the 4 cylinder AWD to maximize economy and still have the ability to drive in bad weather. It works very well. I understood its limitations and accept them - its not a speedster or a land yacht.

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  Sweet! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Allen M - December 25 - 8:53 pm

  We compared the Escape to the CRV, Rav 4, and the Mazda CX7. It was no contest. It offers more features, more power, smoother ride, and is easier to drive. The sync system is awesome! Plus, we got better financing and a better deal.