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 Midnight Rocks! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dougmount - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Our 2002 Ford Escape Midnight Appearance Package is just awesome! The V-6 is already strong, but we added a Borla exhaust, Superchip, and Air Intake to make this thing really move! The black leather seats are real nice, but they could be more comfortable. All in all my wife and I love this thing as Ford did not cut any corners in putting this together!

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  Love the Ford Escape! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jus2rosi - May 30 - 2:00 am

  A great SUV for the price! V6 engine is a real plus with this SUV, can really get up and go. Lots of space and cargo room, seats fold down with little effort for even more cargo! Independent wheel suspension is awesome, has a smooth ride. Extras like electric moon roof, locks, windows, mirrors, seats, 6- CD player, rear defroster and tons of storage just add to the comfort of this vehicle. The Escape is great in all weather conditions and is a real surprise with the two wheel drive! We have been so pleased with the Escape and its performance, thanks Ford for a real WINNER!

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jaychuks - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my Escape for about a month now and I love it! I also have a GMC Jimmy in the family and I have to say that I love driving the Escape even more. The one wish that I have though is to rip the drivers seat out of the Jimmy and place it in the Escape. That would be heaven. You gotta love how car makers get away with the ONE power seat though! The Escape handles like a dream on icy and snowy road conditions. I have test driven a few cars in my time and I have the most confidence driving the Escape far and above all of the rest of them. If you are in the market for a smaller SUV then make sure you at least give this one a test drive...

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  not worth the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dean hinderliter - May 24 - 12:30 am

  Absolutely horrible gas mileage. 16.7 mpg best ever; this was interstate driving. Same trip with my Chevrolet V-8 engine we get over 18. Also Escape has a lot of road noise; its much more pleasant to drive my pickup. No follow up on delivery problems, was delivered with no manuals - this was corrected - no cargo cover in rear - was supposed to get us one in May. We have checked back and still have no cargo cover. I am not happy with the vehicle and would trade it now if I could and it would not be a FORD ESCAPE. To use a strong word I hate the fuel economy of this vehicle and do not drive it any more then I have to because of fuel mileage and the road noise.

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  escape xlt 4wd - 2002 Ford Escape
  By fl wh - May 20 - 2:00 am

  had a few kinks when new. power mirror(drivers side) window squeeked after half year and rear window wiper needed more tention to wipe. dealer fixed all promptly.

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  2016 Escape has it all and priced right. - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Peter L - May 15 - 11:37 am

  The 2016 Escape has been an outstanding SUV. I had a 2005 Mazda Tribute before this SUV and the upgrade to the 2016 Escape is outstanding. My fuel Economy is greatly improved and Maintenance is a lot lower. The Driving with the 2.0L has been a blast and the SUV has increasable speed that make you move. The very best thing in the SUV is the design and look inside as the model I have is the higher end with all the bells and whistles. I think for the price and what you get in this SUV is a great bargain as friends that drive MB and Audi model now prefer driving my Escape at time, Thanks FORD for a great new fast and comfortable SUV. I want to mention that I looks around at a lot of models including the Edge but found the smaller Escape better sized for my needs.

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  The Best Value for Money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By chatchai - May 13 - 10:00 am

  It is definitely the Best Value for Money.I would not hestitate to pay about 10-20% more for this V6+197 Hp.

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  My 2nd Escape! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By KC - May 10 - 7:20 pm

  The 2008 is just great to handle and drive and the recent model update (outside looks) is awesome. The size is perfect and the leather seats that are available with the limited have made it really easy to keep clean with my big ol dogs I haul around.

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  Ford Escape Hybrid AWD lives up to hype - 2005 Ford Escape
  By wilbur - May 5 - 2:40 pm

  I also have a V6 AWD Escape (03) so I obviously like the general design, and Im in a good position to compare the two models, as their only differences are the hybid propulsion & CVT trans. Touted as "no compromises, V6-like performance," its true! The hybrid handles smoothly and is relaxing to drive in both city and freeway. It has as much or more power than my V6. Got 30 mpg average on a 600 mile road trip from Seattle to Sisters, Oregon, via the Santiam Pass (V6 would get 23mpg). Get 29 mpg in mixed driving near Seattle, and we live 800 feet up in a hilly area. MPG is reduced with driving in hills and with night driving (during the latter, gas engine is on more due to headlights draw.

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  What I would change - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Sandra Elder - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my new escape. It is the first SUV I have owned and I doubt I will own anything except an SUV from now on.I was surprised how great it handles. I thought it would feel like driving a truck and would be a rough ride, however it is a very smooth and comfortable.