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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  2016 Fprd Escape SE - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Andres Jaramillo - February 6 - 6:33 am

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  My door fell off! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Angie - February 3 - 8:33 am

  The first time I drove my Escape I knew I loved it and wanted it. Comfortable height for getting in and power when I need to pass and pick up speed. Lots of room and great visibility. After 10 months of ownership I opened my door at the mall for Christmas shopping and the top bolt fell out pulling the door from the hinge. Quick reflexes I caught the very heavy door and managed to lift it and secure the hinge. The bolts on the doors secure upward and the safety had fallen off without my knowing, thus every time I opened the door it loosened the bolt a bit more. Apparently a hinge defect. The hinge was replaced with reinforcements around the bolt. The door doesnt always shut properly now.

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  Happy with a hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CJS - February 3 - 7:56 am

  Ive never owned an American car before, so this was a big jump for me. Ive driven my hybrid for 2 months/4400 miles, and am enjoying it. The instrument layout reminds me a lot of my Mazda. Escape was a joint venture between Ford & Mazda, and it shows. Im not frustrated with this car the way I am with many American-made rental cars Ive driven. Plenty of acceleration - from a start and at highway speeds. Good cargo room (important for me, as I haul a couple of large dogs on my trips). Ive been getting around 29/30 on trips and 30/31 in town, but I dont do a lot of stop and go driving.

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  My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dinahgail - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its great, I downsized from an Explorer. I bought the car on Saturday and left for a 2500 mile trip on Sunday.

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  Wonderful - 2005 Ford Escape
  By PBGrl88 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I really love our little suv. Its better on gas then the regular SUVs and it just fits better. Im not as nervous about hitting something because its in a blind spot.

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  Worth The Purchase. Love It! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By moms new toy - January 22 - 4:03 pm

  I recently purchased a Ford Escape. I wasnt looking to buy at the time but we needed a bigger car since we wanted to expand our family. I test drove it the first day and fell in love with it. I loved that I sat higher and felt safe having my child in the car with me as well it was silent and handled great. Didnt even know the engine was on half the time. I owned a Dodge Neon SXT and it was cramped and small and at times and it wasnt big enough for the two of us so had to upgrade. I have owned 3 Dodges, 1 Ford, and 1 Chevy. Needless to say I am very impressed. I dont know what I get gas mileage wise yet. I only have 1100 on it but Im looking forward to seeing what it gets!

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  Cautiously Optimistic - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Electronhauler - January 20 - 11:56 am

  Having used an Explorer 4x4 for over 10 years, I am really happy with this vehicle, especially in rough road/offroad situations. The Escape is far less agricultural than the Explorer, better handling, and that gas mileage (Im getting about 28.5) means Im saving over 2 gallons per hundred miles. The payback is not really there yet, but if gas stays above $2.20 then its worthwhile. If youre a technophobe Id stay away until it is more proven.

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  Nice change - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Peg - January 20 - 10:16 am

  Ive had my Escape almost 4 weeks, and have put on 2400 miles already. The ride is comfortable with lots of room for passengers. Gas mileage not too bad for a 6 cyl., Im averaging 21.4 mpg and that is mostly highway driving. Traded my 2005 Outback, miss the heated seats, heated mirrors, and lumbar support.

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  Im disappointed - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Wendy - January 15 - 3:53 pm

  I thought I was buying a fun economical vehicle. It is not getting the mileage I had hoped. Several items have come apart or do not work as well as they should. I dont like the dash board styling. I wish Ford had offered some helpful live hints about how to drive it for its best economy. (They have offered now). Also, you HAVE to be sure to keep the maintenance up and Im worried about the cost of a replacement battery when mine dies. Also, the leather seats are only partially covered.

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  Staying with a winner - 2008 Ford Escape
  By back for more - January 13 - 3:56 pm

  This is our second Escape, got hooked on the interior roominess (at 64" its a primary concern). Love the handleability of FWD in the ice and snow while still getting a smooth ride on dry roads. One complaint, the cruise control creeps up in hilly interstate driving. Both of our Escapes can gain 3 to 5 mph when going up hill and then it stays there after cresting. Overall its a great auto.