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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  Love this SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Theresa - January 11 - 7:33 am

  Traded in my 2005 Jeep Liberty and couldnt be happier! It rides and drives like a car but still gives me the comfort of knowing I can get through snow. I use this for a lot of stop and go driving and find that the fuel mileage is great. A little low power on hills but for 4 cyl and better mileage its worth it. Sunroof is a must. Lots of leg room, comfortable in back, AC Max is "Cool" right away. Hidden compartment in console is nice to stash valuables out of sight. No more problems with spinning of rear wheels in wet weather like the Jeep. Took it on a short trip, cruise worked really nice. Overall, this was the best trade in I couldve made to stay in 4WD, have comfort, and be fuel eff.

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  Eco Vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By greentara - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been a compact car owner for years, despising the large gas guzzling SUVs for the waste and damage they cause. However, I own and run a small video production company and needed more payload for my equipment. I first noticed the Escape hybrid, but then realized the Escape got better milage than many sedans on the road. Since Ive owned the Escape, I been impressed with its features and eagerness to please. A great realiable, eco friendly solution.

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  Great Car for the Value - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TG - January 3 - 3:50 pm

  Great car for the value. I was pleasantly surprised of the roomy interior and accessories.

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  Upstate NY - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jeridian - December 31 - 2:26 pm

  Ford engineers did a great job hiding the fact that this is a hybrid vehicle. Everything functions just like a standard car (Escape). Even to the point of having the car creep forward when you let up on the brake at a stop light - (this is with the gas engine completely off). Matches the performance of the 6 cylinder Escape but exceeds the gas mileage rating. I get 29 -30 hwy with the 4X4. I needed a vehicle that could manage deep snow in the winter. A 4X4 and large tires gives me that. Im having a lot of fun driving this and showing it off to friends.

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  Good purchase - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Maggie - December 28 - 4:30 pm

  I tried several small SUVs and decided that the Escape was the best for me. Others had visability issus, headrest issues and even the ease of getting into the back seat. I travel from Santa Cruz to Lake Tahoe and have grandkids with me. I dont get the gas mileage that they say (26 highway) as I am only getting 22.7 at best and I am not a speed demon. Even driving alone I dont get the gas milage. So I may trade in sooner than I ever planned for another Escape. Others seem to be getting the better gas milage. I would also like to see the front seats maybe an inch or so longer in lengh. I am only 51 but it seems short even to me.

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  Love my Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Guru21 - December 24 - 6:20 am

  I had a 2003 F150 and was afraid I wouldnt like getting something a bit smaller, but I love the Escape. My wife and I just got married and wanted something to help build our family in. Its perfect. Plenty of room and plenty of potential for cargo space. Handles great and drives like a dream. We couldnt be happier.

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  DRIVING FUN - 2005 Ford Escape
  By keith - December 23 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle in California and drove it back to Denver Colorado. I got 29 mpg. I drive about 30 miles one way, to and from work and get about 32 to 35 mpg. This comes from doing the math, not looking at the gauges. Not the best highway vehicle, but a great around town and country road vehicle. Highway the vehicle does not feel real stable at 75 mph, however it does have the power to handle the highways.

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  Excellent for the money - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Mike of Detroit - December 23 - 10:00 am

  In 1 year I have had 3 engine problems (nothing major but still inconvenient). Performance wise, the vehicle is excellent. The acceleration is quick and it handles like a dream! The cargo room is adequate. The back seats fold down with little effort, its great. However, I do worry about the vehicles thin, light-weight doors in an accident. They dont seem very safe. You must get the center console, without it it feels as though you are going to fall out of the drivers seat.

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  Pleased as punch! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By 06EscapeOwnerGA - December 22 - 12:50 am

  I have only had one problem with my 2006 Escape XLS. The rear window wiper quit working after an ice storm. Im sure when I tried to use it, it was frozen and the motor burned out. But, thanks to Fords warranty plan (5 years, 75,000 miles); Im covered bumper to bumper! I love my new vehicle and I got an outstanding deal. $17,299! For any SUV that is brand new fresh off the truck, with 3 miles on it thats a great deal. Dealer also put a new set of tires on for free when a fault spot was detected on the right front tire! Also, while they were doing that, the GM let us take an 06 Fusion and bought our lunch!

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  Its a great little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Denise - December 16 - 7:16 pm

  It is a great fun vehicle to drive. It is reliable and a great vehicle to travel in with the family. It has plenty of room, very comfortable and still isnt as big as most of the other SUVs that are on the road. Its perfect for a smaller family. And our Lab loves riding in the back area.