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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  Never Again - 2014 Ford Escape
  By huns8 - April 29 - 11:29 am

  I purchased a 2014 ford escape and within the first year the car was was hesitating while changing gears at 40km and also something in the morning would stick and would accelerate up the street. We would go from 0km to 50km.They tried to fix the issue 3 times with no success. They had to rebuild my transmission. Nobody at Ford wanted to help except offer free oil changes. never again will I buy a Ford a big piece of junk

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  Escape the Escape! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By escapeescape - April 26 - 4:42 pm

  Worst purchase ever! True lemon! Bought Jan 2014. Day 1: passenger headlight out. 3 trips to dealer, got it replaced. Then back to dealer for: rear lift gate out of alignment and sometimes doesnt close at all(4x tried to get it repaired), exterior lights periodically flash by themselves, SYNC wont display txt msgs (did once), door seals are horrible (TONS of dust), abnormal lag when accelerating to highway speeds, AC failed on first use, windshield wiper hits drivers side upright, 14,000 miles-lots of rattles, rear shocks just replaced, drivers window has mind of its own, headliner sagging in rear, driver presets do not return, poor performance of AC when it does work, etc.

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  Wish I never bought this - 2010 Ford Escape
  By donotbuyford - August 10 - 12:44 am

  Brought a brand new 2010 Ford Escape. Have consistently had AC problems. Just had the 4th dealer try to fix it, this time for $1000+...still not fixed. Ive read several reviews re faulty AC units in this make and model. In fact what happened with my AC sounds very similar to the other comments on this site re the 2010 Escape. I also had to replace the rack and pinion and battery. Ive put in at least $2500 of repairs within 5 years and 50,000 miles of purchase, and Im just waiting to hear whats next. This car was a giant waste of money. I am very unhappy with (if not angry about) this purchase. I will never buy another Ford.

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  Too Many Safety Issues and Recalls - 2013 Ford Escape
  By walk_the_walk2 - May 12 - 4:35 pm

  This car had a major mechanical breakdown involving cam phazors at 730 miles, which required a major engine rebuild. Then the recalls started... there are 10 all total for 2013 Escapes 4 affect my car - two related to the engine catching on fire, one for air bag (RSM) module programming and one for "door latch problems that can lead to doors flying open while driving". The airbag RSM failed at 8600 mi. Asked FORD to BUY BACK this vehicle, after the 2nd recall (engine fire). They REJECTED our request. Today I was told they would "NEVER buy back our car". Shocked to learn of 2 new recall issues 2 days ago, 5 days after the BB denial. Our FORD rep knew of safety issues but didnt tell us!!

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  Terrible product, terrible customer service - 2008 Ford Escape
  By kwolff1 - February 19 - 1:58 am

  We bought a 2008 Escape, we were so excited to finally have what we thought was a great new car. Well that quickly turned into a nightmare. It needed a new transmission in 2013, and now the transmission is gone again. $7000 to fix!!!! Why does the transmission last only a year?? What garbage. Then on top of the product being terrible, we were treated poorly when we took it to Ford AND by the representatives we spoke to at customer service o the 1-800 number. We are taking it to Honda to trade it in like the scrap it is, and getting a car we can actually rely on!!

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  My car constantly overheats - 2014 Ford Escape
  By jerseygirl77 - November 8 - 11:53 am

  Ford never fixed the 1.6L engine problems. My car is always in the shop.

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  Do Not Buy - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jennifer56 - October 17 - 1:44 pm

  I have owned this car since July 2008, I bought it brand new off the lot. It has been the worst car I have ever owned. It has had major problems with the door locks, the back hatch window opening randomly while driving, tie rods, breaks- 4 sets in 4 years, air conditioning, doors not locking then locking me in randomly. Loud noises while driving which supossedly can be fixed with a hot oil flush. I cant wait til it is paid off, I plan to sell it and never buy another ford again. Dealing with Fords incompitant employees is another problem I will not miss. Problem after problem after problem.

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  Charlatan Engineering - Avoid at Any Cost - 2012 Ford Escape
  By gormarx - July 11 - 12:23 am

  I had to take the car to fix the door so it doesnt fill with water when it rains, thats how poorly manufactured it is. Sync is a bug-infested, malfunctioning piece of crap by Microsoft, as always. The features and control placement is idiotic: opening the cabin does not turn on any lights in the car, ever the headlights are turned on in one spot but switching to high beam is located at another, squeezed among the wiper controls. The wipers have a dozen settings, all of them too fast or too slow but never right the AC/heating i loud an annoying, as is the engine. Ive driven Soviet cars with far more comfortable and user-friendly design. Never again an American piece of crap.

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  Dont Do It - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Philip B - August 9 - 2:54 pm

  This is the worst Vehicle I have ever had the misfortune to drive. The Constant noise from the never ending high rev shifting (6speeds). The acceleration feels like youre pushing a tennis ball against the pedal. (nothing, nothing then bam, too much) Ford should be ashamed for producing such a pile of CRAP! Makes me sick to drive it!

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  Buyer Beware - 2009 Ford Escape
  By BADCHOICE - July 21 - 10:50 am

  One month ago I purchased a 2009 Ford escape from a local dealer. Before the first payment was made, it was un- driveable. The vehicle started but there were no power locks/Windows/radio/cdplayer, and the emergency brake light was illuminated on the dash yet the brake was disengaged. The shifter would not move, it was locked in park. Apparently its a faulty computer module that is a widespread problem with the 2009s. So widespread, in fact, that the part is on back-order from the mother-ship in the states, and they have no idea when its going to be in. Could be 6hrs, 6days or6mons. The seal on the module leaked water and the components completely corroded inside. Good work Ford, I will never buy another!