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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  234,000 miles and still going strong! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Sarah - August 30 - 7:57 am

  My Escape has run like a dream since day one. I live on 3 miles of dirt road and use the 4 wheel drive several times per year. Ive never gotten stuck. The engine runs smoothly and it really is fun to drive. Road noise is a little much, and seats are hard as well. Im gonna keep it til it dies, so far so good.

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  Not a Ford Escape, it is a Mad Max Desert Ship - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Aaron Harford - August 22 - 7:07 pm

  My goodness people, I wont ever get rid of this SUV. Cali and the Mojave desert several times, 206,000 miles and still strong. I feel like its a member of my family. You cannot go wrong. Meat and potatoes, but so reliable you just cannot go wrong. I do not want a new one. Ill just get a factory engine and transmission replacement.....if it ever so happens I need it. It will probably outlast my body. lol.

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  Loved Our 2005 Escape So Much We Bought Another - 2012 Ford Escape
  By WNYFordGuy - August 13 - 3:01 pm

  I previously reviewed our 05 Escape XLS 2.3L 5M on 10/28/09, and provided an updated comment on 8/13/2015. My wife and I loved the 05 so much, we wanted another, but didnt want a newer 13 or 14 model due to it being a brand new design - I wanted to stick with the tried-n-true previous design. So we ended up getting this AWD SUV, upgrading from the base 05 XLS to the top-of-the-line 12 Limited. Actually, Id have preferred an XLT with the 2.5L 4-cyl, but my friend works at a local dealership, and he steered us to this model with the 3.0L V6. It evidently came off a 2-year lease - it only had 11k miles on it. And (I think) since it was February - the middle of an awfully cold WNY winter - we ended up getting it for a very good price. And it was sold as "Certified", so the only repair we needed on it so far (replace right front brake pads due to uneven wear, machine rotors) was covered under the warranty. The SUV has been solid so far, but will likely need a new set of tires for this winter, and it has developed a quirky, intermittent problem with the ventilation system. The A/C & heat works great (Ive read forums where many owners experienced problems), but the fan speed, at times, can not be adjusted or controlled. Best Features: Powerful acceleration, very smooth ride & tranny, blind-spot mirrors, top-notch sound system. Wife loves the moonroof and handling in snow. Worst Features: Not a fan of the faux-chrome shiny plastic covering the Limited aluminum (?) wheels. Showing signs that the rear-wheel well rust issues that plagued earlier Escapes may still be a problem. Gas mileage is only average (22.1 MPG long term) not the 24+ MPG we got consistently with the 2.3L 4 cyl 05 model. It makes me mad you cant get an AWD Escape anymore with a manual transmission.

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  2013 Ford Escape 2.0 Titanium - 2013 Ford Escape
  By GoTerps03 - July 29 - 6:39 am

  We traded in our 2007 MDX for a 2013 Ford Escape 2.0 Titanium in October of 2012. It had a lot of neat features and my wife and I liked the styling. Surprisingly this car has been headache free. Its the car we use to haul around our 2 year and dog and its been perfect for that. Yes the fuel economy has been a bit disappointing and the Sync system at times can be sensitive and moody but overall this has been a good car.

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  44.2 MPG Amazing - 2015 Ford Escape
  By silverescape - July 28 - 7:10 am

  i owned a 2013 escape fwd and my personal experience in the snow was horrible, but loved the car. So i got the 2015 se turbo all wheel drive Escape. car is basically the same. Here are the things i love the style it looks awesome and everyone agrees, drives and handles great it really is one of the best handling vehicles if ever driven, the turbo is pretty cool too it really boosts the horse power and it isnt loud at all plus theres a little cool whistle from the exhaust just to remind you its a turbo. what i really like about this car is the 2013 i owned was trouble free @ 25,000 miles. One last note i love when this 2015 escape impresses me, the last time , well not last but 1 month ago i rest the trip computer and set cruise control at 51 mph and i was amazed it read 44.2 MPG,,, that right i said 44.2 miles per gallon and took a picture and would be happy to send it to anyone to back up my claim.. Hope this helps some one make a great decision,,Style , handling, confidence , 44.2 MPG

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  I LOVE my Escape, but. . . . - 2015 Ford Escape
  By renngpt - July 6 - 11:32 am

  First let me say, I love my 2015 Ford Escape except for one tiny issue - I purchased the vehicle in Dec 2014 in less than two weeks the brakes began to scream when the vehicle is first started in the morning when backing out of garage. I have returned to dealer three times but the squeal continues. This is not a brake squeak it is a long shrill squeal to the point my neighbors tell me they hear me leaving every morning. Currently have less than 3300 miles and the dealer is pretty much telling me to like it or lump it they are not doing anything else. Needless to say I am not a very happy Ford owner right now. Furthermore, an internet search reveals mine is not the first Escape to do this.

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  Patience, "flamers"... - 2014 Ford Escape
  By jpserafin - July 1 - 3:23 am

  I know folks who cant accept fact that not everything works 100% 24/7/365! Bought my 14 Escape SE 7 months ago. One problem (below) ONLY issue! My Escape is a solid "works right first-time every time vehicle. 2.0 turbo made it thru last Chicagos MEGA-BRUTAL winter with ZERO issues... no slow-crank, stuck windows/doors, great heat after 4 mi. city driving, MPG dropped less than 6% etc. A few 95+ F days this year were totally bearable due to A++ A/C system. ISSUE: high beam bulb "exploded" one -22F morn, leaving small dark spot on inner surface. Ford replaced entire assy w/o hassle! No squeaks, rattles, noises. SYNC system needs improvement, but iPhone 5 sync works each day,

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  Deserves a test drive - 2015 Ford Escape
  By guido65 - June 14 - 9:40 am

  Wife and I have had 3 Ford Escapes over the last 15 years, all have performed flawlessly. We decided it was time to trade in our 2010 4WD XLT. We wanted to upgrade to the Titanium 2.0 turbo. Wow, what a vehicle. Interior quality, fit and finish rivals some luxo utes costing thousands more. The 2.0 is quick and responsive. The infotainment system is fine with us. We are both in our upper 40s and we have no problem navigating. Test drive you wont be disappointed

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  Love it! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By 75hoo - May 25 - 9:11 am

  I looked at 2015 Mini, Jeep, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda,and Chevy and decided that I liked my 2013 Escape SE with 37,000 miles the best. Got an email from the Dealer that advertised a dynamite price. After some bartering on trade-in, I picked up the 2015 Escape SE with the convenience package and lowered my monthly payment. No problems at all with the 2013, its just that the deal was too good to pass up. For me, the only vehicle that was better than my 2013 Escape w/ 1.6 liter turbo was the 2015 Escape. Comfort, power, quality and economy just cant be beat for my needs. The 2015 has a number of improvements over the 2013, but they add up to a better vehicle.

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  2.0L Turbo AWD Escape is a Great Car for my needs - 2014 Ford Escape
  By sigma1 - May 19 - 10:37 am

  Bought a used 2014 Escape 2.0L turbo AWD and have driven over 2,000 miles along the Colorado Front Range of the Rockies. Acceleration and handling are superb on twisty mountain roads and on 75 mph interstates. Cross winds of 40 mph do not affect steering this car at high speeds due to a good aerodynamic design. I purchased the Escape 2.0L AWD because I wanted a performance car with a large interior carrying capacity. I have no complaints and am exceedingly happy with my purchase.