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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  Work vehicle - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Fred - November 14 - 8:19 pm

  This is my work vehicle. It has 12k miles. It is poorly built... The doors dont give the satisfying thunk of a Volkswagen or even a Fiat. Or even an older Ford... It just feels cheap and the door rattles when you close it. There is a lot of soft touch materials but they feel cheap and about 1cm of a strip of vinyl trim piece on the door is always coming untucked from the surrounding hard plastic trim. The seats are unsupportive and unsuitable for long shifts like mine or road trips but they should be fine for most I suppose. The vehicle makes weird vibrating noises around the muffler occasionally, when idling to the point that Ive gotten comments from people. It makes weird buzzing sounds sometimes that come from the dashboard that make it bothersome to sleep in if the vehicle is running and the radio isnt on. The AC has been replaced because it wouldnt cool. The starter was replaced because the vehicle refused to start unless you would press the gas pedal as it was starting. Strobe lights would come on and a message on the dash would appear that the key was not detected. Despite the repair it has not been fixed and still does it when it hasnt been driven in a while. Look at vehicle dependability studies from JD Powers, and you will see Ford is near the bottom-- only Dodge does worse. Even Land Rover and Fiat come ahead... Unlike some other people I am not bothered by the Dual Clutch transmission. It has its quirks but Americans are just too used to slush boxes. The vehicle handles well for a "SUV" and suspension, and steering, is something Ford has massively improved in comparison with the previous generation but the build quality still isnt there with any of the foreign makes.

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  The Jury is Still Out! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By MrGC - November 12 - 9:56 pm

  I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape after owning the older style Escapes and Mazda Tributes. I basically went from the boxy type to the more sleek, sporty design. The pluses with the car are pick up and maneuverability. The minuses of the vehicle are gas mileage (about 19) with Ecoboost. If you have a passenger in the front seat and passengers in the back seat, visibility and blind spots become an issue. Even with the back up camera, I dont feel confident backing up without visually seeing my surroundings. Overall, its a nice vehicle and certainly far better in engineering than a Nissan Rogue. If it wasnt for the gas mileage being so disappointing, I would give the car a five star rating. I expected to do far better than 19.

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  $30,000 Piece of Crap! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Scott Wojtas - November 12 - 2:28 pm

  After doing a bunch of research on my next car, having grown up in a family of Fords and previously owning a Mustang; I decided to go with the Escape. Alot of what I wanted was based on the technology aspect as I installed an aftermarket radio that supported Apple CarPlay, which only came with Ford Sync 3 on titanium models. Day after Labor Day 2016, I found a 2016 titanium CPO with what I wanted and thought I had a great deal. Only to experience nothing but problems with the Bluetooth connectivity, drivers side wind noise, and noises from the undercarriage as I accelerate/stop/make turns. I took it back to dealer to resolve the issues as I was still under warranty. The door was adjusted, a part was ordered for the shocks, yet they couldnt replicate the Sync 3 issues that I had documented with video. The service guy was a jag and didnt care to see the videos I had. After that experience, I contacted Ford Customer Care and basically told me that the dealership is their "eyes and ears" and that they have to see it happen. So they said to drive right in next time the issues happen. So what happens when Im driving at night and the glitch happens and the service dept is not open?? I found another dealership closer to home, that was able to do a software update from 1.0 to 1.1 which didnt resolve my issues and still didnt give me the Apple Car play, one of the main reason I bought the car. On top of this, I found a crack in the windshield that I had to pay out of pocket to replace as it did not meet my deductible. As for the radio, it doesnt seem to work right as every couple days i have "reset" the console. Had I known I would be having these problems, I wouldve never bought the car in the first place. Ford continues to lie, and cheat its customers. Promising updates and then not following through. All I want at this point, is for them to replace the radio, as I documented with video the glitches, yet they want stand by their product. And thats why this will be my last Ford.

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  Lemon - 2004 Ford Escape
  By hate/escape - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Escape almost 2 months ago. It has been in the shop 5 times! Almost a total of four weeks. The SUV wont start (3 times). They cannot figure out why. Mechanics even called Ford to find out if they new why (which they didnt). Service engine light came on to reveal emissions problems (twice). I am fed up with it.

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  New to 4 wheel drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By LeoH - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Moving from a Taurus SHO to this little SUV was a learning experience. It runs well and is quick. It pulls the trailer well also. Having to pull the headrests out to drop the back seat is a pain (Where do I store the head rests). It is a little bouncy on rough roads but otherwise rides well. "There aint nuthin rong with the radio."

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  Escape from reality - 2004 Ford Escape
  By abnrerity - November 5 - 2:00 am

  For a first time SUV owner, I was a little scared. But this suv handles curves well with comfort and style. Long drives can be a pain, but with a smooth and a quiet ride, this suv will give you everything you want. Gas mileage is not bad for a 6 cylinder engine.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
  By passand - November 4 - 10:00 am

  if you want an SUV with performance and a great ride...this is your ride. If you want an SUV that is pretty good on gass....then this your ride. I would also like to say that it is pretty good in the snow too.

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  Was never on my radar Screen - 2002 Ford Escape
  By RLDahle - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I had been researching, shopping and test driving for about three months to repalce a leased saturn. I drove everything from an Acura RSX to an VW Passat. Three weeks ago I was shamed into visiting a Ford dealer by my Brother-in-law who makes a living building the Explorer. I drove the escape and much to my suprise it was almost everything I was looking for. With 200hp it preformed very well It has more than enough room in the back seat for even my 63" frame (my sons will all be at least my size in the very near future). and it has an impressive supply of after-market accessories to make it stand out in a crowd.

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  FUN TO DRIVE SINCE 2005! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By K T. Thornberry - November 4 - 8:05 am

  This V6 SUV is more economical than you would think. Ive gotten geat gas mileage for 11 years. And its oh so fun to drive. So dependable that the only time it didnt crank, I needed a battery, ONCE. Best car I ever owned. Bought it used in 2005 with 38000 miles on it. It now has 84,000 plus & still going strong Had the brake pads changed once. Always got the oil changed regularly. Apparently it really makes a difference.

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  FUN TO DRIVE SINCE 2005! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By K T. Thornberry - November 4 - 8:05 am

  This V6 SUV is more economical than you would think. Ive gotten geat gas mileage for 11 years. And its oh so fun to drive. So dependable that the only time it didnt crank, I needed a battery, ONCE. Best car I ever owned. Bought it used in 2005 with 38000 miles on it. It now has 84,000 plus & still going strong Had the brake pads changed once. Always got the oil changed regularly. Apparently it really makes a difference.