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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  Right size & Fun to Drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By arateus - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2005 Escape Limited 4WD for 3 months now and absolutely love it. It is a lease, but Im already planning to buy it when the lease comes up. It is the perfect size for communting and still has plenty of room to haul people or goods. The power to weight ratio makes it a blast to drive, and it is especially nimble off-road. The vehicle feels rugged and solid and I feel like it is a very good value for the money. Ill cover the main likes/dislikes in the next 2 sections, but the bottom line is I would buy this vehicle again in a heartbeat.

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  True Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CT Cobb - September 5 - 1:40 pm

  We love our little Escape. Its initial eye appeal was excellent and what sold us. The V6 performs well except for jumping in and out of overdrive under load. The interior is very roomy but the interior design is bland with lots of plastic. The dashboard instrument pod well illuminated. It handles just like a car; a feature we really appreciate. Although car-like it is rugged and handles off-main-road side trips with ease. We have experienced minor inconveniences. Replaced rear window windshield wiper assembly. Replaced sticking accelerator assembly. Tie rod squeaks. Needs replacing. Seats are a bit stiff on long trips. Added seat padding. Overall, excellent vehicle for our use.

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  New Version of Ford Escape 2017 model - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Dan Paris - August 31 - 1:57 pm

  My review is based on the Titanium 2.0 liter version which was absent from the drop down box of this survey. First, the 2017 Escape has a newer design on the front end, the rear end and the gear shift. I purposely waited for this version even though they had huge discounts on the 2016s especially because I hated the location of the gear shift in the outgoing model. Second, the price, especially at the upper end of this model is steep but the vehicle offers great room, great handling, good fuel economy and great comfort. Weve only owned the 2017 Escape for about a month and 1,600 miles and so far it has performed great. Mainly use it around the city and the gas mileage is consistently between 20 and 21 MPG. On the highway it gets about 25 MPG. Im hoping when we travel on longer trips it will get a little better MPG. It handles very nicely and the steering wheel feels good in the hands and has the option of being heated, which I really like on cold mornings. If you have arthritis or any other hand, finger, wrist issues then you will like this heated steering wheel option. The SYNC 3 is much improved over the previous versions which I personally used when we owned a 2012 Ford Escape and a 2013 Ford Edge. It is fast and responsive and easier to use. The BlueTooth works very well and the ability to use a cord and use your smart phone as the navigation device (Android Auto) but showing on the Escapes big display is great. As a matter of fact, thats why I opted for the Titanium version with the 301 package and not the moon roof/ navigation options. Saved me $795 on the navigation aspect alone. We really like this Escape because it gives us lots of room for cargo and the ability to take other passengers but handles like a much smaller vehicle. *** This is an update to my initial review of the 2017 Ford Escape - Titanium version w/ 2.0 liter engine. We still dont have a lot of miles on it, about 8,500, and Weve only taken one extended trip that was about 2,100 miles round trip. It handles very well, has a nice comfortable interior and is very quiet inside. Im a little disappointed in the gas mileage as it is consistently around 20 in the city and only about 24 on the highway even with cruise control set. However, the acceleration is still a high point and is very welcome in situations where Ive needed to accelerate quickly. One disturbing thing Ive found after owning it for over half a year now is that the power lift gate button is located next to the fog light button and can be accidentally pushed while in motion and opening the rear lift gate. I carry my dogs frequently and that is a concern for me. Hopefully Ford will re-position this button for safety reasons on the upcoming models. Overall, we are satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Responsive Car - 2010 Ford Escape
  By John - August 30 - 4:10 am

  I have found this car to be responsive and comfortable for me. It is smaller than any of my previous cars and I was surprised by the smoothness of the ride. The fuel economy is excellent. Leather interior is as good as and as comfortable as my Lincoln.

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  Could be so much better - 2016 Ford Escape
  By jw - August 22 - 11:00 pm

  Other than the fact I have now gone through TWO fuel pumps since buying this car, I am just as disappointed in the lack of quality materials used in the simple things like control knobs and seat cushion materials. Lots of road noise on the highway. I wont buy again. Next time Im probably going back to a santa Fe

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  A Grumpy Owners Bad Dealer Experience - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Grumpy Escape Owner - August 16 - 8:16 pm

  Transmission failed 170 miles. Ford was attentive to repair. Dealers service was terrible in that the dealer took too long to repair and did not appear to know what to do. Dealer said vehicle would be ready at the end of the day and then calls three hours later to say engine removed and and vehicle would be ready sometime the following week. Extremely poor service from dealer and Ford needs to supervise repairs to assist the customer. Dealer refused to furnish repair manual information and allow third party inspection of transmission. Car returned with bracket hanging after 19 days. Ford needs to tell prospective purchasers that vehicle may have a long break in period of about 5,000 miles.

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  Very satisfied - 2008 Ford Escape
  By teenT - August 13 - 10:30 am

  This is my first SUV, upsized from the Taurus (had 2 previously). This is the vehicle I always looked at but until the new look came they just werent what i was looking for, but now I have my "lil truck" and I couldnt be happier. Its a bit smaller seating wise compared to my Taurus but this is can be overlooked as this is a second vehicle. There is a bit less storage than in my car but plenty of room for groceries and shopping. Its comfy and smooth ride. Its cheaper on gas than my car was also, which to everyone these days is a must! I love my Escape.

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  All show, no go. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By skt4271 - August 12 - 5:03 pm

  I also still own a 02 Escape XLT, so i feel my review is based on that. I have only owned the car since July new off the lot, so my experince so far is good. Compared to the 02 model, the exterior and interior are from two different worlds, but the engine is still the same. Its real slow of the line, feels like I need to press gas pedal down further to get going. Can hear the engine a little too much, much not that bad with the free 6 month Sirius subscription they give you, I can deal with it. Ford really made this one more manly to drive than the previous models.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Scapee - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the first SUV that I have owned and I absolutely love it. I have had the vehicle for 7 months and have driven over 12,000 miles. No problems experienced to date. I did a lot of comparison shopping and can safely say that the Escape gives the most standard features for the money. Its one of the best looking compact SUVs too!

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  Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it - 2004 Ford Escape
  By g.s. - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for approx. 3 months now. It handles very well for an SUV and feels very safe, except in rain or on hills. The front wheel drive is very jerky in these conditions and squeals your tires. Its a fun car to travel around in with all your friends or family, but with the windshield wiper handle directly in front of your gear shift they are easy to confuse.