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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  Seats - 2008 Ford Escape
  By tlrogers - July 7 - 11:10 am

  I am having problems with my front seats. They are spotting and turning from black to gray. The dealership says they have had complaints, but there is nothing they can do except clean them. They wont replace them, only clean them. Ive had my Escape since March and have had to have them cleaned already! I did some research and found out these seats are made from some type of recycled material. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Other than that, I love my Escape.

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  Great car, great value - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Linda Mills - July 6 - 10:25 am

  The Escape Titanium has many luxury features found in more expensive SUVs and has met or exceeded expectations.

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  My Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By JY - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Escape for 7 days, it is fun to drive and Ford has taken time to position the switches in an easy to reach area for short people. It is also easy to get in an out of for someone small. Mine has the 7 speaker audio system and there is a big difference in sound between this one and the standard audio system with 4 speakers. I also enjoy the moon roof, fully powered and very easy to use. One thing I would like to see changed is adding lights on the vanity mirrors. This is a perfect size SUV for the ladies but it needs the added feature of lights.

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  super - 2002 Ford Escape
  By speed - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the best i have ever seen.

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  Great, fun car! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dude27 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is an overall great. Nice standard features, exterior and interior styling, and performance make this a great SUV. Very peppy engine. Its also a real head-turner

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  Best Small SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By RYAN2525 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  After test driving many small to medium suvs I was compelled to purchase the Ford Escape. Everything from the styling to the ride was above par and beat out the competition. As a college student the escape makes the perfect vehicle to transport friends and luggage.

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  Buy one - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jerry - July 3 - 8:10 am

  I have not owned this vehicle very long but, so far, it is the best SUV I have owned. I live in Minnesota and snow is a big thing. This little baby just scoots through the snow. I even tested it against a Jeep in the snow, and it out performed it like nothing. Ride is a little rough but fun to drive.

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  Not bad for 1st SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Dreama - June 30 - 4:36 pm

  For my first ride, this Escape is a choice I have yet to regret. I got it more for safety (for my child), but the design (both interior and exterior) caught my eye from the start. I wish the engine had a little more bite, especially since its mated with a 5-speed manual, but its not too bad nonetheless. It was worth the money I paid.

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  awesome - 2005 Ford Escape
  By AfroMn31 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  it is awesome and when i went through mud it felt like i was goin through the best thing ever

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  wanted to love it... - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dlw2001 - June 28 - 12:04 am

  I leased 2.0 liter 4WD SE, (not listed in review choices?) - No bells, just My Ford Touch, and tow package. Overall, not a bad vehicle, but needs big improvements. Had it for 3 weeks now. Wanted it for over a year. At this point i must say it needs major tweaking by Ford. Glad I only leased short term. For the price of this vehicle (just over 30 grand) I would expect much more however. Simple things like better bolstered seats, one touch up windows, better storage, and back up sensors should really be standard Ford! They are on other vehicles for sure. And for over $30,000 one should be getting push button start and back up camera!