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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  Its not worth it. Run away. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ih8ford2 - July 8 - 9:17 am

  Worst purchase I have ever made in my life. Have had nothing but MAJOR problems with this car. its always one thing after another. I have owned this car for less than 5 years. After my spark plugs and coils went then it was the transmission. After that it was the catalytic converter, and after that the ABS. The final straw came last night when I was driving home from work and the alternator had apparently gone out. now Im driving 70 on the highway when all power goes out, my power steering seized up and I have to fight for my life to get this junk of crap off the road without killing anyone. Never buying a ford again. Complete and total POS.

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  2013 Escape has overheated twice now after recall fix - 2013 Ford Escape
  By jerseygirl77 - June 29 - 3:00 pm

  There is something wrong with the 1.6L engine & transmission combo. My car has overheated twice after doing uphill climbs in the California hills. Im guessing the transmission is overheating since it never knows what gear to be in, which is causing the turbo to overheat. Ford cant seem to figure out whats wrong though. If you search on the DOT website for complaints, the overheating post recall is popping up a bit. You can also see all the other transmission problems this car is having if you search around on the Ford Escape forums.

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  Over 281,000 miles and still going strong - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ljs_florida - June 23 - 6:16 pm

  This is the best vehicle I had ever owned it now has over 281,000 miles and no major problems with this vehicle at all, the only thing that has gone wrong was the radiator and fuel pump no other problems.

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  RECALLED and REPURCHASED - 2013 Ford Escape
  By gb191 - June 18 - 8:54 am

  We bought our 2013 Escape last July, loved the the look of it, loved the interior and was hoping for great gas mileage with the EcoBoost engine... Well after two weeks it was recalled for engine fires. Ford had it for a week... Then at Thanksgiving it was recalled again...this time Ford had it for a month... Same issue.. In addition I think the engine, 1.6, is too small for the vehicle, the stated 22 mpg city is way way off... I am lucky if I get 16-17 locally. All I drive is local, we commute 13 miles each way through NYC, I was hoping the EcoBoost engine would be ideal... Boy was/am I surprised.. We have applied for Lemon Law and Ford will repurchase it soon.

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  Great Vehicle - 2013 Ford Escape
  By jeff5558 - June 11 - 8:40 am

  SEwith 1.6 Turbo. 4600 miles so far. Car is fast, fun and great on Gas. I get 25-26 with 50/50 Highway and City, straight up 33/34 on the interstate. Anything over 80 it drops to 29. Very versatile. SYNC is weird, but it works. Takes and makes calls, but wont work with my Nano or Shuffle. Looks good, runs good. Waiting for an SVT version to come out.

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  Just bought my Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By lexan1965 - June 6 - 9:16 pm

  I went to take a test drive with my wife as the Escape was the only small SUV I had not test driven yet. I test drove the Equinox, Terrain, and the new RAV4. After the drive in the new Escape, I was sold! I got the SEL trim level, a two thousand dollar rebate, plus the X-plan for being employed as a Ford supplier. The make-over for 2013 is a big improvement inside and out for the Escape. Ford has done a good job redesigning the 2013 model. Im 6-4" and 238lbs. and fit very comfortably in the Escape. Love everything about it so far. I dont understand all the negative reviews and I hope I dont experience any of the problems described by others. Average of 28.5 mpg 70hwy/30city.

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  Very Loud Knocking! After Cold Start. - 2013 Ford Escape
  By maniac4 - June 5 - 11:06 pm

  I got a 2.5 liter S model, I do believe it has engine damage. It has 700 miles on it. Extremely loud lifters as well as lower end knocks. cold But after about 20 minutes of driving it gets somewhat less noisy. I think I might have low oil pressure. But of course the dealer says its normal. Without even listening or checking.. But other than that is ok I guess. No other complaints, I got synch but why bother. I dont use it. I just hope this motor smoothes out or blows. I stayed away from the turbo cause I figured Id be keeping it for a long time. Aint much for high tech. But the motor worries me a bit. but hey. A motor can be replaced. I hope it smoothes out though . Anyone have any input?

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  Dangerous - 2008 Ford Escape
  By roslynr - June 2 - 9:29 pm

  On May 24, 2013 while driving in the middle of a memorial day weekend rush hour traffic the lights came on in the dashboard and the suv, was not accelerating and just shut down , while trying to coast to the side of expressway this was impossible, I had to restart the truck. Once the suv restarted a short distance later it shut down again forcing me off the expressway. Once I made it home I called the dealership who told me to contact ford and file a complaint. My truck is a 2008 ford escape. After this email I will contact the BBB , this is dangerous to myself and others in traffic. This is a law suite waiting to happen.

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  Love / Hate relationship - 2013 Ford Escape
  By caltalker13 - May 31 - 10:52 am

  I usually dont write reviews, but this time I wanted to get my story out there just in case it will help someone. Ive had my 2013 Escape Titanium for almost 2 weeks, its been in the shop already. I love how it drives all the fun options, My concerns are the MPG, I bought the car thinking I will save money on gas, since I own a Ram 1500, very nice truck but just to big in the city. So I went with the Escape. Since Ive had it I am averaging 18 mpg, that is City and Highway mostly Highway. My truck was getting 18 mpg. Ford has told me to drive the car until I hit 1000 miles, it has 350 right now. So I will get you guys informed of how it turns out.

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  An OK buy.. - 2006 Ford Escape
  By cappecan - May 29 - 4:59 pm

  The only reason I bought the Escape is because the Escape is one of the best selling mid-sized SUVs on the market. There are many differnt models to choose from, including an AWD hybrid model which is amazing if you ask me. If I am correct, Ford holds the title of introducing the first AWD hybrid model, and they have done a good job of upholding that title. The Escape is perfect for throwing all kinds of stuff into it from 5 average adults, to ski and snowboards on the roof racks, and a few kids inside. The only bad thing I can say about this SUV is the build quality. The parts are cheaply made and break quickly over time. Ford needs to fix this, or the Escape will die off as we know it.