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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  700 miles, so far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Stevewa - January 21 - 6:46 pm

  Purchased this vehicle just over a week ago and so far am very satisfied. Mileage is near double the 2000 Volvo V70XC it replaced. My other vehicle is a 2002 Toyota Prius and the Escape Hybrid feels very comfortably familiar.

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  After Driving the Ford Escape, I kept Looking - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Klint Anderson - January 20 - 9:58 pm

  The cargo area is ok in size but the rear seats have no leg room. The front passenger seat sits too high and I felt like I was up against the headliner (Im 511"). Other compact SUVs offer more features as standard than the Escape which drives the Escapes price up fast.

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  Just purchased 11/2015 - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Jeff derry - January 15 - 12:22 pm

  Just purchased the 2016 Ford Escape S basic model made in Lexington Kentucky. Was going to get the Ford Foucus which have owned and had good experience. The Escape base model is priced similar to the high end Focus. The dash boards are similar. Car is brand new so cannot report long term but think for the price it is a good buy! Not gas efficient like the Focus though.

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  My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rljl - January 14 - 4:50 pm

  Fun to drive. Lives up to all its promises.

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  Real SUV - 2010 Ford Escape
  By S Bowen - January 13 - 6:33 am

  I think Edmunds review is not very fair on this vehicle. We test drove the RAV 4 and CRV and they cant even compare. Ford has made a masculine, fuel efficient, comfortable riding, plenty-of-room SUV. To me, the other competitors "SUVs" are very sissy and nerdy. They also do not contain the features the Ford has. And, no I dont work for Ford and its been awhile since weve owned one. I believe the sales speak for themselves as you cant hardly find one on the lot right now.

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  Michigan based company finally makes one - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Su - January 8 - 4:56 pm

  I bought the car back in October 04. While I personally think it should be getting at least 30 MPG, the 26 and above that I am getting with it is acceptable. It does take time to learn to drive to get the better millage, so Im giving myself time. The handling and quietness of the ride is terrific. The car always has the power available when or if I need it.

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  Solid and FUN - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Hill - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I picked up a 2004 Escape XLT after test driving a CRV and Liberty. Four words - I love this vehicle!! The CRV is about the same in dimensions however feels cramped and has a terrible 4WD system. The Liberty is too boxy the ride is bumpy and the fuel mileage is terrible. The Escape feels solid is very quick for an SUV, engine sounds throaty, and is extremely comfortable! The controls are logically placed, the seats fold completely flat and the optioned 235 tires along with the 4WD system sticks to snow like dry pavement. The moonroof is large and the cabin feels very spacious unlike the CRV and Liberty. You cant go wrong with this SUV!!!

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  Would buy another - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Buyaford - January 1 - 1:46 pm

  Like the ease of loading and unloading groceries,golfclubs,and boxes from shopping trips. Vehicle is sound and secure and I like the way it handles like a car rather than a truck. The ride is very smooth on the freeway and with the sixteen inch tire upgrade it handle the bumps very well. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Ford has improved quality overall and I will continue to buy American as long as they continue to build quality vehicles.

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  My 2 year wait was worth it - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Reed Kays - December 29 - 10:20 am

  I started noticing Ford Escapes in traffic a couple of years ago, and liked what I saw. I was only 3 years into owning my Hyundai at that ime so I thought, in a couple of years when I am looking to buy a new car, I need to test drive an Escape. Time passed, and I read up on all the small SUVs in my price range out there. I noticed how entusiastic almost all 2008 Escape owners were, so that was my first and only test drive. Upon climbing in I immediately noticed how high the vehicle sets without feeling "top heavy". All the dash controls were laid out very ergonomically while also looking modern, stylish, and upscale. Driving it was as easy and fun as I had thought it would be.

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  08 Escape awd 4cy - 2008 Ford Escape
  By sjl - December 23 - 6:43 pm

  Ive had my Escape a few weeks now, love it, drove everything (rogue, outlander,outback,compass etc.), happy with my choice. Im getting about 24 mpg on hilly terrain, no hwy, with the AWD that I cant live without where I am. Replaced an Outback, this little suv is perfect. I love the camel interior, much nicer than the stone. The 4cy. is pretty nice after you get used to the tranny, it shifts funny until you develop a nack of driving it. There isnt a need for the 6cy. Never thought Id go back to a Ford but my husbands new Ford diesel is so nice that it made me take a look at the Escape, very glad I did. It is suprisingly roomy inside and the whole interior layout is very nice.