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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  The Best SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ALYSIA - December 23 - 5:26 pm

  This SUV handles great. The interior is nice and comfortable. Great car to take on a long trip. Excellent stereo system. It comes with an 8 inch amp and 6 cd changer and satellite ready. Back seats lay completely down for a large cargo area. All in all the best vehicle I have ever purchased.

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  Great car, Sync 3 sucks - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Larry L - December 1 - 8:00 pm

  Were getting older and the 2014 Fusion was just too hard for the wife to get in and out of. The Escape Titanium was a perfect fit for her and even me at 64", I have zero issues getting in and out. Leather seats are comfy and it doesnt hurt to drive it any distance. The Sony stereo system sounds wonderful although the controls are a little much. While some of the controls are on the steering wheel, youll want to set the radio before you drop it in gear- trust me. Ride for the size of the car is decent, no apparent body rattles. It is not a quiet ride but tolerable, depending on the asphalt youre driving on. Brakes work great. The 2.0 EB engine is a power house in this platform. Great acceleration. Gas mileage for the first run was a little over 30 at speeds from 65 to 85 hiway in rolling hills. I would strongly suggest the Blind Spot monitor. There is a huge blind spot on the drivers side but the monitor is fabulous for letting you know theres a car there you wont find in the side mirror. Our biggest complaint- Sync 3. All we use is a phone- no data, no texting, no streaming, just a phone yet our Smart phones wont work with it, we have to buy new, certain model phones for it to work. Ford has a list of compatible phones that we now have to go out to buy. Hands free phone in Texas is a requirement, not an option so until we buy new phones, we cant use the same phones in this car like we did in the 2014 Fusion....kinda stupid on Fords part. Had we known this, we probably would not have bought the car. So if you are buying, Id check out your phones compatibility before signing a contract. Research "Sync 3 phone compatibility" which will give you a Ford Sync website with the list.

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  Needs higher quality material design - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Kevins - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is fun to drive and handles well. The only thing I would be concerned with this little jewel of an SUV is the quality of material used to design of the vehicle. I would be willing to pay an extra $1000.00 if the interior components(Plastic, leather seats, etc..) were of higher quality and careful/attention to detail. Overall Ford has got a nice vehicle and I would like to see some improvements in the choice of interior material.

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  Lincoln Aviator has baby! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cletus - November 28 - 9:53 am

  I have been driving Ford Explorers since 1990, starting with a 1991 4X4 Eddie Bauer Edition. Drove it 13 years (loved it!) Drove a 2000 Model Limited for year and a half (O.K.). Got 2005 Escape LTD AWD (gold ash metallic - beautiful!)first week of July 2005. Looks like baby of friends Lincoln Aviator. Like it a lot. With Explorers went everywhere in snow. If the Escape with AWD equals the Explorers, then I will be a 100% Escape Fan. Its only 2 inches narrower and wheelbase is only 10 inches shorter than Explorer so no noticeable interior difference to me. My friends call me Hugh Jass.

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  Dreamgirls Chariot - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Airekah - November 26 - 10:03 pm

  I just purchased my beautiful Lt Sage Escape this past Monday and I am in heaven! Upgrading from a 01 Kia Sportage to this is surreal to me. The dealer made my purchasing experience totally problem free. I love everything about the Escape. I got the chrome package and I am enjoying the "second looks" My 5 year old son looks like a little prince in his back seat. The moonroof is awesome and the roominess is great! Being only 49, I feel so tall :O) especially when I adjust the seat. I really like the information center that tells you how many miles you have left before you get to "E" and the fact that the car lets you know when it needs servicing. I am sold on the Fords now :O)

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Hassan - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The car performance is impressive, 0 to 100km is under 9.0 seconds, the power is available through out, the gas paddle is very responsive. Noise generated by tyres and wind noise is audioable at speed but not intrusive. The handling is superb with precise steering matching with superb stopping power eventhough the engine is so powerful, it is very easy to handle either on or off road.

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  2005 Escape is well worth the $$$$ - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ladyescape - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is living up to my expectations. Although the cruise control went out on a trip, the vehicle has performed well. Unfortunately, the seats (covered in cloth) are easily soiled. Mine came soiled. So you might want to consider fabric protection treatment.

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  Very happy - 2013 Ford Escape
  By david1888 - November 12 - 7:12 am

  Just bought my new 2013 Ford Escape SE model. I really like the new design and ofcourse the great mpg. So far no problems at all! Dont get some of the negativer reviews, but I guess everyones differant.

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  Horror Movie Lemon Law - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Blong2+ - November 7 - 10:29 am

  I was sad to see that someone else had a Ford 2016 Escape that cut off going down the road. Mine also said going down the road at 60 miles per hour that "the car was not in Park". Mine went a little further when all the screens went black and the window washers came on. I also recorded this with my phone. The SUV stopped working several times and I took it to different dealerships. None could find out what was wrong. Each gave me a car to drive while it was being worked on. After the Horror Movie response I refused to get back into that car. I tried to find out what to do to invoke the Lemon Law. None of the dealerships had given me any of the paperwork, without the paperwork no attorney could help me. I had a case manager at Ford but that is just a pacifier to keep me quiet. The dealership required that I take the Horror Movie Car back which I refused so they sold me another Ford 2016 Escape with penalties for high mileage on the next car. I am now $10K upside down in the car. Customer service is a real joke. Attorneys can not help you without the paperwork trail that I had asked for each time Service agents at 3 dealerships said since I did not pay for the service and that it was a Warranty job that I did not need the papers.

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  Brakes that go "pop" - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Jennifer - November 5 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my Escape in June and have 17000 miles on it already. I love the style and all the features outside and in. But.... the brakes make this awful popping noise every time they get hot. I have taken it to the shop 5 times for repairs. The shop had replaced every bit of the back end, yet they still pop. We brought it to the attention of the manufacturer and the engineers said this "was a normal variation of the vehicle and it does not affect braking performance". Funny thing, they cant identify what is making the noise so how they know its not affecting brake performance? .your guess is as good as mine. This is my first and last Ford. Its cute and roomy but I cant trust it will last.