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:

• 

  Outstanding SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By brs - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We tested lots of the small SUVs and picked the Escape. Very glad we did. 30,000 miles so far and everything has been great. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

• 

  Lovin it so far! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Escaping with it - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it only a few weeks, but Im loving it. No problems so far. Great power, handling, space etc for a small SUV. Mom has a Tribute ES-AWD, and I think the Ford is quicker and handles better (feels much lighter w/o the AWD). Also, the 02 Escape gear shifter is not in the way of the radio (as it does in the 01 Tribute)!! My gas mileage so far has been a little dissapointing, though.

• 

  I love this SUV! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Auggie Wood - August 23 - 5:33 pm

  This is my first SUV and my first American made car and I just love it. I agree with the other reviews that there is a lot of brake dust on the front wheels, but that means the brakes are working well, so I am fine with cleaning them often. I averaged 260 miles with in town miles on my first tank of gas. It is practical, affordable, and stylish and surprisingly comfortable. . .I was expecting more of a bumpy ride since I have always driven a car, but the crossover for me was great!

• 

  Average SUV Should have more bang for the buck - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Andy Sizemore - August 23 - 4:32 am

  Couple of things. You should test drive one very extensively. Discovered on a rainy day after getting the 2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD with the 1.5 EcoBoost , the 4WD system makes a horrible noise from the rear when in tight turns, thought the car had broken an axle on my third day of driving. Then on a dry day it basically went away. Ford said this was normal. Should have gotten the 2.0 engine. The 1.5 is extremely under powered. The SE is basically a "Enterprise Rent a Car" version with very little features compared to the Titanium Trim Level. Has the 200A package, which isnt much for the money spent on this SUV. Controls are easy to reach, and the instrumentation is about normal for SUVs these days. Gas mileage is awful for such a small engine even leaving the Auto Start and Stop engine control on. I guess the 1.5 Turbo has to work so hard to move the car it eats gas. Can barely get 13 gallons in the tank from empty, and as I do a lot of interstate travel in a multi state job position, I am constantly having to keep track of where a gas station is between towns. Hope this thing gets better over time, but I am not thinking that will be the case. Not impressed with this vehicle after all of the hype. Will most likely look at some other vehicle when it is time to turn this one in. Not being mean about the car, just being honest. This is an average car, The best thing Ford could do with this car is two things: 1) Put a real 4WD system in this car and get rid of the Intelligent 4WD System, then you may have a hit on your hands, 2) I dont see the 1.5 Turbo staying around long. The fuel economy hype is just not there to support downgrading to such a smaller engine in hopes of saving fuel and producing better fuel economy numbers when it just doesnt happen by giving up "sooooooooo" much performance compared to the 2.0 Turbo. Actual fuel economy is so close on these 2 engines, yet the 1.5 is so under powered its almost a joke. Ford expects you to buy into the hype that the 1.5 is going to save you a ton of fuel operating costs. Sorry folks, it doesnt.

• 

  Breaks - 2005 Ford Escape
  By denjmel - August 19 - 10:00 am

  The rims of the front tires keep having break dust on them. Cannot keep clean. The service manager said all FORD trucks have that problem. I can not accept that as I have had many vehicles before and most recently have had 3 diffrent types of vehicles (Nissan, Chevy truck & Saturn)and have never had this problem before!

• 

  Bullseye! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By scape2 - August 13 - 7:16 am

  Ford and Mazda hit it right on the money and many dont like it! This SUV had a rough start and many took advantage of initial problems and let them be known. I am a proud owner of a 2001 V6 XLT 4x4 in beautiful black. Loaded with stepbars, sunroof, bike racks, tint, 6CD changer the works. I take it skiing, fishing and tow my jet skiis. Granted, the interior needs a little updating but its no worse than a Suzuki, or Honda interior..

• 

  Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John - August 9 - 3:23 am

  The car is super fun to drive. The challenge of keeping the gas engine off and the eectric motor doing the work is a ball. It isnt great mileagewise going up mountains or at high (70+) speed so if you are going to use it like that expect 20% less than the quoted mileage. Ive been averaging 31- 32 mpg per tank, except for my mountain and high speed trip.

• 

  I love this SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Leon Coudriet - August 8 - 8:16 am

  Donnt buy an 08. The 09 has a bigger engine, 4 wheel anti lock brakes, a 6 speed automatic trans. The steering is smooth, easy, and I can turn shorter than my 2000 Focus. The ride is quiet, smooth,and the bucket seats are very comfortable. I bought the white suede with camel interior. The car has everything on it except Navigation, heated seats, and outside mirror. I just had reverse sensors added yesterday. Oh yes I have the leather seating too. Sirius radio is great and not that expensive when the free radio expires.

• 

  Escape Limited is great - 2004 Ford Escape
  By carguydc - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2004 Escape Limited FWD with Luxury Comfort Package(heated seats and mirrors, upgraded audio and reverse sensors) and Moonroof. This car is a blast to drive. When you floor it from a stop the tires squeal - its got plenty of power! Of course my driving style may be part of why the FE is not as good as I might like: Im getting just under 20MPG. I love the exterior looks and styling. I also drove the CRV, Santa Fe and Liberty and found none could compare to this combination of luxury and fun to drive.

• 

  Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By nana Lori - July 30 - 10:00 am

  So far I thoroughly enjoy my vehicle.......I think gas mileage could be better ( my v-8, 1997 thunderbird got better mileage ) I need something higher off the ground as I am tall and have bad knees........very glad I picked the 2003 Escape. I would probably get another if I needed to. Thanks..........