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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  Great lil SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By purplewool - March 24 - 11:36 pm

  I love my Escape. I get better milage than sticker promised. I love driving it. I am in it much of the day and find it comfortable.

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  Excellent small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dr. Effy Oz - March 22 - 6:06 pm

  We looked at several mid-size and small SUVs. The midsize ones were too bulky and usually with poor visibility for us. The final debate was between the Escape and its cousin, the Mazda Tribute. The latter has a softer ride and longer warranty. The discounts were greater than those for the Escape ($3k vs $2k, and $500 vs $400 college grad discount), but overall we got a better deal from our Ford dealer than we could get for the Tribute. Its hard to decline $2,500 below invoice. The vehicle rides as we expected. The V6 accelerates well and is a pleasure to drive. The sound system is so good that its overkill (300 Watts!).

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  Love it, love it, love it! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By J-Cruisin - March 21 - 10:16 am

  I was a little skeptical about getting an American made car because they dont hold their value as well but I just didnt want to spend over $30K for an SUV. We wanted an SUV to fit two kids and a dog, and the Escape is perfect! Tons more room than our tiny Honda Civic but not a gas guzzler like Explorers and such. The Escape is great on gas, handles very well, the turning ratio is better than other SUVs we test drove. Its very inexpensive to insure too! Smooth and comfy ride. Love my Escape, in the future well look into the hybrid!

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  Great Escape (2005) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jim - March 18 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned my 05 Escape for just over 2 months and have already logged 3,500 miles. I did my homework on the competition before buying and found the Escape the best choice over all. Not one single problem to date. Rides & drives great, V6 power and good fuel economy. City/hwy mileage consistently between 23 & 25 mpg. Excellent seating position and visibility. Not too crazy about the step bars, but on the plus side, may help protect against door dings while in the parking lots. Over all, Im a satisfied customer.

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  Driven from Florida - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jim Bledsoe - March 15 - 5:06 pm

  Brand new car. Ran into a snowstorm all the way from Ky to Chicago. Saw at least 50 cars in ditches but not us. A great, stable car.

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  Best option out there - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Randy in Omaha - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I just completed 6 months and 7500 miles with my Escape, and I still think its the best of the small SUVs. The ride is firm but not "truck-like" and the acceleration and handling are superb. I have found no defects and needed no repairs. I had an Explorer a few years back that turned out to be pretty crappy, so I was a bit concerned with buying another Ford. So far, I have been very pleased with the decision.

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  good vehicle for the money - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Rcruz - February 21 - 2:00 am

  After shopping for 3 months and reviewing all of the SUVs in this class, I decided that relaibility, power, and affordability was the route to go. The Escape is not as fancy as the Tribute( same exact Mazda engine) or the CR-V, or the Santa Fe but for the money its the best in its class. I think Fords only shortcoming with the Escape was they should have spent a little more money with the build quality and intierior- I personally would have paid for it. Overall I would suggest this SUV to anyone in the market- the 6cyl. 3.0 201hp- 4 dr.

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  aka Ice Capade - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Vader78 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice Vehicle, would purchase again

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  cheap build quality--buy a jeep liberty - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jbenn - February 21 - 2:00 am

  i looked at the liberty and escape/tribute..the escape has horrible build quality on the interior, it looks so cheaply built that it wont last 3 yrs..the seats were uncomfortable, plastics bad, fit/finish were not neat, carpets and fabrics all low grade, controls cheap looking, engine loud, transmission not smooth, steering a little spongy..jeep liberty is built much better for the same price, only complaint is seats dont fold down all the way on the liberty

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  Not bad...but not completely happy - 2009 Ford Escape
  By 1leftygolfer - February 11 - 11:46 am

  Like most consumers, I shopped around at competing models. The Escape - I like the looks, gas mileage (averaging 26 hwy and 22 city), and especially the ergo layout of the drivers position. At 64" I need to make sure the vehicle fits me, and other brands (Toyota, Honda) just didnt fit me correctly.