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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  Love It - 2004 Ford Escape
  By wagon747 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I Love the Escape! It is perfect for my life (2 pre-teens) and It makes me feel young driving this sporty little vehicle :) It has GREAT get up and go! My 10 year old son says WOW! Mom this thing is HOT!

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By chainoil - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. Its a great size, not too big or small. Handles very good. Im very happy with my decision about buying it.

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  keys - 2002 Ford Escape
  By adamquery - January 21 - 10:00 am

  the ignition is placed really low on the steering column. it would be nice if it was in some way illuminated. you really really take a while to learn where to put the key even in daylight... youll hit above where the key goes about 90 percent of the time. other than that its fantastic.

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  i love my Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By beverly durrell - January 4 - 7:26 pm

  i love this car. It was love at first sight. It rides great, looks even better. Only very small drawback is gas mileage. I wouldnt change a thing on it.

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  so far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jay - January 4 - 2:30 am

  Have 5000 miles on it. Been in snow -- all wheel drive works good. Drove to Florida and back with no problems.

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  "Fordecito" Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Lucas - December 24 - 3:53 pm

  I love this car. Plenty of room and comfort, and the handling is terrific for what it is. Hertz gave me one in Chicago. I drove it 600 miles, city and intersate, came back to Southampton and immediately traded in my Cadillac for my Fordecito.

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  2017 Escape Titanium AWD 2.0 Rocks! - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Fred Flintstone - December 23 - 7:32 am

  Try to use a buying service like Costco or True Car or X-Plan. With rebates this vehicle gets cheaper than a comparable CRV. I love the stellar performance of 2.0 engine with quick acceleration. Great braking too. Im not looking for 34 mpg, so I turn off the start-stop feature and get 21 mpg. Thats fine for me. Ive been driving this Escape for over a month now with zero problems or complaints. My favorite feature is Sync 3, along with Ford Pass, and Apple Play. Im afraid some people may not understand all the technology that comes with this vehicle but its awesome. Sync 3 reads my incoming texts to me plus I can easily respond by voice. Remote start either through key fob or phone app. Plenty of storage, if Id needed more I would have bought an Edge. I love the back up camera and cross traffic alerts. Blind spot warning is great too. My last car was from 2007, so this was a major tech upgrade. All around its fun to drive and easy to get used to all these features. Love the Sony 350 watt premium sound with subwoofer, no need for aftermarket upgrade. Memory seat means spouse and I can now easily share car with seat and mirror settings. OH, and the ambient lighting is really cool! Great job Ford!

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  Whats not to like? - 2006 Ford Escape
  By LaWanda R. - December 23 - 2:06 am

  The interior is awesome, the 200hp reacts almost instantly, I receive 24.5 miles per gallon, and the interior is comfortable and spacious. My message center reports any problems ( which I havent had yet). It handles excellent in the winter time. This truck didnt slip once, or if it did, I didnt feel it. We had 5 feet of snow in Michigan this past winter, and the Ford Escape handles excellently. I am truly impressed. This truck is also perfect for long road trips because I get 392 miles on one tank of gas. This sound system is very impressive, oh! and the moonroof is just lovable. The best part is the 4WD system, it works always, I dont have to press any buttons, and it has great traction.

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  Alot of SUV for the Money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By AJFalbo - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a mighty-mite SUV. There is a lot of vehicle for the money. Handles well (even at higher speed - no roll), great pick up, a lot of feature and extras. I was surpriced at the engines agressiveness and pick up. The interior design gives you that truck "height feel" yet you dont feel that you have to climb a mountain to get in it. The tailgate is great, window goes up and if needed the whole gate lifts up, a feature that I wish I had had on my 98 Chevy Blazer.

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  My Great Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By AKid@50 - December 16 - 10:00 am

  An SUV that responds like a car. Had one for 10 mths with 10K miles. Only in the dealer once for a/c issue and a clunking sound. No problems eversince. Escape drives great, excellent 0 to 50mph, decent MPG. Its nimble and manuverable. Interior is roomy but "plasticky" but works for me with the kids. Exterior design is handsome and clean. Plastic body armor avoids dings. CRVs and RAVs are just too small and severely underpowered. My Escape is sometimes mistaken for an Explorer and thats fine with me.