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 my car! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Vivian F. - September 27 - 8:24 pm

  I absolutely love this car. Its my 2nd car, first new vehicle and it is reliable & fun to drive. I wish the the cargo area was slightly bigger... I feel safe in this car. Great on gas too!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By nans - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in an Expedition for my Escape. It drives like a sports car. Very responsive. Great turning radius and tight streering. Solid center of balance. Great car.

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  The Best Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rich - September 19 - 7:46 pm

  I have been a die hard Japanese buyer since 1979. When the American car makers, especially Ford, design an SUV that not only looks as nice as the Japanese models, but also performs as well and has the fit and finish to match, you owe it to reward them for their effort and purchase this only Hybrid SUV at the moment.

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  THIS IS WHAT I CALL A SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By DAVID2389 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I have 3 kids, and we espend a lot of time in the highway. thats why i buyed the ford scape. whith this truck I feel like I want to go outside more and more.

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  Great Value - 2001 Ford Escape
  By squeak - September 14 - 10:00 am

  At almost 15,000 miles my escape has performed wonderful. Love the v6 power and the handling. Great room and versatility also.

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  ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jessyhanley - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I am so thrilled with my new 2005 Escape Limied. This is my first suv and I cant get over how easy it is to drive. The pick up is great, the ride is smooth, the sounds system is fantastic. Ford obviously spent a lot of time designing the interior as well as the exterior beucase everything is in an intutive and comfortable place!

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  Fun to drive & good mileage - 2005 Ford Escape
  By gatorgator - September 12 - 10:00 am

  The 2.3L 4 cylinder engine with the 5 speed manual transmission is zippy! Plenty of power and very fun to drive. Ride is comfortable.

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  Great New Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By MillerLite - September 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Escape with "Midnight" appearance package. It was more than I wanted but got a great deal. The glossy black finish really caught my eye because its so much classier looking than standard Escapes and I like the fact they only made 5,000 of the "Midnight." I get lots of stares from other drivers! Plus dark leather interior is nice too! Great power with the V6. Handles like a car, smooth and no noice or rattles. Stereo is great and the size of the Escape is deceiving. It has more room than youd think. Looks like a mini Explorer almost. Love my Escape!

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  Limited AWD Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Paul Zollinger - September 7 - 6:26 pm

  Our Escape is fun, nimble, roomy & cute. With the second row of seats folded down there is tremendous room to haul cargo, plus it has a 3,500lb towing capacity.

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  2005 - A True Winner - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jensterd - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I am a life-long GM owner. I recently took a chance and bought the 2005 Ford Escape. It is by far the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned! The only drawback is the fuel economy - around 14/15 mph. The 2005 Ford Escape - a true Winner!!