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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  exellent - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bennett,d - July 31 - 10:00 am

  the 2005 escape is awesome.it has great inside room,with the 3/4 fold down seat offers great versatility.looks are are very stylish and handles like a car.this suv offers alot for good price.

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  One Hot SUV! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BriGuy - July 27 - 3:16 pm

  This was an anniversary gift for my wife and she can be picky. She is in love with this little SUV. The leather interior is up there with the best Ive seen in Audi or Volvo. The power is up there with the V8 in my Grand Marquis. Glass moonroof is awesome. Sound system is incredible. Im not trying to exaggerate the review but this has been the best car we have ever purchased and I have owned 15 or so.

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  Fantastic Value Ford Escape for 2003 - 2003 Ford Escape
  By hammysdad - July 21 - 2:00 am

  There is only two Ford Escape for 2003 that I find other vehicles in the same class beat our vehicle with: 1. rear cargo shade that insert like a toilet paper roll is cheaply made and does not have a handle like many others to pull toward you to cover your cargo 2. the storage in the rear cargo is not as nicely appointed as others. Other than that nothing touches it for style, quality, and value.

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  2017 4WD 2.0 L Titanium Very Impressive - 2 - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Chuck - July 20 - 8:52 am

  I test drove the 2017 4WD 2.0 L Titanium version but the Edmunds pull down menu has not been updated to include that as a review option. Excellent car. The only serious negative is that there is a lot road feedback on the steering wheel. The 2.0 L is an excellent choice with the 4WD as it never felt like it was lagging, very powerful. The interior is very nice and reasonably quiet in terms of road noise. A couple of things to me should be standard at this price point: the side mirrors should power fold, the rear seats should have pulls from the trunk that would let them fold down like the Subarus, heated steering wheel and vented/cooled seats like Hyundai/Kia offer (I have this on my Kia Optima now and with leather seats in the summer its a must).

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  Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dterry1234 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Smoothest ride of any SUV-type vehicle Ive been in. Very stable with solid feel to road while driving. My St. Bernard dog loves riding in it and enjoys the side step for getting in/out. Cannot imagine having any other vehicle.

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  2 Years +40,000 Miles - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Kevin Kalamazoo - July 17 - 2:00 am

  2001 XLT with everything, 2 yrs with plus 40,000 miles, mostly highway, but yes thats where its most comfortable. Very strong highway performance with low RPM, great stabilty, V6 is strong & quick (not fast). Original equipment Firestone Tires not a concern or any problem. However, with new Michelin Cross Terain, wow what a difference, very, very comfortable soft & quiet ride. Living in West Michigan (Kalamazoo), 4x4 ability required 3-5 a season, very secure footing when needed the most.

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  Love My Scape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mrs Nose - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I moved up from a Suzuki Side Kick. I just love my Ford Escape! It is so easy to drive and has "get up and go". My husband has a Ford F150 4x4 and he loves driving my Scape too. The Escape gets very good gas mileage.

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  06 Escape XLT - 2006 Ford Escape
  By dakota - June 30 - 10:06 am

  The convenience of the 6 disc in dash CD is great. Plenty of interior room for hauling or keeping passengers comfy. The acceleration is normal even when put into passing mode. The view out the windshield is superb but because of the 3 headrests in the back, viewing behind you can be a little work. Overall Im very pleased with the 06 Escape XLT and have recommended it others.

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  Great 4WD capabilities and fuel economy - 2006 Ford Escape
  By IT Guy - June 29 - 7:43 am

  This SUV drives great compared to every other one Ive driven. Love the fuel economy and the engine has a lot of power for a small inline-4. Lots of interior room for large people (compared to other compact SUVs). Automatically engaged 4WD feels different, but has proven reliable. The only real issue I have is with the initial quality of the Escape. Ive run into 3 different issues that needed to be addressed by the dealership, but they fixed them without charge. In retrospect, two of those were fairly subtle "personal annoyances". Overall Im extremely satisfied.

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  2008 Ford Escape - Excellent Value - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ingrid - June 27 - 4:23 pm

  It is with pleasure that I drive an SUV that is fuel efficient. I drove for 12 hours in one day and did not feel uncomfortable at all as the interior seats provide good support for my back and there is plenty of leg room in this vehicle. The Sirius satellite radio is very enjoyable. The size of the moonroof that Ford is using is excellent and makes a driver feel that they can actually enjoy having a vehicle with a moonroof. The Escape is excellent value for the dollar on both the vehicles price, equipment, and the fuel economy a driver will get.