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:

• 

  Best of its kind - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Richi - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Gets you anywhere.Im not talking about offroad competition driving. Who wants all those overrated lower gear ratio downhill automatic power drive, and God knows what other names are around. The Escape is more than satisfactory for any kind of road situation.

• 

  Very impressed! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Carl - June 21 - 12:23 am

  As a previous owner of a 02 Escape, I cant believe how far Ford has come with this vehicle. The interior of this vehicle has a nice lay out. Ride is firm but at the same time absorbs the road like a luxury car. Sync system works well. Easy to set up. Very nice feel with the controls. Ford took every effort to make this vehicle quiet,with insulation under the hood,fire wall and wheel well. As for gas mileage, Am getting 23mph over all.The 6 speed transmission is smooth. Ford also put on radial tires with less off road tread for better gas mileage. Outstanding value for the money.

• 

  Great car! - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Teresa Martin - June 18 - 4:56 pm

  This car has been on the VIP program at Sheehy Ford since 2012.

• 

  Escape Pause - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Dorfman - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This little Suv is super fun to drive. Goes anywhere in the snow with a very safe and secure feeling.

• 

  Love it! After shopping for 2 years - 2006 Ford Escape
  By TGs - June 14 - 9:00 am

  I wanted a small SUV since the Liberty came out in 2001, but I hated that back swinging door. I loved the Escapes cargo space and when they modified the front lights in 2006, and with Fords Family plan, I just had to buy it at long last. I love it, my big dogs love it and its just the right size! I get compliments on the beautiful Titanium green exterior color, and Im finding that my gas mileage is averaging about 27 mpg; most of my driving is highway miles, so the Hybrid did not fit my bill. I love this car so much!

• 

  Rescued From VW Scandal.... - 2016 Ford Escape
  By J, - June 12 - 8:48 am

  Well manufactured, looks great, sunset color is exceptional, lots of room, step-in height is perfect, easy in and out, good visuals, love the flip down head rests, feels solid. This car has to have the spare tire suspension system replaced...seems a recall is in the works. Ford will fix it for me. I really like this car, not quite the quality of the VW (diesel) but a good choice. It fits me! Thank you Edmunds for finding it locally for me!

• 

  The unreliable Ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Rob - June 9 - 4:57 pm

  As soon as my warrenty expired my ford fell apart. First it was a 3300 $transmission, then 1500$ rebuilding the front end, then the wheel cencers for 1000$, then the driveshaft bearing 500$, and now ford says it needs a new transfer gear box for 5000$! This car is unreliable, and constanly breaks down. i could have got a better car with the money I have spent fixing this one.

• 

  The unreliable Ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Rob - June 9 - 4:57 pm

  As soon as my warrenty expired my ford fell apart. First it was a 3300 $transmission, then 1500$ rebuilding the front end, then the wheel cencers for 1000$, then the driveshaft bearing 500$, and now ford says it needs a new transfer gear box for 5000$! This car is unreliable, and constanly breaks down. i could have got a better car with the money I have spent fixing this one.

• 

  Good Value - 2005 Ford Escape
  By RJ - June 8 - 6:50 pm

  Bought the Escape 7 months ago and no complaints aside from a rattle inside the passenger door panel. Decided on the Escape because it looks much better than similarly priced models. The interior does look cheap but paying $24K for a fully loaded SUV w/ leather you should expect that. Very nice SUV for the price we paid. Please ignore ALL car makers mpg estimates. Getting around 20 mpg mostly highway, but expected that going in.

• 

  Retirement Sunday School Transportation - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Jerry S. - June 4 - 4:07 pm

  Our Escape is driven infrequently with less than 3000 miles on the odometer in one year. It is comfortable and gets great MPG for short runs and in the 30 MPG on trips of an hour or two. While I prefer a sedan or pickup for my personal vehicle, this vehicle is primarily driven by the Mrs. I would definitely recommend an Escape without reservations to anyone looking for a vehicle that is economical, attractive, and keeps up with the interstate speedsters. :o)