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:

• 

  Great Vehicle at a Great Price! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Tom Rooks - June 3 - 8:26 pm

  To date I have 1200 miles on the Escape and have not had, as excepted, a single problem. I use the car primarily as a means to get to work and for the usual weekend project stuff. Overall I am very impressed with the car and am averaging 23.0 mpg (big Texas city driving: 40% highway, 60% city). I also really like the Sirius radio, but was disappointed to learn that there are still the occasional commercials. Also when you go under an over-pass, or in a tunnel, you loose the satellite signal due to a line-of slight limitation. One thing I will pass on is that you need to be careful when folding down the rear sets if you have the leather interiors as the seat belt receptacle tends to

• 

  Should have waited for the Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jeanette - June 2 - 1:26 am

  I bought the 05 XLS mainly because Im a tall woman with back problems (thanks to Army). I wanted something that wouldnt eat that much gas and safer than my 97 Saturn was for my children. I love driving it, I can jump curves and Im able to drive it almost like a Humvee. I should have shelled out the extra money though for a V6, so that I wouldnt have to floor it when Im passing someone. Overall I like but I should have waited until the Hybrid came out so that I could save more money on gas.

• 

  Great little SUV, our second Escape in a row - 2017 Ford Escape
  By David Charte - May 28 - 10:41 pm

  It is an EXCELLENT vehicle that does just about everything very well. LOVE the 2.0 Ecoboost.

• 

  Nice car! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By e lopez - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Based on the experiences shared by other Ford Escape owners vis-a-vis the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Vitara, etc., I recently bought an Escape. Alas, I am happy to have decided to get one! Driving one proved to be an experience and I am sure that with the service and parts availabilty support provided by the local dealership network, maintaining this wont be a problem. I had such a terrible experience with my Honda car as spare parts and service is controlled or even manipulated by their local dealership here. My maintenanve costs did not do justice to my owning said Honda and good that I was able to dispose of it fast.

• 

  Escape from the compact SUVs - 2003 Ford Escape
  By topdeadcenter - May 24 - 10:00 am

  well thought out interior, plenty of non-towing power, and automatic 4x4 are all pluses on this vehicle. Drawbacks include, cheap looking plastic bumpers and exterior trim, lack of towing power, (had problems with a 1500 lb boat coming out of lauch) and a minor electronic problem that put ours out of commision for a day. All in all a step above the competition, (we drove most and found this to be the best) I would recomend.

• 

  Built to last! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Rotondi - May 14 - 4:10 pm

  Pro: * 4 cylinder engine feels like a V6 * Fit and finish are excellent * Very smooth shifting 5 speed manual transmission * Great factory radio * Good MPG (25.3 average over 4 fill-ups) * ABS standard * No rattles or squeaks * Very easy DIY oil change. Con: * Rear drum brakes * No dual trip odometer * Privacy glass not standard on FWD models * Front discs generate a lot of brake dust. Overall Im 100% satisfied. This is one SUV that truly earns the "Sport" in "Sport Utility Vehicle". I also enjoy the fact that it hold lots of stuff (33 cubic feet with the seats up and 69.2 with the rear seats down).

• 

  Escape Review - 2002 Ford Escape
  By ebcobra93 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. Fortunately, I like the looks and drivability of this car a lot. Two months after purchasing, I had to get the transmission replaced. Only problem with the Escape. Love the car.

• 

  Really fun compact SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By adrock - May 9 - 6:50 pm

  Weve had our Escape for about a month now and we love it. The 4 cylinder engine is peppy and provides a fun drive but it often needs to down shift when going uphill on the highway. The fuel economy is better than I expected with this being our first SUV (avg. mid 20s). The comfort and ride are amazing and it definitely has a ton of room and cargo area, probably the highest in the class. Cant wait till winter in NH to try out the AWD feature. Highly recommended to anyone in the market.

• 

  Back to Domestic - 2004 Ford Escape
  By stripers - May 6 - 10:00 am

  After researching suvs for 6 months I have purchased a Ford Escape, this truck is a please to drive. I looked at Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan and Honda. While they may carry a high resale value, they also carry a much higher price. After all is said and done this truck, to me, is the best value in the market. The size is perfect, the performance great, and the ride, surprisingly good. I had this truck out in a snow storm and it performed great, not one slip or slid, it was never even in four wheel drive. I have driven import vehicles for the past 11 years but, Im glad to be back in a domestic vehicle.

• 

  2005 Limited - 2005 Ford Escape
  By les10 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  After my wife looked at the Toyota and Honda, she couldnt believe that a US car was designed so much better. She was looking at the RAV4 but found the backseat and cargo horrible. Likes the Escapes easy of converting from passengers to cargo. Takes almost no effort. This was a huge selling feature for her, a big miss for the Japanese. V-6 performance and handling didnt hurt either.