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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  What was I thinking - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Krista - November 17 - 11:38 am

  I bought my 1st new car a 2010 Ford Escape and had it for two weeks and loved everything about it until it broke down. The service dept. could not find anything wrong with it. It dies going down the road and then will start back up in about 10 minutes, it did it about every other day until last week when it would only stay running for out 2 minutes and then die over and over again. It has been in the shop for 5 days and they still dont know whats wrong with it. I must of bought a lemon.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jmsamr - November 14 - 10:00 am

  20,000 miles into Escape experience and overall I would recommend the Escape. If you are looking for luxury dont buy the Escape. The seats are very uncomfortable and the ride is a bit loud. The Escape feels very big and holds a lot more than one would think. The V6 is a definite must. With moderate driving mainly highway some city (chicago) we have averaged 21 mpg.

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  Great mileage - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Wayne, NJ - November 10 - 5:14 pm

  Averaging 27 mpg combined highway and city driving. Has all the creature features and comfort you expect in an American car. Suttle engine vibration concerned me at first but Ford states its part of having a big 4 cylinder- will get used too. So far so good.

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  Great Escape! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By slowrunner - November 2 - 2:00 am

  About 3500 miles thus far and no problems. My 2002 Escape is a very good ride and handles the road and cornering very well. The car platform helps with quick maneuvering. The Escape is my first SUV and Im enjoying every ride, especially with the coming of winter.

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  So Disappointed!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Oroville2 - October 25 - 6:08 pm

  Loved my last 2 explorers, wanted better economy and all the tech stuff the Escape offered. It is back in the shop for the second time in one week for a problem with the transmission disengaging while driving on the freeway. Pulled over and would not go over 10 mph. Very scary!! Said it needed computer update, but did it again 6 days later.Not sure about Ford quality anymore.

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  Escape great with a few arghs - 2016 Ford Escape
  By MisterT - October 23 - 12:00 pm

  Great choice. Drives like a dream. This is the Titanium and has the 2.0 Eco Boost which is not on the list above. Voice commands (Sync) are confusing especially when using navigation. Tried to tell it to nav to Ojai. Got a reply that this was not understood. I had to pull over and manually type in Ojai before the nav would work. Not really a Ford issue but thought I would mention it. Great hands free rear door that is height programmable. Important if you have a low garage door. I am disappointed about the MPG. Not what was advertised but the Escape is still new and might get better. More expensive then I wanted to spend but overall it is a great choice for a smaller SUV. My wife loves it and after all isnt that what life is about?

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  Bad Tranny Coolers in 08 Escapes - 2008 Ford Escape
  By b.bergman - October 21 - 2:46 pm

  I just had my Escape repaired yesterday for Bad Tranny Cooler from the dealer that I purchased it from. No questions asked, they fixed at no cost stating it was under warranty. No complains on this end.

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  My New Gas Guzzler - 2016 Ford Escape
  By me cu - October 21 - 10:12 am

  You should expect to get the lowest mpg posted at all times. The fuel tank is very small so you are visiting the gas station every few days.

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  Tire Noise - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ron - October 19 - 11:44 am

  The Escape has been a great vehicle but I do agree that the tire noise can be terrible. We just put on a new set of tires and had an alignment done and there is a 96% reduction in noise. Original tire lasted 50,000 miles the new ones were only $106.00 plus mounting. We should have been having the alignment done on a regular basis that would have cut down on the noise and stopped the tires from wearing wrong.

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  Transmission condensor failure - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Randy Brandeberry - October 19 - 10:15 am

  Leaking transmission fluid at 56,000 miles. Dealer found failure in transmission condensor. Internet search found many people having this failure with 08 Escape. Dealer says Ford will not cover this under powertrain warranty but the dealer will use Customer Loyalty Program to cut repair cost to $100. Typical American car manufactured, spend millions to advertise and tell us how good their product is and then find a way to weasle out of fully covering warranty work. Stay away from the 08 Escape. This is my 4th Ford vehicle but Toyota is looking very good at the moment.