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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  H-Los Little SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By H-Lo - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Okay. Easier to drive around town than 2 previous Explorers. Seats a little hard on long trips. Husband misses his larger Explorer leg room and seat comfort. Transmission very jerky at times. A little concerned after seeing crash test results. Next SUV a Volvo??

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  Great small SYV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By tomsturf - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Good driver, great mpg

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  ok - 2002 Ford Escape
  By salgama1021 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  its power is very good and handling

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  Bad start with Ford - 2009 Ford Escape
  By YB - September 25 - 5:23 pm

  This is the first Ford vehicle I buy and I am very disappointed with the build quality. First 2 weeks and there is already a welding spot inside the left rear end that causing a constant ratlle sound upon departure. The dealer fixed it but it left me with a very sour taste about Ford quality. Especially because I had driven only in city roads and not off-road. Now I noticed the sound that many forums people have experienced. I really wonder what is next...

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  Could be my next vehicle - 2017 Ford Escape
  By opensky1 - September 23 - 11:48 pm

  I rented this car 2 weeks a month for 4 years in Anchorage, Alaska where I worked (I am retired in warm, beachy Corpus Christi, Texas). I also rented others from Toyotas to Jeeps to GMCs. No comparison to me, for handling (like a small car), acceleration with the 2.0 turbo, but mainly the ease of entry and exit. The seats are exactly the right height. I had a team of 15 engineers and all agreed - easiest for entry and exit. That is why it COULD be my next car, as my Mustang is getting harder and harder to get out of (unless the top is down) like many my age. What the Escape really needs is at least the option for Automatic Emergency Braking! That may force me to go for the otherwise boring Subaru Forester. I read that Ford is putting this on the Mustang next year! Most Mustang drivers are not seniors who NEED AEB, not just collision warning or pre-loaded brakes. They did add lane departure warning, but braking would complete the package. I have all the driver aids that were available for my 2017 Mustang, even though this about doubled the price and got me to trade my 2014 with nothing wrong with it. So my two biggest concerns are entry and braking. Ford has one covered. We will see. I thing Consumer Reports has shown that will be the next mandatory thing anyway. Otherwise, best in its class, including the boring (ugly) looking, claustrophobic feeling Mazda CX-5.

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  Always Ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By zadyl - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have the limited edition. Vehicle is as stated fun to drive, amazing gas milage.Controls somewhat difficult to get used to, particulaly the wind screen controls, back and front.

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  Recall Bad Tranny Coolers in 08 Escapes! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - September 12 - 1:48 pm

  A local auto repair shop just told me my 2008 Escapes transmission cooler is leaking and has been for a long time. Since purchased, Ive taken it to the Ford dealership where I bought it for servicing and they never mentioned this problem. This same dealership said the extended warranty expired 600 miles ago and they cant cover the repair. The dealership is asking almost $600 to repair it. I see other 08 Escape tranny cooler problems on this site. Ford needs to fix this problem. Though a loyal Ford customer for years, I will no longer be buying a Ford if the company cant replace a repeatedly defective part.

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  Ok but..... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ann Marie - September 10 - 4:57 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2006 and have loved it but.... at 30,000 the gas pedal kept getting stuck... in the up position so I couldnt step in the gas unless I slammed my foot down. I had it fixed and they told me they replaced the linkage. It was fine after that. 1 year and 2 days later it happened again (2 days past part warranty) and the Ford dealer would not honor that. Low funds makes it hard to fix and Ford will not help. They tell me "its my problem." For a part to go twice really doesnt say much and such an important one.

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  Fun and Faithful - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Faithful and fun - September 6 - 5:13 pm

  I bought it 3 years old with 47k miles on it. It now has 206k miles (!!!) and is still going strong. I use it to commute, for beach runs, and to haul stuff around, and it runs great. Over the years Ive fixed the suspension and brakes a few times, and it ate a tranny at 90k, but otherwise its been very reliable. Its fun to drive as well. I paid $15k for it and Id say Ive gotten my moneys worth. Fuel economy isnt bad, by the way (23k highway). Front seats are more comfortable than in my wifes Mercedes (yes, believe it -- I have a bad back). Worst part of the experience was the selling dealer I will never return there except to buy a car under invoice.

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  My Rolling Stones Escape purchase - 2009 Ford Escape
  By dave524 - September 5 - 5:45 pm

  Its not exactly what I wanted, but the more I drive it the more I think its what I need. I wanted a Ford Edge but the price wasnt right. So I test drove the Escape and looked at the mpg rating and figured it might be what I need. Its fun to drive, almost like a car. Its real nimble. The acceleration isnt that great but once the 6 speed auto transmission gets you up to 40 mph, it takes off. But the main thing for me is the fuel economy. My last truck was a gas guzzler, so its nice to not have to pay frequent visits to the gas station. The true test will be seeing how it deals with Chicago winters.