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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  My First Car - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Gregg - August 25 - 1:06 am

  Well after i got my license, my parents decided to buy me a car. We looked at Chevy and Ford, and since i wanted an SUV but didnt want to pay $90 at the pump like my dads old 07 jeep commander (now has an 09 maxima) we decided on the Escape. My Mom wanted great Safety scores, which the Escape has, so theres another plus. I enjoy driving this car, the power steering and the ease of controlling the wheel is a joy. The car just feels good and solid throughout. I am very satisfied with my first car.

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  Sharp and fun to drive - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Rick - August 21 - 7:33 pm

  I have owned this Escape for almost a month. It is very stylish and fun to drive. We live in a rural area and we average 23 mpg. I think it is also quieter than the 2005 Escape that we owned before. Overall I am very satisified with this vehicle.

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  Great inexpensive SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By LaurieP - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my little SUV. I was a always a car driver - and this feels quite like a car - so for those looking for a truck feel, you dont get it. I traded a Toyota Avalon, so the ride is not in the same class, but the new Avalon is over $10,000.00 more than I paid for the Escape.

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  Great small SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Escape_Fan - August 20 - 9:26 am

  In June I purchased a 2009 Escape XLT AWD with the 4cyl engine. I have been waiting to write a review until I had driven it for a while. I live in the Boston area. I have taken my Escape on vacations to Cape Cod and to Acadia National Park in Maine. Commuting to work I average 24mpg, while on the highway I get 28mpg. I love my Escape except for one thing. The 4cyl engine is too noisy for me, especially when accelerating. Once up to cruising speed, the Escape is remarkably quiet. Also, while peppy, the 4cyl really struggled climbing the hills of Maine, especially with the AC on. If I could go back and buy my Escape again, I would get the 6cyl FWD which has the same combined mpg as 4cyl AWD.

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  Great small suv - 2004 Ford Escape
  By fsscr - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2004 Escape, Love it! Just the right size, great power and versatility. I would recommend it to everyone and have! Ford hit the bullseye!

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  love this suv - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SGlover - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car for my family and for me to drive to work. Weve taken it four time to disneyland thats a 500 mile drive for us and it went great.

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  LOVE MY TRUCK - 2005 Ford Escape
  By will1 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2005 Ford ESCAPE. I purchased the full package including the Guidepoint system and could not be happpier.

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  My First Ford - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Robert - August 15 - 11:05 am

  I have had the car for 3 weeks now and nothing to concerning. As most people I did all the research I could. What drew me to this car was its changes from 08-09 all pointing to better gas mileage and better outside design on the front end. I have been very pleased with so far an 24-25MPG City average with 240hp V6-not bad. I with being my first ford the initial quality appears to be impressive, I hope I am saying the same thing 5 years later. My only concern as others have noticed is a good deal of plastic with the interior-but this was not enough of an issue to keep from buying the Escape.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Roy C - August 9 - 10:09 pm

  I have purchased Chrysler products for years, most recently a 300 C. Im so glad I switched to Ford. I had a 2009 Flex AWD Limited that I loved, but due to the uncertainty of the economy, I took a proactive approach and "down sized" my ride. I was so impressed with the quality of the Flex, I stayed with Ford and went with the more economical Escape Limited. What a pleasant surprise...I bought it from a dealer that was 75 miles from my home and on the way home it was already averaging 28.5 mpg! The ride and handling are good, the engine is more responsive and the radio is better than I expected. Its not the Flex by any means...but @ $14,000 less its a great car.

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  review of 2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Susan Sturdevant - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Intended to trade 2003 F150 4wd for 2004 model of same. Did not care for the cumbersome large car feel of newly designed truck. Test drove the Escape and found it far more comfortable and easier to handle. Having driven a truck for the last fifteen years (I raise horses and cattle), but also having other trucks to do the "work" I opted for the SUV. I have not regreted it in the least, and would not hesitate to do it again.