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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  Early days. but some observations - 2013 Ford Escape
  By laa5 - January 21 - 6:49 pm

  When my MB ML350 lease ended I decided to buy a cheaper SUV (tight budget and all that). Escape is nice size and for a 4cyl is a zippy quick little car and it handles fine. But I know its a lot cheaper than what I had but I hate that I can feel it. Interior feels plastic and arm rests are not in the right place for use. The brake pedal is so far in front of the gas pedal I have really lift and my leg and in heels this is a bit awkward. Ive had the car for just a short time and Sync has already frozen up and crashed. Navi needs your phone to work (not a built in system) and takes time to download instructions. But at least it understands my voice.

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  2011 Ford Escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By widrick - January 20 - 1:30 pm

  Had a great experience at Grappone Ford. I had a 2005 ford escape and decided to trade it in. After driving the 2011 Escape with the new inline 4 engine, I was amazed. I truely love driving this vehicle. So reliable a vehicle, I recommend it to anyone looking for a great ride in comfort.

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  Piece of Junk - 2013 Ford Escape
  By bbgun1 - January 19 - 9:56 pm

  I have had this car for 3,000 miles. It does nothing well. Poor fuel economy, 22 mpg at 75 MPH. Car was designed for around town and not for highway driving. Suspension is to stiff in poor roads and will cause fatigue. Gearing is incorrect for the motor. Zippy around town, nothing left after 60mph. That is why it does not get gas milage, rpm tWhy do I need a warning light on my dash telling me my door are locked. This car was designed by weezel engineering for sure. I have people in my company that refuse to ride in this car due to its harsh ride. Seat belt buzzer will not shut off and you cant fix it! I call it the buzz box, motor buzzes and that is what you listen to all the time

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  Gives Premium Brand SUVs a run for the money - 2013 Ford Escape
  By rhut - January 18 - 4:52 pm

  Some of the comments on here must be by people payed by competing brands. To call the new Escape poor engineering is just plain WRONG. We took delivery of a fully equipped Titanium model a few weeks ago. This crossover is incredibly refined, has good build quality, nearly all the technology of an 80k luxury car. On the road it easily out handles and out accelerates any SUV/crossover in its class and surely some cars. The engine is incredibly smooth and quiet, with ample low end power, the ride is near luxury and wind/road noise at an effortless 80 mph is as low as in my other car..a 2012 MB CLS 550 4matic. The Escape is great, dont be misled !!

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  Great car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By cool9 - January 18 - 12:08 pm

  I have had my Escape for 2 months now, and I love it. The engine is second to none in this class. Seats are extremely comfortable. I only have one knock on the vehicle and that is the brake and gas pedal too close together. Other than that, I strongly recommend the car.

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  The Good, Bad and the Ugly - 2011 Ford Escape
  By student4life - January 17 - 7:34 am

  My wife and I purchased our Second Ford Excape after our first one (2010) was involved in an accident that wrote it off, but it saved my families life, hence the second one which is a 2011. We like the vehicle, and have the V6, which has more power than people expect. Its kind of rough around the edges, loud road noise and engine, and drives kind of like my jeep YJ used to in many ways. Its not as refined as I expected, but on the plus side, its small and easy enough to park and manouver in traffic, build quality is superb, had original transmission issues which were fixed under warranty, and the rear hatch doesnt open all the time (needs to see dealer). Overall quite happy though.

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  LAST FORD...EVER. - 2013 Ford Escape
  By sea_warrior - January 16 - 9:11 pm

  The car is just...BAD. Sync feels like a really rough Beta program and is unrefined and just not useful. Lockups, pauses, stutters, hesitations. I had a 2008 BMW X3 and thought the "infotainment" system in it was bad, but as amateurish as it was, it was at least functional. The car died with 300 miles on it and is still in a coma while Ford "decides what they are going to do." The dealer has had it for a week, and they havent even STARTED to repair the problem. The last word from them was it could be "another 3 or 4 weeks." Between the Sync, the hinky Navigation, the mechanical unreliability and the lack of support from Ford, I rate the car a clunker. Run away from it.

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  Titanium is AWESOME!!!! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By tweetabird - January 8 - 3:29 pm

  I just got the new Ford Escape titanium 2.0 eco boost.. in ginger ale!!! I have the bigger tires also, 19 inch on it. I absolutely love love love my new titanium and couldnt stop driving it when I got it home!!!! Its a total blast to drive and yes I can truly say this titanium of mine stops on a dime!!! The titanium to me was worth every penny I paid!! I use to drive a 2002 Ford Escape this Ford I feel as if I am driving a sportscar!! I must admit I did go over the speed limit some and really give it a go!! It is fantastic and such a beautiful CUV!! I would NEVER trust a bad review go and test drive it.. and make up your own mind! I love everything about mine!!! Thanks Ford!!

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  Really regretting my purchase - 2013 Ford Escape
  By adolle - January 8 - 1:14 pm

  Ive owned the Escape for only 3 months now and regret it! The microsoft sync touch system is failing miserably. Some of the functions on it freeze making things like the phone and ipod unusable all together. The navigation system can drive you in circles, literally, then just fix itself a few minutes into the drive and now the screen has just gone black, completely turned off, while driving. A few minutes after it goes black a message comes up saying "updating". Ive been reading these things happening to many people but because its not an issue with the car itself, but with the computer, the dealer just "updates" it, which fixes nothing then sends you back on your way.

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  Great compact SUV - 2011 Ford Escape
  By andyman2 - January 6 - 4:16 am

  I love my Escape Limited 4cyl 4wd, I was hesitant about buying a 4cyl, but Im happy with it. The power is ok, I knew it wasnt a power house going into the purchase. The gas mileage is decent especially being a 4wd. It handles well in snow. Ive read many write about a vibration when idling, and mine has the same annoying vibration but it goes away when the vehicle is warm and it is only really an issue in cold weather for me. The only thing I wish I could change is the heated seats only have one setting. My old car had a high and low, and I was able to always have it on low and the one setting in the Escape does not allow me to do that because sometimes it becomes too hot.