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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  Comfortable fun, but........ - 2009 Ford Escape
  By thvillebear - October 12 - 1:24 am

  Bought the 2009 Escape as a replacement for our 1998 F150 that was super reliable. The Escape is comfortable and the V6 is powerful and economical delivering about 22 in mixed driving. However quality leaves much to be desired, the transmission started leaking right before the warranty expired and was fixed under warranty. The throttle body failed at 44000, costing 400 to replace I might mention out of all the cars I have owned I have never ever had a throttle body fail! I really question our decision to buy the Escape and curious as to what other problems will surface, I will be hesitant to buy another Ford.

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  Excessive tire wear and very noisy - 2007 Ford Escape
  By monirol - October 4 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased my XLT in December 2006 and loved it until about 35,000 miles. I began to notice a lot of road noise from the tires due to excessive wear and "cupping" on the outside of the tires. Once I replaced the original continental contitrac tires with general tires and did a 4-wheel alignment the problem was resolved and it was nice and quiet. However, at about 30K miles on the new tires the noise began again. Despite rotating tires every 5K the problem persists and the tires/road noise returned. I really like this vehicle but this noise just kills me.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR IN A 4 CYL - 2012 Ford Escape
  By ewalker2 - September 25 - 10:13 pm

  This car is terrible in a 4cyl. It has no pick up and go from a stopping position. A honda civic can accelerate faster then this SUV. Not to mention this car hold no value. I went to trade it in and I bought this car brand new, it has 9000 something miles, great shape its a 2012 and the dealership offered me 13500. even though i just bought it 9 months ago for 23500. Waste of time and money now Im stuck with a horrible vehicle.

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  LOVE MY FORD ESCAPE!!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By pumpkin2008 - September 22 - 4:09 pm

  I recently purchased an 08 ford escape limited used. I love this SUV, it drives so smooth for a 4WD and handles very well. It is very roomy. I cant wait to try it out in the snow this winter. Gas milage isnt bad for a 4WD, very happy with my purchase.

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  2013 Escape Not Ready for Prime Time - 2013 Ford Escape
  By ggbear - September 21 - 5:49 pm

  I have owned a 2013 Ford Escape SEL AWD with the 2.0L engine for nearly three months and have driven it for about 4,300 miles. I have had multiple issues with the vehicle since the day of delivery. We chose this vehicle over several others based on reviews, the perception that Ford has turned the corner on quality and seeing at an auto show. We ordered it before any were available for a test drive. Sadly, a potentially great vehicle has been one bad experience after another.

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  A good first effort... - 2013 Ford Escape
  By southtx - September 12 - 11:27 am

  ... but room for improvement. 1.6L Ecoboost is plenty of go for everyday use, but doesnt achieve anywhere near the advertised fuel economy. Transmission is smooth. Interior appointment is nice in the front seating area with soft-touch material, but cheap with hard plastic in the back. MyFordTouch and SYNC are still buggy and seem to do whatever they want, with no rhyme or reason. Wave your foot liftgate is a neat gimmick that doesnt work reliably. Much easier to find the key fob and hit the button twice.

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  The wait is finally over - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dentond1 - September 7 - 9:40 pm

  A few weeks I made the final decision on the Escape. I have been tracking it for more than a year through its design and testing cycles and liked all the reviews that I had read on it. Ford had no reason to update the Escape but they did, and I like it! When compared to similiar compact SUVs it stands on top. The 1.6 Eco has plenty of power but the 2.0 Ecoboost doesnt have to be pushed much to get in and out of traffic quickly. The Tech features make the drive easier and My Ford Touch is 1000Xs better than first generation Synch models.

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  My first ford and wont be my last - 2012 Ford Escape
  By southern_guy82 - September 2 - 3:31 pm

  Bought a new 2012 ford escape limited and I love it I down sized from a Lincoln navigator Because of Gas mileage and cost of up keep. I have had my escape for two weeks and have put almost 300 miles on it so far and I love it. It is a perfect fit for me I love the feel the way it handles the ride and the interior/exterior design. It is a great car for the money Great job Ford Im already planning my second car and it will be a Ford.

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  Lovel our Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By jslpal69 - September 1 - 4:24 pm

  We traded a top end CR-V for our new Escape about 2 months ago. While we enjoyed our CR-V and felt it was an excellent vehicle, we really love our new Escape even more. While the CR-V was efficient for getting from point A to point B, the 2013 does the same thing with lots of class and pizzaz. It is peppy, handles like a go cart on rails and has lots of quality features as well as "bells and whistles" that make it fun to drive. Everyone who sees it raves about what a sharp vehicle it is. Being a retired couple, we are not terribly "tech savey" but we have been able to figure out most features of MyFord Touch with no problem. Glad we bought the Escape instead of others we drove.

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  Apprehensive - 2011 Ford Escape
  By sparkywatts - August 30 - 8:18 pm

  I have the 2011 Escape XLT with the 3.0L, 6 cyl. It says 4 WD. 6 speed AT. Purchased Dec 2010. I love the "boxyness" and visibility. I did not want a cushy car or AWD. It rides hard but I do not mind. I wanted a small 4 wheel drive vehicle. I am concerned about the transmission and 4 wheel drive capability. The transmission broke 2 days after purchasing the vehicle new. 75 miles. Ford said it was a simple fix but took 10 days to fix. It still whines and has a vibration. Ford says that it is normal. I wanted the 4 WD to go on the beach but I am worried. This is replacing a 4WD 1 ton pick up so I am not use to the new vehicles. Can I use the Escape on the beach?