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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  Indestructible - 2006 Ford Escape
  By April - March 12 - 7:54 pm

  I love this SUV. I put high miles on every year, drive 6 miles of dirt roads every day, and I have never had to have this SUV back to the dealer for any major warrenty work. This thing runs like a bear through snow, and is so comfortable to drive. I will be buying another one in a few years, and will be givig this one to my nephew for great college vehicle.

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  Need 4wd on fire runs - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Vol FF - March 6 - 2:22 pm

  Bought it bewcause I needed 4wd to get to some of the fires I respond to. I love the way the truck handles at speed. The accelleration allows me to get out of situations before they become a problem. The only complaint is the transmission. It doesnt seem to shift smoothly all the time, especially in the winter. Other than that I will certainly buy another.

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  Great Auto - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Scottss80 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a 95 4runner with a 150hp to the Escape was quiet a nice surprise! The acceleration of the Escape is 2nd to none, in it class and price range, handles great, great brakes, and Im getting 21 mpg in the city.The Mach stereo is the best Ive ever had from a factory radio. The only complaints I had was when I purchase it (used), it had a lot of squeaks inside, especially the console top, back door, and some squeaks in the door panels. But I had fixed all of them myself in about 2 days, I guess the problem stems from all the hard plastics that Ford uses. Now that Ive taken care of those issues, Its one darn fun auto to drive!!!

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  Transmission Shot - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JeffP - February 3 - 8:26 am

  This was a bank repo that appeared to be well taken care of. My wife drives this and likes the way it handles in snow and bad weather. We have never had this vehicle off road or done any towing and now at 123,000 miles the transmission is slipping when its cold. Our mechanic says its about to go out and replacement with rebuilt tranny is about $3,500. I replaced my Winstar tranny too at about 60,000 miles. See a trend here with Ford transmissions. I do and will think long and hard before buying another.

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  Joy to drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By H. Graf - January 21 - 4:53 am

  My wife and I have owned the 2006 Escape for three months and broke it in on a 1800 trip up to the Pacific Northwest during the holidays. The weather was awful, but it gave us an opportunity to test this vehicle under stress conditions -- hard rain, wind, fog, bad pavement, etc. It responded well with the situation, especially in heavy traffic during storm activity, when other cars unexpectedly stopped or abruptly turned in front of you. The mileage was quite good in such an adverse weather condition -- about as high as 27-28 mpg.

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  Cant wear brakes out - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mark - January 15 - 11:38 pm

  Bought this loaded XLT with leather for my wife. I call it the red rocket. Goes like stink. Just changed the original tires at 100000 kms. Still has the original brake shoes and pads, half worn only. Very agile and fun to drive. great gas mileage. Tons of leg and cargo room. Easy controls to reach on dash. Only complaint is the CD player is a pain to load while driving. Selecting a slot to put a CD in should not be an option. It should be automatic. Just bought an 06 LTD I like them so much. My Expedition is a tank and can travel over any terrain. This SUV is not meant for that. Its fun and looks cool and is practical for everyday use

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  Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary Jo - January 6 - 8:40 am

  Fun car to drive. Very comfortable. Just the right size for me.

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  Very Nice - 2017 Ford Escape
  By J McLeod - December 13 - 8:40 am

  I have owned a 2017 AWD Escape SE 2.0L Turbo since July 2016 - ordered from the factory with a tow hitch and Sync 3. Overall I have really enjoyed driving it, although having owned Toyoto vehicles most of my life there were a few things I have had to get used to. I found the front drivers seat immediately problematic, but after analyzing the situation (my back problems paired with a seat with too many possible adjustments), I eventually resolved it with some supplemental seat cushions and a more comfortable driving position. Once this was resolved, I began to more appreciate the many positive aspects of the SUV. Excellent fit and finish, great acceleration (with the the 2.0), rear seats that fold nearly flat, good ground clearance, a stable, comfortable ride, and a useful and intuitive Sync 3 audio interface. Urban mileage is 20-21, but highway MPG varies a lot depending on speed. On a long interstate highway trip at 75 MPH, I averaged about 23 MPG but at 70 it increased to 27 MPG. If you could tolerate highway driving at 60, I am sure your mileage would be even better. I noticed no difference in mileage using premium fuel. A few design changes that I would make: 1) swap the interior fan buttons (left switch decreases rather than increases fan speed); 2) redesign the steering column so that it does not extend into the drivers legroom; 3) redesign the swoopy dash to allow the driver more legroom; 4) make push-button start standard (a conventional key ring full of keys touches the drivers leg in its current position) 5) lose the cheesy front-side chromed ornaments

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  Still new - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Richard McDaniel - December 9 - 8:09 am

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  Escape - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Mathew Morgan - December 5 - 5:45 pm

  Great practical car. Nice finish inside and out. Good acceleration with ecoboost. Voice commands could work better. Rear sensors, camera work well. Auto lift gate works as advertised. Great around town smaller SUV. Combined mileage has been lower than expected at about 19.5.