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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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Ford Escape
  By KP - June 18 - 12:16 pm

  We just moved to an area where I need AWD for winter driving. Previously drove a Ford Focus (and loved it) but did some shopping of other AWD vehicles other than Ford. Still ended up coming back to the Ford and no regrets! Escape handles nicely on gravel and steep inclines. No problems with braking. Interior is laid out nicely - love the Sync! MPG is that of a SUV, its to be expected. Very quiet ride compared to other Fords I have owned. Nice options on the XLT that you would expect to pay Limited price for. Really fun to drive!

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  Best for the money - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Babydog - June 16 - 11:51 am

  I have an 09 with the 2.5 and 5 speed manual. I wanted the lowest price and the 6 speed auto is new. I wanted proven reliability and the 5 speed manual shifts very smooth. Good performance and gas mileage combination with the modern 171 horsepower engine and manual transmission. Has an excellent ride and comfortable seats. Nice on the highway and a good handling city car, too. Fun to drive and fun to sit up high. Safer than earlier models. I have the red metallic. Looks great with legal color tinted windows side and rear. Lots of cargo room with the seats down. Has the updates of a Suv from Japan and feels just as good with a lower price.

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  Love This SUV!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Dan - June 14 - 4:35 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Ford Escape XLT for a 2009 model. I got a great deal and 0.0% financing. I opted for the 4-cylinder (to feel a bit "greener" and get better gas mileage). I was very hesitant about this, coming from the V6 2003. But, to my great surprise this is a very peppy SUV and I honestly only notice a difference going up steep hills. I love the SYNC option (an option I actually could have cared less about when buying this--but--it works flawlessly with my iPod) and the updates to this are great. I really like how the back seats fold flat now and the fact that you can open the back gate with your key. I LOVE the 2009 Escape!!

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  Lots of Shopping and Love it! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By MD Driver - June 14 - 9:16 am

  So I did A LOT of shopping - a lot. Looked at the CR-V, RAV-4 and Escape, with my initial thoughts of going with the CR-V, however I hated the middle console and finally ended up with the Escape. I Love it - great gas milage (@ 26 average) huge fan of the console and the sync technology. Drives very well for a 4 cyl. after coming from a V6 its actually great. My decision had a lot to deal with how I felt in the car rather than what everyone else said - go with your gut!

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  Best SUV without the over sized body - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Rosa Yaites - June 13 - 1:46 am

  I wanted an SUV but didnt want an overly large body. It still has plenty of leg room, head room and all the values a larger SUV has but no overkill on the body size. I started out with the base model because I have never driven an SUV, but I can surely say, I love it so much, I will upgrade to the Limited edition ASAP!

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  GREAT TO DRIVE - 2004 Ford Escape
  By DAVID MACDONALD - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The Ford escape is an excellent vehicle for all around driving. Love It.

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Escape
  By taurusescape - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Feels great when driving it. The passengers feel good even in the back seats.

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  Great Buy - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Brenda Jolly - June 11 - 12:16 am

  I bought this in April of 09 and waited to write this review, because I wanted to see if my delight in this car would hold--it has. So far, Ive gotten 26 mpgs but its still adjusting. I saw where Edmunds said getting the rear seat down was difficult -not so- lift a handle and down it folds. Im loving the Siris radio that comes free for 6 months. I will subscribe when it runs out. The fit of the car is great. My husband loves it too. I bought this car because when I researched cars on Edmnds, the people who had bought this car gave it such high marks. They were right. No complaints at all.

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  Nice car! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By James Adducci - June 4 - 3:55 pm

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  Love my Escape! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By D in Arkansas - June 1 - 12:51 pm

  I wanted a truck from another manufacture, but due to cost and gas prices we focused on small SUVs. Id driven an F150 before and loved it, so we looked at the Escape. The one negative was KBBs prediction about resale value (but I keep cars a long time so not a big deal). I was impressed by the safety ratings (my number one priority), and liked the safety features available. The SYNC system is great, it’s easy to see all the way around the vehicle (no blind spots and easy to back up). At 60 mph I get 31 mpg, at 80 mph 25mpg not bad for an SUV. Its well designed and wonderful to drive (I enjoy my commute now!). A great vehicle and a good value (we got it below invoice). I love my Escape!