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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  No Thanks - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Lizzy B - June 29 - 2:00 pm

  This is the 4th Escape/Mariner Ive leased (03, 05 ,08). Fuel economy for the 4 cyl is very disappointing vs. my 08 4WD. Performance is definitely worse. Driver seat fabric cover seams began to rip open within 1 month of owning the car. Dealer kept the car in the shop for 3 weeks to complete the transmission recall service. Service bulletin claimed it would be a 1/2 day repair. Have driven 12k miles in 4 months and cant wait for the end of the lease!

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  Broke down on the side of the road in my 2016. - 2016 Ford Escape
  By MB - October 4 - 6:57 pm

  We purchased this vehicle from Marysville Ford in Washington State. We are soon to have a new teen driver in our family and were in need of a safe, reliable vehicle. I am deeply concerned that I found myself on the side of the road in a rural area with my check engine light blinking and a shuddering vehicle with no acceleration. This scenario is exactly why we impeded on our family budget to purchase what we believed to be a sound investment so our teen driver would not be at the side of the road. After reading other concerning reviews regarding this model I am concerned what the dealership may respond with this fine day. We purchased in December 2016 and have 20,000 miles on the odometer. I would not recommend this vehicle due to these unknown circumstances and note all we have had done to the vehicle are oil changes at the dealership. Wish us luck!

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  Dont Buy this Car! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Amber - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car that I have ever leased or owned. It does get decent gas mileage. Ford Red Carpet Leasing was also a very worthless leasing company. If you are considering this pseudo-SUV, please do not waste your money.

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  Bought this car new - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Amanda Beavers - January 17 - 5:11 pm

  So today I have the dilemma of my car. It is a 2016 ford Escape very basic very standard model. I use this as my child hauler and daily driver to work. This car had major issues about 8 months after I bought it. I was on the interstate and the car quit accelerating and started shaking violently. I was in the fast lane and couldnt get the car to accelerate. I began to slow at a high rate, and couldnt get over to the shoulder because it was peak hours for traffic in Knoxville tn. I call the dealership and they tell me to bring it in once I have gotten the car shut off it stops acting crazy I start it up and it goes back to normal. I take it to ford where they say there is nothing wrong with the car. The next day I am out with my kids after work and it starts again, it is vibrating really hard throwing codes onto the screen and wont accelerate, so I pull over and Video tape this whole incident. This car clearly has something wrong with it. I take it directly to ford. They find out it is a throttle position sensor. They replace it the car runs fine until yesterday. Almost a year later. The last thing happened the week of thanksgiving. The car keeps acting like the battery is dead. Just out of the blue. I will turn it off and all I get is CLICK CLICK CLICK. You can not even get to the battery properly to actually jump it. Some guys helped me while me and my children were stranded in a weigles parking lot. They couldnt get to the ground post or negative post, only the positive post. They hooked to the positive post and then used the negative one on anything else under the hood. The car started, I took it home parked it and left it running. Then I shut it off got in it and drove it back out to get ice as we are taking a trip (the last time the car malfunctioned we were going to take it on a trip and decided it was too dangerous to use on a long road trip pretty sad when you got a new car and wont take it out on a trip). I get out to get the ice, I shut the car off thinking it would be fine.. nope stuck again. Guys helped me jump it again.. got it on the road took it home where this morning it didnt start so I had to use an older car to get to work... it is funny how my husbands 12 years old truck has never given him a day of trouble. Neither has his 4 year old truck.. but my brand new car has been a lemon and we do not take it on long trips due to the fact it is a hazard for ourselves and our children.

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  Engine shut off by itself when your drive - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Geody yap - March 1 - 11:49 pm

  So many experience that Im driving and were on a stop light or stop sign waiting to go and the engine will completely shut off by itself and here I am to push the gas pedal to go and the car wont go or drive, very dangerous and car behind me will honk or almost get hit me so I have to put the car on park and start the engine again just to go. When I do that the map radio will completely blank black no sound of music or your navigation will disappear. I wish I can return the car because it will get you on accident and its not safe to drive .

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  Bad quality. - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Roma Ukhinov - July 19 - 1:35 pm

  One star for overall rating because of bad quality. The transmission control module was out of order after 1 week of owning of brand new car. I had to leave my new car in the service department for more than one week.

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  Would not rebuy - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Erica Flores - February 22 - 12:23 am

  I loved ford, so much so I only ever bought fords, but this is BS. I just bought a 2016 ford Escape and its engine is suddenly just stopping. I would be going 65mph on the free way and go to try to pass someone or get over and try to accelerate just to see that my engine has shut off. All I see is a message to put it in park to start engine. It would start right back up but It has happened three times and the third almost got me smoked my a Simi, so I bring it in to Ford Dealership since it is under warranty. They keep it for two days to tell me they have no idea what is wrong with it. That it didnt happen when they drive it and there was no code popping up so they do see a problem and dont know what to tell me. PISSED is a understatement right now. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD!!!!

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  Fix or repair daily - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Douglas Johnson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but a nightmare. All kinds of problems. The engine is weak and it sounds like a hollow tin can.

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  Engine shuts off on hwy at random. - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Nate - March 22 - 2:46 am

  Taking to the dealer to get resolved multiple times they say its fixed and end up giving the vehicle back,shuts down multiple times on the highway.Almost causing multiple life threatening accidents.

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  2011 Ford Escape sever rust issuers & repair bills - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Izaak - March 3 - 7:14 pm

  I bought this 2011 Ford Escape brand new one owner , this vehicle has rusted out under the vehicle , gas tank rusted and wheel wells, and tire rims, muffler, drive shalf basically I need a new car. I still,have 5 payments left owing on this vehicle. It will Cost 3600.00 and they were afraid when they start taking it apart I would have more expense , I was told to take it trade it in, start over. My opinion this vehicle should of had a recall on it. Ford has seen a lot of this and it would cost them a lot to do a recall . I paid 30.000.00 dollars and basically said to me go buy another one, this vehicle is no longer worth putting money in to fixing it. My air condition went out , and water gets in the door front passenger and they told me that is normal keeps it from flooding their new design. My vehicle is sitting in Fords shop , and I have to sit and wait for them to keep passing the buck and fiqure what to do because their protocol want let them go over their managers head. Their manager that they contacted has declined their letters, and pictures. Refuse to pay for their mistakes, all reviews I am reading on rust issuers , Ford should stand behind their product and support their customers. I am out of a vehicle at this point, paid 30.000.00 dollars for a vehicle to last me 5 years . Mark Fields President of Ford, and Phil Perry executive , you can not get in touch with them. I was told to write them a letter. Really we all know how that will go. As if the president is going to take the time to read millions of letters everyday. Managers at the dealer shops have been very supported to me, trying, calling, sending pictures . They have a protocal they have to go by. Its up to me now to go out and report this so no one else gets burn like I did. I was very hurt and disappointed in Ford not excepting the dealerships managers letters 2 letters and pictures, and they would not even give me a reason why. Just no help in repairing this rust problem. They wouldnt give me a explanation or a reason. 30.000.00 6 year vehicle load hard work paying it back and couldnt even give me a call or a explanation . Talk about hurt, frustrated, upset disappointed I was shock. Dealer ship manger at Ford was shock as well. Safety of gas running out of my vehicle and smell on inside due to rust put my family in danger when driving.