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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  Very nice - 2017 Ford Escape
  By J McLeod - December 3 - 7:40 pm

  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) 4) lose the cheesy front-side chromed ornaments

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  Good so far - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Johnathanlivingston - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Have only had for three months. Fun to drive, not great on gas. My last car got 40 MPG so this seems like a gas eater. Picks up good on the freeway. Perfect size not to big not to small, handles great,very comfortable driving experience. Can haul friends or stuff. Happy with it so far.

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  Affordable performance and room - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Engelmann - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Perfect size for single person or couple with two or less children. A lot of space for the price. Handles well and has sufficient power for the smooth shifting 5 speed manual transmission under the power of the 4 cyl engine. The 4 cyl engine in that vast engine compartment puts everything in easy accessible reach. All controls are straight-forward and well-located. Great fuel economy for a vehicle of that size. This car was enough to get me to reconsider my 14 years straight of VW purchases.

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  great little suv - 2005 Ford Escape
  By anthony pisciotta - November 22 - 10:00 am

  drives great, very comfortable, and looks great, we traded in our sedan in and dont regret it.

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  Built for a man, but made for a woman. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Globlssd - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my second SUV. It drives better than the Infinite, much smoother. I have over 25,000 miles on my 2002. The only problem I experienced was the heating system going out. It was still under warranty, Ford fixed it, but couldnt explain why it happened. I drive 50 miles each day to work. Considered something with better gas mileage but I love my Escape.

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  Best Compact SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Wayne Stewart - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The perfect vehicle for me and my wife. Weve always had one car and one truck in the family. We decided this time to get the best of both worlds. I dont regret my choice and purchase. Absolutely no complaints.

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  Mixed feelings - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dwayne C - November 1 - 2:03 pm

  We started having transmission problems at 20,000 miles. It would shift hard at around 40 MPH.We took it in (not at purchasing dealership)about ten times before they finally changed the transmission. I argued with the transmission mechanic that it was not right.They tried something different each time it was brought in. They adjusted the linkage, changed the spark plugs, changed the radiator, new torque converter, etc before changing the transmission. By this time the warranty was off and they wanted me to pay for it. After lots of arguing the dealer helped cover the cost above what Ford payed.There was 30,000 miles on the vehicle by the time this was done. Been running good ever since.

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  Great Kid Car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By MIKEH - October 14 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a fully loaded all Black XLT as my daughters first car. The car had 60K miles, and had one owner who obviously took good care of it. My daughter loves her first car and I feel secure that she has some size around her. While the gas mileage isnt great it is far from awful (about 18mpg). We havent had any issues with the car. Bottom line, no complaints from either of us.

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  Needs a few minor changes - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Oz Raper - October 3 - 7:03 pm

  Overall a nice little SUV. Tends to be a little more top heavy than on other SUVs I have driven. I do like the fact that it feels bigger on the road than it really is. Visibility is good in it. Feels solid when you driving. My mileage is around 23 on the highway and goes from 17 to 20 in town. Not great but for an SUV, its adequate.

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  Nice looking ride - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Autumn - October 1 - 5:50 pm

  I bought this Escape and it currently has 170,000 miles. I bought it used. So far the only thing I have has to replace was spark plugs, but recently I have noticed that it has problems starting when it is cold? Also I have had troubles with the CD changer. And yes the back hatch only opens when it feels like it. Grr that is very frustrating! But I do love the looks, space, and the drive. I love it just want a brand new one. I think dependability all depends on how well they are maintained!