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 satisfied - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Bill from VA - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I think this is an excellent vehicle. The way it handles feels very much like a car, it has plenty of power and the fuel mileage is good I get about 17 miles to a gallon. There is plenty of room inside for passengers or with the back seat folded down plenty of room to move/haul something. The looks inside and out are very appealing.

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  First SUV I ever liked - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Bryan Redeker - April 1 - 2:07 pm

  My wife replaced her Sunfire GT with a new 2007 Escape Limited and this was her first new car she had ever purchased. We looked at a Mazda 3 and a G6, but she decided on the Escape. I dont care for SUVs, but it did not take long for me to really start to like our Escape Limited. The fit and finish along with the quality of the interior pieces was very nice. The Escape is also very quiet, and is even fun to drive on twisty roads. Most SUVs have terrible steering feel, poor on-road dynamics, and noisy tires. The Escape has none of those problems. My wife loves her Escape, and I have learned to love it as well. It is the first SUV I have ever liked!

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  Moving on up - 2005 Ford Escape
  By orapol - March 27 - 12:16 pm

  This little beauty is fun to drive. We find ourselves looking for more places to go just for the ride. It holds a ton of cargo, but even sitting in the very back is surprisingly comfortable, making seating six a breeze. It handles very well in the snow as well as on dry pavement, even with only front-wheel drive. The optional six disc stereo system is awesome! It has seven speakers cleverly tucked in all corners of the vehicle. The sound is magnificent. The Escape has become the new official Saturday night out car for our 86 year old parents. They have no problem getting in and out of the Escape. The running boards add to accessibility and great looks.

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  I love my hooked up escape - 2007 Ford Escape
  By jz55_2001 - March 26 - 10:14 pm

  When i was going to buy this car i did about a years research and money saving, put a good down payment down for it. I knew exactly what i wanted color and everything i got the limited model and hooked it up. I put 18" chrome wheels on it with the toung skin grey exterior and the black leather interior changed the silver dash accents to silver burlwood, blue led lights in side and out. The no temp gauge thing bothered me also so i installed a rear view mirror with it in it.Fold out indash recever 3 tvs with Two 12 inch JBL speakers in a custom box changed all the speakers to kenwood components and remote start. It really turns heads when im driving it and i get alot of compliments.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sarah - March 26 - 10:06 am

  I absolutely LOVE my new Ford Escape. Ive had it for about 6 months now, and I love it just as much today as the first day I bought it. The design is so gorgeous inside and out. The V6 has a lot of get up. Its extremely comfortable. I see other Escapes on the road and smile because it really is a GREAT looking car. Everyone who rides in it is surprised by how nice it really is. In fact, a friend of mine went out and bought one last week. I definitely recommend this to everyone.

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  Top notch vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Keyser Suze - March 24 - 6:56 am

  Very well built vehicle. Strong engine provides 200HP, extremely responsive gas pedal (I am not sure why another reviewer gave 5 for performance?). Gas mileage is better than my expectation; 24.5 mpg with 3 people, loaded vehicle 70 mph average speed, 50% AC for 383 miles. Handling on snow is spectacular. Moves easily on 3 feet unplowed snow, didnt slip during past winters icy conditions. Nice looking white gauges, rugged look overall. Nice job Ford. :)

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  My experience - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Spike - March 23 - 6:26 am

  I researched all the mid suvs and narrowed it down to the Hoda Crv and Escape. I actually made up my mind on the Crv. I drove quite a few of them and gave Ford another look. The Escape drives a lot smother, the Crv was bumpy, had less leg room, noisey 4 cylinder, and the styling was sort of ugly. My Escape is loaded, the stereo is 320 wts. Leather is very comfortable, steering great, ride quiet, got the 17" wheels, so handling is sports car like, shifts very smooth, so far I love the Escape. I hope its as reliable as the Honda. Every time I pass a Crv I say to myself, glad I didnt buy one. Get the locking lugs for the expensive mags and cargo mat. I got the 4 cyl. for mileage.

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  Reliable and Fun to drive. - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Preston - March 21 - 9:08 am

  Purchased vehicle used in Jan 07. Have put 40K miles on it and have had no problems. Change oil and filters regularly. Other than that - nothing. Brakes still like new - will get 75K or more on pads. Conti tires still have 40% tread left. I expect to get 65K on them. Vehicle is good in snow. Have driven through 2ft+ snow storms without a problem. No problems in rain storms either. Highway mileage is 24+mpg - not bad for an SUV. City mileage brings overall mileage down to 21.1mpg. Still not too bad. Long story short - good vehicle. Would probably buy another.

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  Excellent - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tessy18 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I have the 4 cylinder but recommend the V-6. We were going to by a Stereo system when we bought the escape however it has really surprised us. The system is almost to much too hadle at half volume. Amazing! If you like a SUV but dont want to spend too much money this is great one to buy! You do get your moneys worth!

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  More Funner - 2003 Ford Escape
  By F150MAN - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Just took the XLS-V6 for a spin at the dealership. Purchasing this Monday for the wife. FUN RIDE! Plenty of power on demand. Agility you would expect from a sedan. Not as rough of a ride as my F- 150. Nice styling. Smooth shifts from the tranny. Great pricing. Roomy interior, plenty of rear seat leg room. Overall, I think Ford is on to something with this one.