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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  Stranded twice and recalls galore - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Brad McLaughlin - October 5 - 1:36 pm

  My 2013 Escape was purchased brand new. As the sole owner for 30 months and 107,000 miles I was extremely disappointed with the this car. I have owned a Ford car for 17 of my 27 years as a driver. This Escape left me stranded twice due to phantom overheating alarms that were part of numerous recalls. The car was at the dealer for service more than 12 days of those 18 months. All for recall issues. Dont buy a Ford on their first model year.

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  i have the 2 liter 4. 240 horsepower. - 2015 Ford Escape
  By ohioham@gmail.com - October 5 - 9:57 am

  my escape is the 2015 se 4 wheel drive 2.0 liter 240 horse version with trailer tow pack. now that i have lived with this car for almost a year and 11,000 miles later i am quite happy in my choice. the power train really sets this vehicle apart from the rest. plenty of power for towing a trailer. (and i do on occasion) handles great even with 4 adults on board. i purchased this vehicle in feb and the 4 wheel drive works great better than the competition. like i said i am very happy with it for i did some research before the purchase. one of my purchasing points was ease of entry into the vehicle and this one was the best for me to enter. i replaced my ford super duty pickup with this vehicle. combined mileage is 25.4. highway is 30.5. heavy two axle uhaul trailer loaded is 17.5.

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  The best Compact SUV on the road today! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Brian - October 3 - 1:25 pm

  The 2010 Ford Escape was my first choice when I bought this car, two months ago. I bought the Ford Escape XLT I4 Four cylinder and opted with it instead of the V6 because when I drove a 2015 Ford Escape, which I really like, with a V6, I felt it was too racey and punchy for city driving between lights. In fact I found myself having to pass alot of drivers because it was just too fast. But if you want a more punchy version of the I4, the Escape has the V6 which is sure to please. I bought the I4 at a large car dealership. I was offered 5 year warranty on top of an addditional 1 year dealer warranty. If you go to buy a Ford Escape, try a large car dealership, because, they can and will work with you to get you a sweet deal. So I have been driving my new/used Ford Escape for two months. So far, the car is absolutely perfect. It handles turns with ease. No more will I or any other Ford Escape driver have to fear turning too wide, when driving down a particularly narrow road. The car handles sublimly. In the rain, the Ford Escape has few peers. With careful driving, it handles perfectly. The Ford Escape comes with rear window windsheild wiper, which I use every time it rains. There are no mechanism failrues ever on the rear or front windsheild. The car has occasional vibrations at high speed on the highway. But those are usually only audible when the back window are open. The XLT package comes with automatic rear and front window controls. Use those when driving on highways to raise the window shut. The vibrations disappear instantly. The Ford Escape has better milage that is usually reported in consumer reports. The high numbers are 34 Highway, 30 City. But look for them being more like 36 Highway, and 32 city. I drive every day usually to do errands, to get lunch or dinner. The 2010 Ford Escape uses very little gas, and is a gas sipper. It will suprise you how little gas it uses. You might have to fill the car twice a month when using it to and from school for the kids, to get groceries, to run errands, to go to dinner. I havent taken my new used Ford Escape on a long road trip yet, but I am sure it will be one of the most enjoyable road trips ever. I highly recommend buying the Ford Escape. The Ford Escape is AAAA+ in reliablility, handling, engine, interior, entertainment. The Ford Escape is one of the best made cars in the US auto market today.

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  Take care of my escape and he takes care of me - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Tish - October 2 - 9:07 pm

  Its very reliable I can say damn good on gas Ive grown to love my escape and I dont want another vehicle out there! I replaced the transmission in 2014 which cost me $2000... I was told that the 06 ford escape was the best engine ford has built and yep 5 years strong soon to be 10years old at almost 170,000 miles miner repairs here and there Ive learned how to do them myself!

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  Work car doesnt work - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Average Joe - October 1 - 3:22 am

  My employer purchased a fleet of escapes as patrol vehicles. Seats are garbage, shape of it hurts the lower back, cant sit like a normal human. Not enough space between door and center console to sit without my equipment on, let alone with a full rig. Feels like Im sitting on concrete. Armrests are non existent. Need to have the window down in winter to have somewhere for my arm. Fuel economy? 8mpg. Had the car 3 months, spent half its life being repaired. Stay away. Get a Toyota!

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  ac texas - 2010 Ford Escape
  By tra - September 30 - 4:16 pm

  Garage kept 2010 air conditioner blows hot then a squirt of cold texas and 22,000 miles cheap cheap cheaply made

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  Great Vehicle Until the Turbo Died - 2013 Ford Escape
  By James Tarpley - September 29 - 8:40 am

  After the initial recalls in 2013, my 2013 Escape SEL was very reliable. I had it in the shop three times in 3 years (78K miles). Ironically, all three times were because the cluster communicated that Engine Coolant was low and the engine needed to be serviced. The first two times, the local Ford dealer ran a pressure test and it passed with no leaks. The dealer informed me that sometimes the coolant just leaves the system and they cant find the reason for it. The third time, they advised me that it was still holding pressure, but the turbo was leaking oil (causing a fire hazard), so it needed to be replaced. After seeing the $3,000 estimate to replace the turbo and comparing it to a resale value of $12K, I elected to sell the vehicle at auction without performing the repairs. At auction, with the necessary repair disclosed, I was able to get $9,600 for it, so it worked out in my favor. The only other issues I had were Ford Sync related. The radio and blue tooth connection would stop all sound through the vehicle speakers. The Ford Sync people walked me through the process for fixing it the first couple of times. I had to perform a master reset on the electronic system. This is like restoring an Iphone to original condition and erasing all added data. Lastly, as far as mileage, I averaged 26K miles/year. My combined average fuel economy came out to 21.2 MPG. Not bad mileage, but not what I expected for a 4 cylinder motor with an "Eco-boost" performance enhancer. I even adjusted the performance of the motor to be as economical as possible. I really did like my 2013 Ford Escape SEL and was sad to leave it at the dealer and send it to auction. It was a pretty comfortable ride on trips. I took a 5 day trip from NW Arkansas to Washington DC and back, and I was pretty comfortable the entire trip. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing the turbo was roughly 25% of the entire vehicle, and with the motor/transmission and electronics being 3 years old with 78K miles, I could not justify that significant of an expense. If I had picked the 6 cylinder option without the turbo, I would never have let it go.

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  Ford Escape - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Robert - September 25 - 3:16 pm

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  Perfect! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Eric Oleson - September 7 - 6:08 pm

  We wanted a reliable, safe car for our 17 year old and I know we have found it. The all wheel drive will keep her on the road and IF something happens to run her off the road she will be in one of the safest vehicles in its class. Amazingly it is comfortable even for my 6 2" frame - Wow! And the panoramic sun roof almost makes you feel like you are in a convertible. My only humble issues with the Escape is that the Nav is not as intuitive as a Garmin Device and the Climate controls are a bit too complicated. But these are small matters compared to the overall Five Star nature of this great car!

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  238,000 miles and going strong - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Steven - September 3 - 3:27 am

  My parents gave me this vehicle for free when they got a new lincoln mxX, ive had zero issues with it other than A/C and a rear door lock, other than that no engine troubles whatsoever theyre was an accident with someone standing still and me hitting them 10-15 mph and the bumper bar saved the radiator, otherwise zero damage other than bumper cover, this car is 11-12 years old of constant transportation whether its a 2 hour trip or to work everyday, i love this car and am gonna use it till it rots.