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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  excellent - 2002 Ford Escape
  By cafafd - September 7 - 10:00 am

  The Escape has been perfect. No problems. Its fast, comfortable, and very fun to drive, especially for a SUV.

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  My second Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Doug - August 31 - 10:30 pm

  I had a 2005 XLT Escape and loved it but liked the look of the 2008 more. Have had the vehicle for 6 months and it is great. Drive 80 miles a day for work and the performacne and ride is excellent. For the price the Escape is and great.

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  Great Safe Vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Great Safe Vehicle - August 30 - 8:08 pm

  I purchased my Escape new & have loved it from day one. With over 108K miles, it still has a lot of power & handles very well. The vehicle is very roomy, but is not difficult to maneuver like larger SUVs. I was just involved in a serious accident while driving my Escape and I have to commend it from a safety perspective. I was sitting at a red light and was hit from behind by a utility truck traveling at a high rate of speed. I was then pushed into the full sized truck in front of me. Unfortunately the Escape is a total loss, but I "escaped" with only a broken toe and a few bruises. I am very impressed with the overall safety of this vehicle and would certainly recommend it for any family.

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  This Escape Rocks! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By FordReview - August 24 - 4:40 am

  My wife and I were looking at many SUVs in this size range - Rav4, Highlander, Mitsubishi Outlander, Escape, Jeep Liberty, etc. When we sat in this Escape XLT with leather interior and sunroof, it felt head and shoulders above all the rest. The ride is smooth. The V6 packs plenty of power while maintaining a fairly solid fuel economy (~25 mpg for our use) The exterior design just looks beautiful and makes you want to drive out to Yosemite National Park for a campout. The seats are comfortable. The interior is very roomy and the design is very nice/elegant for the lady while retaining enough of that rugged look for me. We have had the car now for one month and it rocks!

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  Escape, Fantastic - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TONY - August 14 - 6:13 am

  So far the only complaint I have is when its get dirty! This is one heck of an SUV. I love this Ford Escape. Very strong, yet very car like. Handles very well, tight. Im 62 and very comfortable with the power seating. Controls are fine for me. Good Job Ford!

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  2005 Ford Escape XLS Auto - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Richard Hawkins - August 4 - 9:33 pm

  The car has more pep than I expected, considering that it is a 4 cylinder automatic. Having previously owned an Explorer, I thought that this car would tend to lean in tight turns, because it appears to be high centered. My experience, so far, has been very positive regarding handling. I look forward to many miles of satisfying driving. Also, its good to know that if I want to haul something fairly large, this car will handle the task.

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  A lot from a little - 2016 Ford Escape
  By William Leach - August 3 - 2:50 pm

  I am 63" and weigh about 21 stone [that sounds so much better than 300 lbs] and can easily get in and out of this car and ride 100+ miles per without being beat up in the process. For a small SUV it has a stable, solid ride and keeps me cool even in Houstons heat. This is maybe the ideal run around car.

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  Great Changes - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Rob - July 30 - 8:03 am

  We have a XLT 4WD and what a dramatic difference from the older versions...especially the interior...thank goodness. This new version is so much better in my opinion. Dramatically quieter and more comfortable and the prices are actually lower than last years model. We have some very steep hills in our area with gravel roads and the all wheel drive handles them with ease without any loss of traction and the transmission does all the braking on the way downhill with little effort saving my brakes the wear and tear. Love this CUV!

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  Love my Escape! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pammyc - July 27 - 3:03 am

  I bought it used and never regretted it. Its roomy and comfy. Has everything I wanted.

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  Escape XLT 6 cylinder - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Robert Campbell - July 24 - 9:56 am

  This my first SUV. Checked out all the other SUVs over a two month period, but kept coming back to the Escape. Had it only one week and then took a road trip from Florida to Michigan and put 4000 miles on it on flat highways and mountains and got approximately 26.5 mpg on the flats and 25.5 in the mountains. I think 4,000 miles is a good test drive. I am 6 ft.; have leather seats that were comfortable with great back support that I had no trouble driving for 12 hours (with rest stops every two hours) in one day. I love it and would recommend the Escape XLT V6 auto to anyone.