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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  The Great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JaLester - May 28 - 8:50 am

  We really love our Escape. It has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so glad we didnt buy something else. The Escape is very reliable, handles great and looks good.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By M. Goodwin - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for road trips. Three of us drove to Kansas from Virginia and back and all were very comfortable. It sits at just the right height and handling in general is very smooth and easy, especially when cornering.

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  The best SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By HCBBAGGINS - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best Suv. I have the 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 Limited fully loaded. The color is True Blue with Tan Leather interior. Of all the Suvs I test drove this one handles the best and has alot of pick up. It also has the most opitions in its class.

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  Very Impressive Compact SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Bubba - May 25 - 3:37 pm

  Test drove an 05 Mariner, then found out that I could buy this from my work (ex company car). The Escape is just as nice as the Mariner- make sure you test drive an Escape before you spend extra to buy a Mariner. Build quality far exceeds my expectations- solid materials, no rattles or squeaks. Drove 7 hours home and was very impressed with comfort. Seats are comfortable, plenty of room. The V6 is very smooth and gets good gas mileage. I was surprised with the power- the Escape will move when asked to. I had a Saturn Vue that was a piece of junk- slow, unreliable, flimsy, and uncomfortable. Not even a comparison here. Listen to Ford - "Drive One."

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  This SUV rocks and rolls with life - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Dee - May 16 - 11:08 am

  This Ford Escape hybrid is big enough for 5 and is really sporty and comfortable. We travel to Vegas very often in it, and arent thinking we may get stranded in the desert. Its super reliable and gets more than 32 mpg on the interstate! We save more than $290 a month on gasoline with our normal driving habits for family and business. Very cool!

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  Great early christmas present - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Lisa - May 7 - 4:40 am

  I love everything about this vehicle except the material they used for the seat covers looks very cheap. (so I will be getting some seat covers). Other than that is is wonderful.

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  Good Small SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Siobhan - May 6 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased an 2008 Escape because I need something with a little more and still got good gas mileage and I found it. My mom has an 06 and I liked that it wasnt so big and seemed fairly easy to drive. I am a woman I dont need some massvie thing and it is my first SUV. It took $25 to fill it up last week and when gas prices were higher I only paid $40 to fill it up. I have had no problems. Very happy with my purchase.

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  AWSOME SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Gero - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Ford Escape is a one-of-a- kind SUV. very reliable and fun to drive. Very powerful V6 with a great 2.4/1 4x4 system. Very Loud and well built audio system. Smooth ride and great engine preformance.

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  Escape Hybrid Seen in LA - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mark - May 3 - 10:46 pm

  Within hours of the announcement, I was aware that Ford was going to produce a Escape Hybrid. Well, their Kansas City Assembly Plant did produce a well built vehicle, beautiful vehicle that delivers great gas mileage. The Hybrid has indeed delivered on its promise of improved gas mileage, but as usual not to the EPA specs. The vehicle is so quiet that pedestrians are unaware it is running. My dealership recognized that the premiums other dealers were demanding was killing sales; I got mine without the premium. Unlike others I did not have to wait, picked mine on the lot on day of visit. All that and it looks better than a Prius.

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  Overallest Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kenstar23 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a number of small SUVs in this class, and recently drove a Jeep Liberty for a week on a vacation. The Ford is more refined than the Jeep and makes better use of interior space. The Jeeps engine was slightly underpowered as is the Escapes...a bit more HP would help both. I was disappointed with the Jeeps mileage, only a bit more than 20 MPG. These were the two highest on my list for consideration. I chose the Escape. Ive owned two Ford trucks previously and have had no reliability issues, actually no problems whatsoever.