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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  Love it - 2001 Ford Escape
  By la1528 - January 28 - 7:47 pm

  I love the Escape. The gas mileage is great. I usually pull about 36mpg on highway and 32 in the city(non-hybrid) The 5 speed is a great option, currently at 114 thou miles.

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  Ford better than Jeep - 2007 Ford Escape
  By MK2 - January 27 - 10:43 am

  I had a 2006 Jeep Liberty and it was in the shop more than it was in my driveway, it got so bad I pick it from the dealership after a repair and drove it straight to the Ford dealer and traded it in on the 07 Escape. I love the Escape much better then the Jeep. Its never let me down in the 40,000 miles Ive driven it, change oil and thats it. I did add a K&N air filter which did give me a noticeable increase in fuel mileage per/tank.

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  Love this SUV, would recommend to anyone! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By happy customer - January 27 - 10:24 am

  Bought this car brand new and have never had any problems, just regular maintenance, still going strong. Hope to get a lot more miles out of the car, now has 87,000 miles, maybe get 200,000?

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  Why didnt I buy one sooner? - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Blue Beauty - January 22 - 9:42 pm

  I have been driving a Chevy Silverado 4x4 wit 6 inch lift and 36 inch mud tires that averaged 9-11 mpg on the highway. after years of that I decided to buy an Escape XLS and have been 100% satisfied with it. The 4 cylinder with the five speed manual tranny actually as decent acceleration and its fuel mileage is amazing. Everything about the macine is easy to use and functions very well.

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  Still a great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Paul Bernard - January 22 - 1:50 pm

  I gave my 06 Escape a rating back in Aug 06. I was very pleased with it after owning it for only 2 months. Now I confirm that pleasure with 2 years of ownership and just love it. Nothing has gone wrong with it! I do have to say though, the Continental tires had to get replaced at 31,000 miles. They actually looked like new but got so loud, it was like having 4 snow tires on it. I never realized how quiet the Escape was, for those tires were on it when I bought it. They made noise from the beginning but I never realized it. Now its sooo quiet with the new tires. I really like this SUV. Hope to drive it for several more years. No complaints at all.

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  Excellent choice - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Deanna Barker - January 10 - 3:17 pm

  Purchased the Ford Escape in October 2001. Had been a loyal GM buyer for years. Will be trading my 2001 Escape for a 2008 in the spring. Would not think of buying anything else. Vehicle has over 80,000 miles on it and has only been in the shop once for repairs and a couple times for recalls. The most dependable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  A US Vehicle Worth The Look - 2009 Ford Escape
  By rjtroodon - January 4 - 2:30 am

  We love this vehicle. We purchased this vehicle because of the great deals and the need for a dependable winter tranport. We previously had a 2001 Tribute(an Escape twin)which we loved. The new Escape is noticably improved. The 6-speed automatic is smooth and accelerates nicely. The fuel economy is beyond my expectations (26 on the highway with our V6 AWD). Around suburbia, 21+ is easily feasible depending on how agressive drive. The handling is truck like but this is desired. Great in the snow which is in part why we have it. The lthr is improved & of good quality. This is an excellent option if you want to buy a quality product made in the USA at a good price.

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  Very happy with this Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Gary - January 3 - 2:43 pm

  Have had just over a week, have 550 miles. Took it to ski for a week at a resort 125 miles away, it handled the slick roads at the resort with no problem (4WD) the v6 is very good,and its nowhere near broken in. The 6 speed tranny is wonderful; smooth shifts, timing is great and will get better as it "learns", Im told. Mileage on first trip, to, from and around the ski resort was 23.4 mpg, all in cold snowy weather. Youre not supposed to love anything that cant love you back, but at this point, Im in serious "like" with this Ford.

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  sharp looking - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Bob Scholl - January 1 - 11:47 pm

  Great for two on long trip back seats ok for kids not for adults. No storage to speak of . Have to put down rear seat to carry my wifes wheel chair

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  Escape fits budget and a niche - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Budgetminded - January 1 - 2:21 pm

  Ford Escape LTD is a great choice for several needs - 2 students to share, airport luggage, groceries, running quick errands, weekend trips plus toting the wet Labrador from the lake as well as all around town. Best feature is a percieved value for the low price range. Its our third Ford SUV since 1991, rounds out our family fleet as the low priced "basic transportation" complement to our Explorer Limited & Volvo V70 XC - Ford folks have managed to meet our total driving lifestyle needs for our family of four.