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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  Ford Escape 6 AWD - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Tom - June 23 - 10:48 pm

  Bought this for my sons high school graduation. I am impressed by the tightness of the vehicle, rides nice,safety features are definite plus, a lot of car for the money. Our escape came with side bars, SYNC, moonroof, towing, etc. At a very reasonable price. My son loves it and my 15 year old daughter loves it ( they think it looks like a (Land Rover).

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  Nice vehicle - 2010 Ford Escape
  By buick muscle - June 21 - 9:52 pm

  Im happy with the escape, I had over 35 cars in my life and I have been happy with Ford, dont buy a Honda what "junks " 2 motors later, any way back to the escape, Im 6 foot 1 and 200 lbs and Im comfortable in it, my wife loves it, it looks tough for a little SUV, no problems, lots of room (Ford, fast, outrageous, raceable, drivable), that is why import sales are going down.

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  Unfairly maligned? - 2010 Ford Escape
  By brikwil - June 17 - 10:28 pm

  I have owned 2 Explorers and now this Escape, and I simply dont understand any complaints about rear seat comfort. In particular, these vehicles have rear seats that are designed to create CARGO areas when they are not in use as seats. As such, I appreciate the fact that they dont recline or move fore/aft, etc. When I fold them flat, I want them to "disappear" and become cargo space, and thats exactly what they do. If my main purpose were to haul people around in my back seats, then I would buy a different vehicle, not an SUV. In the Equinox, the back seats fold down to an angle and do not create a sturdy, flat CARGO surface. Thats not my idea of a "sport UTILITY vehicle."

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  Ford Escape 2006 Sad Situation - 2006 Ford Escape
  By lisa - June 16 - 4:45 pm

  Buy one as long as you dont mind putting up 4k for a new transmission at 40k miles over the 36/36m and out of warranty. No help from Ford Motor and the dealer orig purchased from is closed.. so out of luck? sad situation Always loved and took good care of the car then in the high speed lane Boston traffic. just died and now have a 4k in repair bill thanks Ford!

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  Transmission problems too soon - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jeanne - June 11 - 12:25 pm

  I bought my Ford Escape new and enjoyed it for several years without a problem other then usual maintenance. Then at 84,000 miles the transmission went out and cost me $2400 to replace and one month later it died on the freeway, towed again, the pcv tube rotted $585. Not reliable after that. The car shakes unexpectedly and then goes away, sun roof locks up, noises underneath among other things. Should have gone more then 84,000 before replacing a transmission. Would not buy another one. Currently have 113,000 on it and looking to replace it before winter weather.

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  Never Buy Ford! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Shannon - June 10 - 10:07 pm

  I had my vehicle in the shop within a month. After multiple visits and attempts to fix the problem Ford Corporate said my noise "was a characteristic of some Escape and Mariner models," "there are things to be done to temporarily fix the issue but it will continue to be an annoyance for the customer." Reference Special Service Number 21233 (if you can find it). Ford cannot fix problem and will not replace the vehicle. My Ford is now a very expensive POS. If you happen to buy the Lemon on the lot, be ready for a huge headache.

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  Nice truck - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SUVguy - June 3 - 12:30 pm

  I bought my escape in October of 04 with 13,000 miles on it. Thus far only one major repair which was the ignition module around 40,000 miles. Other than that just normal wear and tear (water pump, serpentine belt etc). Overall very pleased with the performance and reliability. Just hit the 110,000 mile mark.

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  A nice small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By mjs - May 29 - 8:31 am

  Bought used with 40k on the clock and have put 30k trouble free miles on it so far. Get 25 mpg in every day driving with the 4 cyl. I owned an 03 6 cyl and could only manage 19 mpg. Tires do not wear well and get very noisy. Rotate them often! Seat fabric is awful and stains easily. But it drives nice and is very versatile.

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  Im Escaping Ford to get a Yugo - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Bill - May 28 - 3:03 pm

  Ford, dont know what youre doing, but I know youre not building a tough, reliable vehicle. Within 35k miles: trans. shot, paint shot, brakes shot. Stalls periodically. The geniuses at dealer, at the ones who could form complete sentences, cant find anything wrong. Will never, ever, so much as drive by another Ford dealership. Im done with them.

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  Escape over Toyota - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Steve - May 25 - 3:53 pm

  As a former Toyota owner I could not be more pleased with my Escape. The last Toyota was a loaded 2008 Camry XLE and the Escape matches or exceeds that car in every way. It is a pleasure to drive and do believe the interior is bad by what you read. Mine is the charcoal color leather and really looks great!