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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  Bad Plugs - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bill - May 8 - 8:21 pm

  For the first five years car has been great. Not happy with interior. Upholstery wearing out much to soon. What really steams me is that at 38000 miles the plugs, coils and power module have just gone out. With this mileage I cant believe it. I have been a loyal Ford BUT!

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  Escape two! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By cannon3 - May 7 - 6:38 pm

  Second Escape, our first was awesome, reliable and trustworthy. 80,000+ miles. This new one doesnt have the V6, but the wife and I felt we really dont need that extra cost. 4cyl is enough, its no race horse but it cruises nicely. Fit/finish is great! Love the Sync option. Wife is main driver and she likes way it drives. I like the safety options Ford has put on these Escapes now.

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  Escape Limited V6 AWD - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Kat - May 7 - 8:16 am

  Love It! Previously owned a RAV-4 and this has so much more. The ride is great and I love the SYNC. Its fun to drive, handles well, and is very comfortable. A great truck!

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  Good SUV for your money - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Alex Povolotski - May 6 - 1:25 pm

  A very good car for your money and relatively fuel efficient. And if you dont mind getting the last years model, youll get almost $10,000 in discounts!!! On the good side, the exterior design with lots of chrome is a crowd winner. Interior is of good quality, nice fit & finish. You sit up high with great outward visibility. Controls are logically layed out. Seats are comfy. Fuel economy for 3.0L AWD and 6 speed auto averaged 12L/100km. The cabin is hushed but not noise-free. Engine is not growling under pressure, which is good. Suspension is tuned for comfort, eats up road imperfections well.

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  One of my best! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By wado - May 6 - 12:00 am

  I drive a lot and have had many cars, trucks, SUVs but my 2002 Ford Escape was by far one of the best vehicles, that I have ever owned! The "ease", of entry/exit, is awesome, for me, and the performance vs mpg is a "perfect combination" I have owned over a hundred vehicles, mostly used, but 37 new, mostly Ford,GM, and this one stands out! Bravo to Ford for such a nice ride, just wish that they had left the spare INSIDE, where it belongs, and continued offering the column shift, for those of us, that are cramped by consoles. The redesigned 2008 and up are much more refined however!! Definitely worth a look!

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  2008 Ford Escape Overall good - 2008 Ford Escape
  By stephani555 - May 5 - 3:10 pm

  How come this is the only web site that shows the recall information for the 2008 ford Transmission Fluid cooler in your vehicle may develop a crack and leak transmission fluid. If not repaired, this leak may result in rough/harsh shifting and potential damage to the transmission." "FMC has authorized your dealer to perform the repairs under this program on your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). The Program will be in effect until August 31, 2010 regardless of mileage.

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  Sangria Escape AWD V6 Update 2 - 2009 Ford Escape
  By bjc - April 30 - 3:37 pm

  Had to take the vehicle back for transmission noise again. Hoot was back in transfer case and sounded like drive shaft was metal on metal, noise disappeared at hwy speeds. Dealer found new tech bulletin for Escape 6 speed transmission issue they applied. Vehicle is now shifting more normally and I dont notice the noises coming from the transfer case. Lets hope this is the last visit to the dealer for the same thing.

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  Trany Issues part 2 - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jon smith - April 30 - 2:15 am

  In March 2009, I wrote a review just after my tran. cooler went out after 38,000 miles. After more then a year and the car having 48,000 miles now, no problems have occurred. Its experienced -30 F for 3 weeks straight not to mention months of harsh winter snows in Montana. I can say that the car has held up well. I would suggest to anyone considering buying a used escape, is to get a warranty. Itll save you in the long round. Tran. cooler will cost $950 and they fail about 75% of the time. I have 8 friends with 2008 escapes and 6 have replaced them. If I were you get an Acura MDX instead youll thank me later.

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  love this suv - 2009 Ford Escape
  By james warner - April 28 - 10:02 pm

  owned a 1984 ford bronco ii definitly a step up still tring to figure the bells and whistles but the gas mileage is great. would recommend to a friend.

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  15500 mile review - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Nick - April 26 - 11:07 pm

  I purchase my Escape in November and have pounded the miles on it since then. The Escape is very surprisingly fun to drive. Merging, passing, and sudden maneuvers are actually FUN in this mini ute. My family fits comfortably with all of our gear in it. NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER with this car. I am defiantly loyal to the blue oval again after a few imports. You owe it to yourself to at least consider the Escape if you are in the market for a small ute. There have been some complaints I have read about the seats staining easy, I find that they clean beautifully with just a towel and a little bit of water. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old, so I am always cleaning the seats! No stains yet!