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:

• 

  Good Compact SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By G.Johnson - April 24 - 11:46 am

  My 3yr/60,000km lease is about to expire and Ive decided to share my thoughts. This SUV is my first FORD product and has met my expectations. The transmission cooler went at about 40,000km and was replaced and covered in the lease. Other than that, the 3.0lV6 and powertrain have been very good and the SUV has done flawlessly on many trips across Alberta and British Columbia.

• 

  Love our Ford! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Anthony - April 22 - 8:19 pm

  Vehicle has been GREAT...its my wifes car but I love driving it as well. I dont know what Escape Edmonds was driving, but the brakes on this Escape are AWESOME. We love the SYNC package as well as the satellite radio. Fit and finish are second to none. High revving 4 cylinder gets great mileage and has good power. Ford has been doing one hell of a job. Highly recommended. We test drove a Chevy Equinox (Government Motors, I know, please forgive me)and it was a typical GM...poor fit/finish, lots of cheap plastic, etc...even with GMs rebates, we said no way.

• 

  No major problems - 2008 Ford Escape
  By L.Z.Patton - April 15 - 10:02 am

  I bought a 2008 Escape after my 2001 Escape started getting up there in miles. I have had no major problems at all. Im not crazy about the interior of the XLT- the console is worthless- but I wanted the V6, so I didnt get the XLS. Ive had no breakdowns, and only one repair (a recall for the AC/transmission fluid problem that others have encountered). I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Nice and affordable - 2008 Ford Escape
  By lou - April 9 - 7:53 am

  I leased this vehicle for 3 years. I drive a good distance to work so I budgeted in the lease 18000 miles a year. This vehicle was the V6 XLT with tow package. I tow 2 snowmobiles and this fit perfectly. This also only had FWD. Window sticker stated 18-24 mpg. I can say I average 22-23 on combined city and hwy between work. I average 26-27 on the hwy on long trips. Over all I did like the vehicle. It was reliable and did exactly what I wanted. It has been to Canada twice and the only thing I had to do to the vehicle is replace one of the antilock break sensors at around 40K ($200). Ford backs their products. Recently my oil cooler had a leak. Discovered at 48K miles. Ford replaced it 4 free.

• 

  ESCAPE LOVER - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mohegan - April 7 - 11:26 am

  I have had no maintenance problems in 6 years! Toyota put that in your pipe and smoke it!

• 

  Transmission Issues - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Lianna - April 5 - 12:49 pm

  Loved my 2009 Escape at first then started noticing problems that I first thought were just a fluke, but may turn out to be something more which concerns me. Every now and then I noticed it would slam into gear when switching from Drive to Reverse and vice versa. Also runs rough from time to time and right wheel rides like its wobbling from time to time. Car stalled on me this past weekend, I could not get it started and had to have it towed. Not happy at all considering the vehicle is less than a year old and Ive got 5 more years to pay on it. I hope this is not a sign of things to come. According to my sales rep, the vehicle started "right up" this morning- the jury is still out.

• 

  Option Short Change - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Jack - April 4 - 11:47 am

  Ford has short changed options on this vehicle - NO FLOOR MATS as standard equipment! Other options are also missing too! Need to add some additional basic options, such as outside temp/floor mats/etc.

• 

  Escape Limited - 2010 Ford Escape
  By mld4 - April 1 - 6:37 pm

  Have driven 6 weeks and 3,600 miles. So far, the vehicle is terrific. It takes time to fully understand the bells and whistles in the Limited. The "SYNC" is an excellent feature.

• 

  116,000 miles later - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dave - April 1 - 12:40 pm

  The driving experience is excellent, the handling, cornering, acceleration and braking are all above average or better. I was aware of several specific shortcomings of the vehicle, and all were solved by add-ons at purchase. For example: Several ford models are known to have transmissions issues at 100,000 miles+. This is solved by purchasing the TOWING package that adds a transmission cooling system & radiator to prevent trans damage. My transmission has never so much as slipped. The soft paint & rust issue is partly solved by a rubberized undercoating and wheel well sheathing. Overall the car is wonderful and would buy it again.

• 

  Love this car, - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pnoble - March 27 - 8:10 pm

  Love driving this car, have gotten excellent gas mileage (from 22-28 mpg usually the higher end when traveling), no work other than oil changes, regular break work from in city traffic. It takes the mountains like a dream, comfortable for 3 traveling long distance and for all the luggage w/ the storage area in back. Great for moving items due to the back seats lowering. Loved it so much bought another one in 2008 and still have them both. Would buy a third if either of these ever give out.