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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  great escape! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By bob - August 31 - 12:57 pm

  2014 Escape Titanium, what a great car. have had no problems in a year and 25000 miles. mpg consistently high 20s. transmission shifts oddly but that is explained in owners manual. not bad, just different. Only weak point is design of console storage, very deep and narrow. Handles like a sports car. Looked at CRV and RAV 4 when we purchased it. They remind me of kitchen appliances. Got great deal, $5000 off and 0% for 72 mo

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  234,000 miles and still going strong! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Sarah - August 30 - 7:57 am

  My Escape has run like a dream since day one. I live on 3 miles of dirt road and use the 4 wheel drive several times per year. Ive never gotten stuck. The engine runs smoothly and it really is fun to drive. Road noise is a little much, and seats are hard as well. Im gonna keep it til it dies, so far so good.

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  2500 miles and twice to dealership - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Roland K - August 29 - 2:46 pm

  Bought a 2015 Escape S in Feb 2015. As of August 2015 it has 2500 miles on the ODO, sleeps in a covered garage safe from the elements. It has been to the dealership twice for safety recalls. While I appreciate that the manufacturer issued the safety recalls, I think that their quality control is lacking and could have avoided these recalls. Due to these recalls, I have lost 2 half days from work and had to spend money out of pocket for taxi to get back to the dealer (they offer one way shuttle). I purchased a new vehicle because I couldnt afford to be losing time off work, but its a lesson learnt. It is also amazing that a cargo cover is an option that doesnt come with a vehicle thats listed for $23,500. To fords credit they had a representative call me to find out if the vehicle was working properly after the 2 dealer visits, but if they invest in quality control Vs resources for follow up calls, they would have prevented this review. This is my first experience with ford (I wanted to buy American) after being a customer of japanese manufacturers for 20+ years. I have to say that I am underwhelmed and wish I had stayed with a Japanese car. Im in the process of investigating trading in this vehicle for another brand because of my experience so far.

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  Drive Shaft, Door Latches and all 4 door agitators - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Anthony S. - August 27 - 8:50 am

  I bought my 2010 Ford Escape used with 27,000 miles on it in October, 2012. I had a drive shaft issue which was fixed by the dealer as a recall item. When I reached roughly the 40,000 mile mark in early 2014 I began to see problems with my door latches opening with the remote key fob ( I realize the mileage has NOTHING to do with the door agitators). Since I didnt always open all 4 doors and it was happening only once in a while it wasnt that much of a hindrance. My driver side always (and still does) work with an old fashioned key turn process. Fast forward to the fall of 2014 and now 3 of my 4 doors were giving me problems. I took it to the dealer and the verbal quote to fix the problem was "around $2000.00". I knew the problem wasnt going to fix itself but it was more than I could afford at the time. It was especially difficult to imagine that a car worth around $10,000 had 20% of its value in door latches and agitators. Beginning summer of 2015 all four doors were/are only working with the remote about 1 out of 10 times. But my driver side rear door now wasnt opening AT ALL. I took it back to the dealer, who was extremely courteous, and they gave me a written quote of $2,200 for the 4 door latches/agitators plus another $500.00 for the door that wouldnt open problem. So now I have a car worth about $8,500 with about 25-30% of its value in those door latches. The car was perfect for my size (64) and worked great when all of the current issues were not issues. In doing my research, it is difficult for me to believe that there hasnt been a recall on this problem since so many other people have had door latch/agitator problems with Ford Escapes. The dealership(s) (I have spoken to 2 certified Ford Dealerships in the process) have NEVER seen all 4 door latches go. The fact that they occasionally work tells me that it could be another issue but the dealership is pretty confident that it is the agitator. Hopefully a recall becomes available in the near future or I may be forced to trade this car in rather than put out so much money for such a seemingly minor issue. I may be better off selling off parts since they apparently carry way more value than a traditional trade-in.

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  Not As Good As Expected ! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Bill York - August 24 - 11:00 am

  Having owned Fords previously with little to no trouble, this Escape has not been as good. The ride is very jittery, but it does handle well with good brakes. The AC has quit working twice with no help for the dealer since he could not replicate the problem. Now the rear hatch panel/handle has broken and is going in for repair. The gas mileage is not anywhere close to the window sticker, I actually get better mileage from my Mustang ! This is not going to be a long term keeper but still too new to trade and lose our shirt. Our Escape is one year old with approx. 10,000 miles.

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  Burned by ford - 2015 Ford Escape
  By michelle b - August 23 - 12:01 pm

  Bought a 2015 escape in February in June started hearing a noise coming from the engine. The mechanics at dealership said it was fuel injector that ruined the piston.We had to have a new engine put in. We felt should buy it back because it was defective, Ford said no because it was a new engine being put in,this was not satisfactory to us.We had to buy another one. The dealership or Ford would not trade it out for another Escape so we had take a hit and pay another 3 thousand dollars plus pay the taxes again. Weve have bought 12 cars from this dealership over the years and this is how we were treated and Ford didnt care either therefore we will not buy another Ford product!!!!!!!!

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  Not a Ford Escape, it is a Mad Max Desert Ship - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Aaron Harford - August 22 - 7:07 pm

  My goodness people, I wont ever get rid of this SUV. Cali and the Mojave desert several times, 206,000 miles and still strong. I feel like its a member of my family. You cannot go wrong. Meat and potatoes, but so reliable you just cannot go wrong. I do not want a new one. Ill just get a factory engine and transmission replacement.....if it ever so happens I need it. It will probably outlast my body. lol.

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  Loved Our 2005 Escape So Much We Bought Another - 2012 Ford Escape
  By WNYFordGuy - August 13 - 3:01 pm

  I previously reviewed our 05 Escape XLS 2.3L 5M on 10/28/09, and provided an updated comment on 8/13/2015. My wife and I loved the 05 so much, we wanted another, but didnt want a newer 13 or 14 model due to it being a brand new design - I wanted to stick with the tried-n-true previous design. So we ended up getting this AWD SUV, upgrading from the base 05 XLS to the top-of-the-line 12 Limited. Actually, Id have preferred an XLT with the 2.5L 4-cyl, but my friend works at a local dealership, and he steered us to this model with the 3.0L V6. It evidently came off a 2-year lease - it only had 11k miles on it. And (I think) since it was February - the middle of an awfully cold WNY winter - we ended up getting it for a very good price. And it was sold as "Certified", so the only repair we needed on it so far (replace right front brake pads due to uneven wear, machine rotors) was covered under the warranty. The SUV has been solid so far, but will likely need a new set of tires for this winter, and it has developed a quirky, intermittent problem with the ventilation system. The A/C & heat works great (Ive read forums where many owners experienced problems), but the fan speed, at times, can not be adjusted or controlled. Best Features: Powerful acceleration, very smooth ride & tranny, blind-spot mirrors, top-notch sound system. Wife loves the moonroof and handling in snow. Worst Features: Not a fan of the faux-chrome shiny plastic covering the Limited aluminum (?) wheels. Showing signs that the rear-wheel well rust issues that plagued earlier Escapes may still be a problem. Gas mileage is only average (22.1 MPG long term) not the 24+ MPG we got consistently with the 2.3L 4 cyl 05 model. It makes me mad you cant get an AWD Escape anymore with a manual transmission.

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  Hopeful - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Jax - August 10 - 3:18 pm

  Purchased a used 2014 with a little over 14k miles. I had issues from early on but Im hopeful once things are reconciled it will all be ok. Transmission seems to stall between shifting, AC stoped working, Gas mileage is horrible...Im getting 15.3 highway/city it moved up from the 14.9. Automatic lights was killing my battery. Battery replaced Autolights out and battery is still draining. Im hopeful.

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  I would never buy one! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By jessica - July 29 - 10:28 am

  I have this for a company vehicle and it is by far the worst car as far as comfort, storage, and accessories that I have ever had to drive! Unfortunately I drive 40,000 miles per year so comfort is important. The front is cramped with no where to store personal belongings. The gas tank is small and requires frequent fill ups. The Chevy equinox is by far a better vehicle as far as comfort, accessories, gas mileage, and storage. Unfortunately the Ford was my only option.