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:

• 

  Meets most expectations except MPG - 2010 Ford Escape
  By John O - December 31 - 1:43 am

  Just purchased this vehicle and took it on its maiden highway voyage of 250 miles. The V6 3.0L engine was advertised at 21 mpg city/ 25 mpg Hwy, but I got only 23 mpg on my trip. The interior is roomy enough for 2 kids in the back. Yes, I know theres a 3rd rear seat, but its hardly a full seat. And with fighting boys, I dont think all 3 would survive together in the back. Still, around town and to the baseball fields, they can sit comfortably for a while. SYNC is lots of fun but works sporadically with the iPhone 3G S. The blue-tooth wants to override the USB connection. In summary, great car with plenty of comfort, visibility, and power. MPG was lacking on my highway test.

• 

  Escape XLT 6 cyl - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Jay in LA - December 30 - 1:00 pm

  I got the 6 cyl, Front wheel drive (that choice isnt on the menu here). Im coming from a 07 Mercedes GL350 and I have to say, this aint bad at all. Its peppy, manageable, smooth, comfortable and pretty quiet. Easy to drive, easy to park. Still am working out the SYNC audio, but it seems pretty cool. Though I have my reservations about anything Microsoft since Im a Mac guy. It doesnt seem very synergistic with my iPod and iPhone yet. Ive only had it for 2 days so time will tell, but so far, so great!

• 

  Escape to LA - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Escape owner - December 30 - 5:05 am

  This car has been a joy to own: it looks great, the driving experience and handling give you confidence, is roomy, and is very reliable. It still runs like a charm after 50k miles.

• 

  a great suv for the money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jim r - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this suv has been one of the best autos we have ever owned great fuel mileage fun to drive

• 

  Love It, but....... - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Gymbodd - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Whoever designed the gear shift on this car never drove their final product. It is maddenly always in the way of the radio and is often difficult to get into the proper gear.

• 

  The Great Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mountain man/woman - December 29 - 2:00 am

  So far we have only put 1100 miles on this vehicle, but the whole experience has been great. It has the build of an SUV, with the feeling of a car. The v-6 may use a more than usual amount of gas, but the power is worth it. The inside is very spacious for a small SUV.

• 

  Love my Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mary E - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car. This is my second one and I plan to buy another next year. Hope the hybrid is as good. Super acceleration, great comfort but a little noisey, especially at high speed. Need to tighten it up a bit.

• 

  Sensible and Secure - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Gasman30 - December 28 - 8:46 am

  Purchased the 4 cylinder AWD to maximize economy and still have the ability to drive in bad weather. It works very well. I understood its limitations and accept them - its not a speedster or a land yacht.

• 

  06 Escape XLT Sport - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ron S. - December 28 - 5:10 am

  I actually am quite fond of my Escape in spite of some dissapointing quirks. I must say it is way better than my last car, a Jeep Cheerokee Sport. The escape is an all around great vehicle and does every thing it is supposed to. I do agree with the person that said the tilt wheel does not tilt enough, this feature is like "Whats the point?". Also mine has a very annoying suspension rattle that drives me crazy. I think it needs the sway bar connecting links replaced. My 05 Ford Focus had the same problem. Not hard or expensive to fix but a design flaw just the same. The padding in the front buckets is breaking down in the seat backs, my wife and I are just average size. Hey Ford????

• 

  never again - 2006 Ford Escape
  By ford hater now - December 26 - 8:44 pm

  had one... had a wreck the air bags did NOT work . tires have to be replaced too often. it flipped so easy. when we wrecked it took only 3 people to flip it back over and one was a woman one was a teenage boy. this is not a safe vehicle at all