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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  Fun Little SUV - 2014 Ford Escape
  By tykesmom2007 - March 4 - 11:33 am

  After 6 years of driving a Ford Focus, I found that although I loved the car, I missed being in an SUV. I have a 2003 Explorer XLT that serves as our boat hauler/ camping vehicle, but needed something comfortable for trips to our mountain house. Ive found it. This is an amazingly fun little SUV - handles well, and looks and feels like a much more expensive vehicle. One of the best driving cars Ive ever owned. The gas mileage is not on par with my former Focus, but its an easy trade off for the room and comfort in the Escape.

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  Non dimming instrument lights - 2014 Ford Escape
  By hueyok - February 16 - 6:10 pm

  The dash lights are suppose to automatically dim with the ambient amount of light. Mine dont and I have had it in the shop several times but to no avail. A Ford Representative said in essense, "that is tough and just live with it". There is no advisory on it yet and so they do not have a fix. I was told they dont plan to make one. Maybe on next years model they will. But according to Ford technicians, this one is designed to do just this. It is a sad fact that Ford will build such complex cars but are unable or unwilling to correct them. Other threads I have read on the internet are experiencing this same problem.

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  Please read this before continuing. - 2006 Ford Escape
  By djte - January 26 - 1:41 am

  This car is amazing. Ive driven a few SUVs, but this one takes the cake. I love it. It has been a very reliable car for me and my family for the last 5 years, and its still going. Gas is OK for an SUV, but its an SUV...I wouldnt expect amazing mileage. Ive had no problems with it, no repairs needed other than a turn signal bulb. It has 123K miles on it. Spark plugs are due but thats it. It is very solid, very nicely designed, no complaints at all. As far as the negative reviews go, there can be a lot of situations leading to the problems (Previous rental, poor care, etc.) I have had none of these problems, inspect your car before you buy. Thank you Ford!

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  Making the Ford switch - 2014 Ford Escape
  By jfoehner - January 11 - 10:13 am

  I traded my 2012 Honda CRV for the 2014 Ford Escape to escape the Hondas horrible cabin road noise problem. In my humble opinion, the Honda was built on the cheap, while the Escapes interior materials are much better and the doors dont sound like tin cans.

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  Traded up to Titanium 2.0 - 2014 Ford Escape
  By terra4m - January 6 - 2:19 am

  I purchased a 2013 Escape SE 4wd w/ the 1.6L engine and loved the vehicle. I wished I had gone with more features, so I traded it on a 2014 Escape Titanium 4wd with the 2.0L engine and all the goodies. I love this vehicle! Ive owned a lot of cars, from most all manufacturers, including high-end cars, and this new Titanium is my favorite all-around vehicle. I get very good gas mileage, its very comfortable, and the NVH, fit and finish are on par with the luxury brands. Sync w/ MyFordTouch is terrific, and intuitive. I can also use the manual controls easily if I dont want to use the voice or touch controls. Ford has really done a great job with their new vehicles.

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  High style. Zippy and Fun to Drive - 2013 Ford Escape
  By albyg - December 29 - 10:52 am

  I recently bought a 2013 Escape SEL with 13,900 miles on it. We have only had it for a week, so I dont have a lot of experience with it yet. But, the time I have had driving it has been rewarding. Compared to the archaic, Jeep Cherokee Limited which it replaced, it is a little larger, yet drives like a sports car. The 1.6 liter EcoBoost is powerful and responsive. The handling of this little SUV is really nice, the steering is quick and extremely responsive while the suspension provides a firm, nimble ride. The brakes are very good, although touchy - requiring a light, controlled foot. Our average gas mileage, for mixed city-highway is 26MPG, but includes 2 70 mile trips.

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  Fun to Drive 2014 Escape Titanium 2.0T 4WD - 2014 Ford Escape
  By escapeman2 - November 22 - 5:38 pm

  I like driving it, I was leasing a Mercedes E350 when I bought the Escape, and I really dont regret buying it, I feel just as comfortable as I was in the E Class, The Touch screen is more complicated than it should be, but it works. Everybody that see the car praises it for the looks, the drive, handling, built quality, etc. I think for the $33K 4WD and 401A package its a good value, its quiet which I like and the stereo is great comparable to the E Class. I really cant wait to drive it every day, its fun, and spacious, Im not a tall person! Even the kids like it better than the E Class, I owned before the ML and R Class but love this one the best

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  Escape SEL FWD 2.0 Excellent Small SUV - 2013 Ford Escape
  By happymotor - October 14 - 6:33 am

  Love the body style, with the 2.0 turbo engine, powerful, fuel efficient on regular fuel and quiet. Quality materials throughout and workmanship appears to be first class. Blue tooth, navigation, Sony sound system (awesome!) with Ford "My Touch" and "Sync" is well integrated, user friendly and works flawlessly. The Escape has a firm sporty ride but is not harsh and can carve up twisty turns and curves better than most cars with exhilarating fun and confident authority. Heated leather seats are supportive and comfortable even on long drives. Storage space is pretty generous and can haul 3500 pounds with optional towing package with ease. Absolutely enjoy driving it every day.

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  no problems - 2013 Ford Escape
  By pajake40 - October 4 - 12:51 pm

  I havent had a single problem yet and bought it in march.this is my first ford ever and im pleased so far

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  Very pleased with SEL 2.0 FWD - 2013 Ford Escape
  By automelon48 - September 19 - 7:17 pm

  Coming from a slightly larger SUV with a 4.0L engine, I was anxious to keep the power but improve on fuel economy. I also do some trailer towing in the summer, so I really needed the power. I ordered a 2013 Escape SEL 2.0 FWD, with towing package. Great choice! Even though Canadian winters are snowy, I did not want the extra expense, weight, or fuel economy of an AWD system. I am achieving the EPA mileage (22/30) as long as I drive sensibly. (have kept mileage records for 12,500 miles) I have the latest release of the My Ford Touch system and it works quite well. Vehicle looks and rides great with 18" wheels. Tows trailer without a thought. First Ford in a long time and I am very pleased.