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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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jmsamr - November 14 - 10:00 am

  20,000 miles into Escape experience and overall I would recommend the Escape. If you are looking for luxury dont buy the Escape. The seats are very uncomfortable and the ride is a bit loud. The Escape feels very big and holds a lot more than one would think. The V6 is a definite must. With moderate driving mainly highway some city (chicago) we have averaged 21 mpg.

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  Best Small SUV Value Period - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tater - November 14 - 10:00 am

  After driving several small SUVs and trying to find the best overall value, we decided on the Ford Escape. Our last Ford SUV, which was a Bronco II, was 14 years old, and still running great. However, we needed 4 doors instead of 2 for our family and the Escape filled the bill. We checked out all of the usual sources, and everyone gave it glowing reviews, except for Consumer Reports which favors Japaneese automakers in general. The Escape has as much interior room as the Ford Explorer Sport 2 door and has more space than the Toyota Rav4 and others. We hope to keep our Escape at least 10 years, maybe more.

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  Happy Ex-150 user - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Bogey golfer - November 11 - 10:58 pm

  Have used f-150s for almost 50 yrs..... Traded my 98 pu in for a smaller vehicle as I no longer at age 70 require a truck, but desired the similar ride and driver sitting-up comfort I became used to. I have not been disappointed a bit. Am getting 25.8 mpg combined mileage with the 6 cyl engine right out of the box. Only complaint I have is that the driver is a bit confined on right side with the transmission console for the big leg room I am used to..... But I am 6,2" and 310# ..... So if I have room, almost anyone else will have more! Dash is great and allows full review of all info quickly....... And I added moon roof as a treat to myself..... Kinda like it! Yes.... Count me as a happy owner!

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  60k miles and a repair nightmare - 2002 Ford Escape
  By NoMoreFords - November 11 - 4:03 pm

  Purchased new and it ran great, then things started to happen. 10K - Lose molding on the roof. Rear wiper does not touch the window. 40K - 6-disc player stopped working. 50k - 3 coils out of 6 had to be replaced. Windows started squeaking when opening and closing. 65k - Replaced oil pan gasket due to leak, and then two month later the oil pan due to stripped plug. 70k Replaced all three catalytic converters (they were plugged up). 70k - Replaced leaky water pump. Replaced cracked alternator. I give up...

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  Good solid suv - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Tony - November 11 - 2:39 pm

  The Ford Escape I own is fun to drive. I drive both city and highway and avg. 23.08 MPG. I found this SUV to have all the room I need. I can seat 5 people with comfort. Great sound system, good air, sun roof is easy to operate as well as all other systems and controls.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bjinak - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Ford Escape, our 2001 Escape was totalled by a drunk driver. The changes, inside and out, for the 2005 Escape are wonderful. A great buy for what you get! Great acceleration, comfortable, We love our Escape.

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  Great mileage - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Wayne, NJ - November 10 - 5:14 pm

  Averaging 27 mpg combined highway and city driving. Has all the creature features and comfort you expect in an American car. Suttle engine vibration concerned me at first but Ford states its part of having a big 4 cylinder- will get used too. So far so good.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By DQuinones - November 4 - 4:02 am

  I am telling Ford did a wonderful job with this one. Its a great Suv from top to bottom. Handles very well, comfortable and fun to drive. I was always skeptical buying a Ford. This is my first Ford and I am so glad it was this one. I test drove a lot of suvs in this class and nothing compared. Looking for a suv that handles like a car, looks good and extremelly comfortable than this is the one. Highly recommended!

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  2010 Ford Excape Limited, 6 cyl. - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Larry - MO - November 3 - 4:46 pm

  We ordered the vehicle and picked it up on Sept. 18. We have driven it over 1100 miles. It drives and handles like a much larger vehicle. The performance is great and fun to drive. The gas milage so far has been good. It is averaging about 22 mpg overall. The interior noise level is much quieter than the 2006 Escape we previously owned.

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  Very Good - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Larry - November 2 - 11:13 am

  I have driven the vehicle for three months. It is really fun to drive. It is easy to get into and out of. The mileage around town is 18 to 20 mpg. On a trip from Jefferson City, MO to Dayton, OH and return it averaged a little over 25 mpg. The vehicle, for a small SUV, has lots of room and the rear seats fold down for hauling larger items. The engine has plenty of power.