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! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By slowrunner - November 2 - 2:00 am

  About 3500 miles thus far and no problems. My 2002 Escape is a very good ride and handles the road and cornering very well. The car platform helps with quick maneuvering. The Escape is my first SUV and Im enjoying every ride, especially with the coming of winter.

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  Last Ford for me - 2008 Ford Escape
  By imperialquartz - October 30 - 11:29 pm

  Not my first Ford lemon, but will be the last. Lots of ongoing problems, transmission cooler replacement, creaky steering has the dealers perplexed. Rattle in front end at low speeds, rear window rattles,one front seat heat works only when it feels like it. Seals between front & rear doors falling off top & bottom. Front seat cushions are too short. This is just a new body on the old drive should not have this many troubles. Not all negative, not a bad commuter, fuel economy is OK, 25 MPG (imperial gallon) AWD system works very well in the snow. Adequate cargo space. My wife just purchased an 09 Hyundai Santa Fe, it totally puts the Escape to shame as far as fit & finish.

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  Ford cant get my parts for 3 months! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Steve_Hirst - October 29 - 12:42 pm

  2008 Ford Escape On 10/5/09 I took my leased Ford Escape to the dealership for repair. The truck would not shift and I was told that the catalytic converter is the culprit. On 10/22/09, after a delay of seventeen (17) days, I was told that the parts needed to fix my truck will not be available from Ford until the end of 2009 at the earliest. I have spoken to Ford India. I keep playing phone tag with the Ford Philadelphia Area Rep...no parts!!! I cant speak to anyone else and they expect you to pay Ford Credit for your loaded Escape while you live in a rental car not worth half the payment FOR 3 MONTHS MINIMUM. I am very dissatisfied and personally crushed that Ford has treated a very

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  Keeps Working Hard - 2005 Ford Escape
  By WNYFordGuy - October 28 - 3:13 pm

  Bought new Apr 05, this is my wifes daily driver. It has 70k miles, and runs like new again after repairing damage to the front susp (wheel bearings and sway bar links) caused by the harsh upstate WNY roads at 58k. I was disappointed that the Uni joints failed shortly afterwards (61k), along w/ the rear wiper (63k), and ABS sensors and rear shocks (67k) - $$$! But its great in the snow, and gets pretty good gas mileage w/ the 2.3L 4 cyl 5-spd manual. Replaced the orig General tires w/ Goodyear Fortera SilentArmors at 41k, though I probably could have gotten 4k-10k more out of the Generals (which werent anywhere near as bad/noisy as the reviewers claim the Continental Contitracs are)

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  Ford Escape Transmisson Cooler - 2008 Ford Escape
  By JNBXU - October 27 - 1:17 pm

  Love the car, ride, interior and exterior.

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  Wow - 2008 Ford Escape
  By john - October 27 - 5:20 am

  The MPG in the city are great. 26 in the city and 32 on the highway! I am glad that I did not wait for a hybrid to come in and bought a 4cyl insted!

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  So Disappointed!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Oroville2 - October 25 - 6:08 pm

  Loved my last 2 explorers, wanted better economy and all the tech stuff the Escape offered. It is back in the shop for the second time in one week for a problem with the transmission disengaging while driving on the freeway. Pulled over and would not go over 10 mph. Very scary!! Said it needed computer update, but did it again 6 days later.Not sure about Ford quality anymore.

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  Dontt buy it - 2009 Ford Escape
  By RHShaffer - October 25 - 6:07 pm

  This is my first and last ford. I wanted to buy an American made car and unfortunately I made a huge mistake. I travel for my work and need a reliable comfortable, roomy and efficient vehicle. I bought my 2009 ford escape in July and now its October and the vehicle has 14,500 miles on it and is broke down 400 miles away from where I live. I live in Birmingham and my transmission went out in Natchez MS and the car is still there. Not only is the vehicle not reliable but ford fought with me on honoring the warranty on the faulty car they sold me! I am disgusted with the way theyve handled my situation and will NEVER buy another ford. I would NOT RECOMMEND anyone to buy an Escape or a ford

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  Escape great with a few arghs - 2016 Ford Escape
  By MisterT - October 23 - 12:00 pm

  Great choice. Drives like a dream. This is the Titanium and has the 2.0 Eco Boost which is not on the list above. Voice commands (Sync) are confusing especially when using navigation. Tried to tell it to nav to Ojai. Got a reply that this was not understood. I had to pull over and manually type in Ojai before the nav would work. Not really a Ford issue but thought I would mention it. Great hands free rear door that is height programmable. Important if you have a low garage door. I am disappointed about the MPG. Not what was advertised but the Escape is still new and might get better. More expensive then I wanted to spend but overall it is a great choice for a smaller SUV. My wife loves it and after all isnt that what life is about?

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  Very Happy with my choice! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Diane - October 21 - 6:57 pm

  Loving my new Ford Escape!