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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  Love it! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Carol Franks - March 14 - 1:46 pm

  I love my Escape! Its quick and fast. It doesnt get the fuel mileage they advertise though, nearly 25mpg on the highway, I travel 1100 miles, one way, twice a year. On level ground, I am getting 23.5 mpg, when Im at my home in the mountains, I get about 22. My only real disappointment is that I didnt get the Ford My Touch! The young salesman never mentioned it to me but it does add about $5000 to the total cost. Yes, its had several recalls but to me that means that Ford is on the ball and not ignoring my safety.

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  Wind noise - 2015 Ford Escape
  By james chatterton - March 11 - 2:57 pm

  Purchased an Escape SE a few weeks ago and have had problem with wind noise. The dealer states the problem is with outside mirror and A Pillar which is a Ford design flaw and is not correctable.

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  Love my new Escape - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Rebecca Welker - February 27 - 8:14 am

  Purchased my new Ford Titanium Escape in January. Been driving it for over a month in winter conditions and love it. Visibility is better than my wifes Ford Edge, pep and acceleration is better than the Edge. Understand that the Edge does have more comfort for long drives, etc.(its a higher end vehicle). The FWD performs great on snow/ice. Ford Sync is great, use voice commands a lot. Only downside is to reach the Ford Sync controls, its a little stretch. Love having the sunroof along with the roof rack. Cant wait to cut loose in the summer in this vehicle.

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  Good to go - 2004 Ford Escape
  By David M Decker - February 23 - 8:34 pm

  Bought this sweet heart with 120k and have put another 50K on in the last 18 months. 4x4 easy to handle and shift. We live in Alaska and have some pretty icy roads and rough weather. I can leave town and trust my bride will be safe in our trusted little rig. Tracks and climbs like one of the big boys but just sips the fuel. Plenty of power and a delight to drive. No problems thus far, but keep those fluids changed ! Very strange way to change the front turn signals.

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  Excellent small SUV - 2014 Ford Escape
  By bobby_boise - February 20 - 3:19 pm

  Im amazed to hear the complaints by others of bad gas mileage and the Sync system. Ill address those first. A 2012 Escape with the V-6 has much less HP and torque and will only get about 19mpg city. Our 2014 2.0 Eco Boost gets around 22 to 23 in the city commute with 240 HP, its got more power than my 1985 Mustang GT. It scoots! Plus the MPG is 15% higher than its V-6 predecessor. What about that isnt awesome. The engine is so good you can find it in the Range Rover Evoque at 40-50k. Any complaints here just cant be non-agenda driven. The SYNC system is very intuitive to us. No problems at all. Im not really sure what is so difficult to understand.

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  Wind whistle at highway speed - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Sue Gamber - February 18 - 2:34 pm

  Would love this car, if not for the fact that it whistles when going over 55. An internet search has shown me that this is an ongoing problem with this model Wish I had seen that first. Have had it to the service department over 7 times, and they cannot fix it. Ford tells me I am out of luck. Do yourself a favor, try a different vehicle.

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  higher trim levels are most compelling - 2014 Ford Escape
  By petalmasher - February 17 - 9:19 pm

  A little more expensive than others in the class but with great handling and the powerful 2.0 liter engine its a great car to drive, and the material quality of the dash and door panels is nice enough not to look out of place when you upgrade to leather seats. The infotainment system requires that you take an hour or two to sit down and learn how to use it if you are going to get the most out of it. The suspension smooths vibrations and small bumps out well, but a good sized pot hole can be pretty jarring if you drive through it. I have never gotten gas millage as high as the highway estimates, but also never quit as low as the city estimates. in combined driving I get around 25 mpg.

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  Awesome small SUV! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By mmckimmey - February 11 - 2:21 pm

  Our 2008 Escape V6 AWD is awesome! It does very well in all weather conditions. The V6 is powerful, sounds good, and gets decent MPG. If you want a 4 cylinder, get a 2009. The 2.3L 4 and 4-spd in the 2008 is woeful! Overall, build quality is excellent. A few rattles here and there, but none are pervasive or persistent. Seats are great, and the ride is super smooth! Wonderful for a long trip. The electric power steering provides good feel at high speeds, and lots of assist at parking lot speeds for easy parking. Ride height is great! Just make sure to service the transmission OFTEN and keep an eye on the levels. These have a tendency to blow cooler lines.

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  LOVE IT! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By lilbit24 - February 8 - 8:48 pm

  I made the mistake of buying a 2015 Forester and owned for less than 30 days. Traded in on the Escape and have been VERY happy! The ride, comfort, technology and safety features on the Escape FAR surpass the Forester and all others in this class.

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  Noisy and poor transmission - 2011 Ford Escape
  By mvirgolici - February 3 - 10:14 am

  Im working in automotive industry as engineer for the last 30 years. I bought this new 2011 Escape in Canada for my wife as she liked it during the driving test. I wouldnt buy it for myself. The car is noisy, a combination of engine, exhaust and poor sound insulation. I also knew from customer reviews that transmission for the 4 cyl engine is a concern. From day one, an average 4 times per week the transmission STRONGLY jerks when I reduce the speed below 25 miles per hour or shift in reverse at start. Canadian dealer tried to fix it without any luck, now living in US the Americans tried as well, they just gave up saying by loading the latest shift software there is nothing else to do.