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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  2012 and 2013 Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By tjack129 - February 13 - 12:45 pm

  I have a 2012 limited and just bought the wife a 2013 Titanium. I like the old boxy model.....easy to drive.....easy to see out of.....everything works properly. It has the 2.5 engine and though it is not the smoothest and strongest engine it has been reliable and returns decent mileage. In my every day driving.....going to golf course.....running around to do things and occasional trips up the interstate to see granddaughter.....it is giving me currently 23.8 mpg over a period of several thousand miles. The new Titanium does every thing better except the mileage.....only 20.0 at this point. Hope fully that will improve.....only 500 miles at this point.

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  Beautiful and Fun to drive. Disappointing mpg and electronics - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mcraigs - February 5 - 9:31 pm

  Beautiful inside and out. Fun to drive and controls well. Functional and practical. I have been disappointed with mpg. I am averaging 21.5 mpg consistently for 6000 miles. This is based on 70 % highway 30% city driving. To put this in perspective I have a 2004 Subaru Forester XT that under the same driving conditions gets 29.5 mpg. My DH has a 2012 Ford Edge that gets 20.5 mpg under the same driving conditions. Based on other reviews I tried premium fuel. The premium fuel increased the mpg to 22.5 mpg. Perhaps I had unrealistic expectations. I have been disappointed in the somewhat buggy electronics - in particular my ford touch, navigation and parking assist. Fixed next release?

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  Nice car, but.... - 2013 Ford Escape
  By brandonjones81 - February 4 - 1:00 pm

  Like many people on here I find most of the 2013 Escape impressive. It is truly fun to drive and spacious enough for my small family, while handling well in cities and fitting into tight parking spaces. I have seen many posts on this car, and others about the misrepresented EPA mpg numbers and must agree, this vehicle falls far short of those claims and the marketing around the vehicle. Many of these posts end up being squashed by people who comment and claim driver error. I got better average mpg in my previous car, a 2000 Impala with a 3.4L v6. I also had to rent a car, a VW cc with a similar engine. It claimed 32 mpg highway, and that is exactly what i got. This car averages 21.5.

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  Gas pump nozzle sticking in tank - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dentonl - February 1 - 1:30 pm

  Twice the gas pump nozzle has stuck in my tank. Ive reported to my dealer. Theyve also had the same issue with the 2013 Ford Escape. Luckily I was able to forcefully get out but the dealer had to have BP oil company dismantle the pumps to get out of the cars tank. The BP dealer reported they know of 14 cases in the St Louis area of this happening. Ive reported this to Ford customer service and waiting on a response. I know this has to have happened to others but they think that they have done something wrong as I did. I have a 2011 Fusion that this is not an issue. The dealer told me to not stick the pump in the car over an inch. This is really an issue to keep the pump on.

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  An overall Great car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By j3rry - January 31 - 10:22 am

  I had this 2008 vehicle as a company car. I was fortune enough to have no financial association with this vehicle. I rode it hard, and put it away wet all the time. I found that this vehicle stood up to my abuse extremely well. I did have some problems with it. warranty fixed most of them. they replaced something that leaked (Cant remember what, sorry) and my acceleration pedal failed on me once around 15,000km. This was repaired.

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  Really regretting my purchase - 2013 Ford Escape
  By adolle - January 8 - 1:14 pm

  Ive owned the Escape for only 3 months now and regret it! The microsoft sync touch system is failing miserably. Some of the functions on it freeze making things like the phone and ipod unusable all together. The navigation system can drive you in circles, literally, then just fix itself a few minutes into the drive and now the screen has just gone black, completely turned off, while driving. A few minutes after it goes black a message comes up saying "updating". Ive been reading these things happening to many people but because its not an issue with the car itself, but with the computer, the dealer just "updates" it, which fixes nothing then sends you back on your way.

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  Great compact SUV - 2011 Ford Escape
  By andyman2 - January 6 - 4:16 am

  I love my Escape Limited 4cyl 4wd, I was hesitant about buying a 4cyl, but Im happy with it. The power is ok, I knew it wasnt a power house going into the purchase. The gas mileage is decent especially being a 4wd. It handles well in snow. Ive read many write about a vibration when idling, and mine has the same annoying vibration but it goes away when the vehicle is warm and it is only really an issue in cold weather for me. The only thing I wish I could change is the heated seats only have one setting. My old car had a high and low, and I was able to always have it on low and the one setting in the Escape does not allow me to do that because sometimes it becomes too hot.

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  Great SUV - 2012 Ford Escape
  By brendino140 - January 5 - 3:44 pm

  This was my first ford vehicle and probably will not be my last. I got the 2012 model because of the big changes for the 2013 crossover model. The escape provides a nice ride and great handling. I feel very safe driving in poor weather conditions. The interior design is great and provides great visibility. But, I recommend the V6 model for the best driving experience.

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  No heat in the back seats - 2013 Ford Escape
  By jriley3 - December 31 - 10:14 am

  I am very pleased with my vehicle. It handles well and is great on gas. The only problems I have are there are no cupholders or vents for heat amd AC for the back seats. When you live in Maryland, which gets really cold and hot, there is a need for cool air and heat, especially for small children, who now have to sit with blankets across their legs until the spring. I was told by Ford to use the vents from the front and turn them toward the back. Thanks Ford!!! Who would think to check for vents in the back seats when purchasing a car? I thought it was a standard. So the new thing is to pay more and get additional vents in our vehicles to keep our children warm? Really?!

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  A solid value - 2012 Ford Escape
  By ripdaddy - December 16 - 3:13 am

  Leased the 4-cyl Escape and took a 1500 mile trip. The four cylinder is adequate. Passing power on the highway was pretty good. The only problem would be long steep grades. The 6 speed auto shifted smoothly. It didnt hesitate to downshift when needed. The engine only turns over 1700 RPM at 60 MPH. The first leg of the trip was mostly interstate with about 100 miles of Ozark hills and twisties at the end. I have an easy foot and averaged 30MPG going and 28MPG returning against a 20mph head wind, lightly loaded. This is a great around town vehicle. I wouldnt want to take on the Rockies, though.