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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  New Experience - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Annie - April 16 - 9:51 pm

  Just started with new Escape. Was stunned at the huge interior when you put the back seat down. Great ride. Velvet clutch that takes a bit of getting used to. Many neat little extra features. A lot of electronics that will have to past the test of time, but all worked perfectly when we picked it up.

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  Good, not great - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Dan - April 16 - 8:16 pm

  Not a bad vehicle for what it is. Not perfect though. Some nice improvements over the 08s with the extra HP, new transmission, and other minor tweaks. Getting about 23mpg mixed driving (30city/70highway mix). Nice looking inside and out for what it is. Still a lot of cheapness though with some of the plastics used. Even with the 240hp v6, still not impressed with everyday driving power. Still feels like an overburdened 4cyl unless you really get on it. Transmission has trouble finding the right gear a lot of times, particularly at lower speeds. Has the potential to be very quiet but excessive wind noise comes noticeably from side windows and rear hatch. This isnt a lexus after all though.

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  Bought New! Love it & its 2018! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Sarah T - April 15 - 9:37 pm

  Bought my V6-Escape new in 2003! Wrecked 3xs; it is protected me; had to replace trans & 3 catalytic converters 2 yrs ago. It still handles well at age 14.1 yrs. It is my pickup for antiquing & gardening. At age 72, with arthritisI love the pullup handles & running boards. I use Mobil One oil now due 198000 high mileage.., its expensive but only change oil once/year & engine runs smoothly. It runs noisy on road. But, I may put Michelin tires on it & give it to my 16 yr old grand daughter. Ill buy another one new!

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  Bought New! Love it & its 2018! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Sarah T - April 15 - 9:37 pm

  Bought my V6-Escape new in 2003! Wrecked 3xs; it is protected me; had to replace trans & 3 catalytic converters 2 yrs ago. It still handles well at age 14.1 yrs. It is my pickup for antiquing & gardening. At age 72, with arthritisI love the pullup handles & running boards. I use Mobil One oil now due 198000 high mileage.., its expensive but only change oil once/year & engine runs smoothly. It runs noisy on road. But, I may put Michelin tires on it & give it to my 16 yr old grand daughter. Ill buy another one new!

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  very disappointed - 2005 Ford Escape
  By wanda harless - April 13 - 11:03 am

  I bought my Escape on 1-21-05. The check engine light came on 1-24-05. I was told to drive it. They had to order the part for the converter. Wednesday 2-2-05 I had trouble getting to work in it. There was popping and cracking noises; I thought it was catching on fire. I had it towed to the garage. I smelled something burning. When you turn to the left it seems to have jerky movement.

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  Love my Escape, but has issues! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By JLF - April 12 - 7:09 pm

  Ive had my 08 Escape since June 07. On average it gets 20 MPG, which is suitable for me. Now, for the issues... first problem was at 24,000 miles, the tires needed to be replaced due to cupping noise despite the fact that I rotated them 3 times. Next, the water pump went at 27,000 miles. At 30,000 miles it was in the shop again for a transmission coolant leak. Also had to replace the black trim by the door windows, coating peels off. Other issues: seat fabric spots--like theyve been spilled on a lot, but havent!-looks nasty and old. Also, annoying rattle somewhere in back. I think that covers it!! Still, overall I love it! Lease is up in a year and I dont want to give it back!

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  Put it on your short list. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike from N.E - April 10 - 5:50 am

  Needed something that could haul stuff and get me to work in New England winters, fit small family for road trips, and get reasonable fuel economy. The Ford Escape fit the bill. It is the first new domestic car my wife has owned! She drives it more then I do. We got the FWD modal. I am impressed with the traction on very icy and heavy snow covered roads. It is very quit on the highway. We have some good friends that almost bought a Honda CRV, (but decided on a GTI). They thought the Escape is a better buy. I would highly recommend this car.

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  very satisfied - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Bill from VA - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I think this is an excellent vehicle. The way it handles feels very much like a car, it has plenty of power and the fuel mileage is good I get about 17 miles to a gallon. There is plenty of room inside for passengers or with the back seat folded down plenty of room to move/haul something. The looks inside and out are very appealing.

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  window woes - 2008 Ford Escape
  By tom burns - April 6 - 12:50 pm

  the intermittent rear wiper is inadequate on wet highway driving, the delay is too long between wipes causing rear window to get too dirty, causing poor rear visibility. the windsheild on my current vehicle has been hit and chipped by flying rocks no fewer than 10 times in 18 months, that is 10 times more than my previous 40 years of driving, coincidence or aerodynamics? the interior is too noisy on the highway and makes listening to the very good sound system a frustrating experience.

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  Transmission issue while towing - 2008 Ford Escape
  By NICHOLAS - April 5 - 8:48 pm

  Last week, I was carrying 1100 lbs of household goods from Vandenberg AFB, Lompoc, CA to Malstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT, when I experienced major transmission problems. The Transmission Cooler sprung a leak, causing 5 qts of tran. fluid to leak out. The gears wouldnt shift correctly from first to second gear and the car was stalling at every stop light. After a $900 bill, I thought the issue was the weight, but the car could tow over 3500 lbs, according to the manual. If I were you, I wouldnt buy this car or you will eventually have the same problems. The car is under powered and Fords manufacturing quality is still poor.