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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  I love my ford - 2007 Ford Escape
  By skl333 - January 25 - 4:24 am

  I have a used escape with 3 previous owners I have had it for over a year and a half . The gas mile is as good as my Camry had I average around 24 mpg .I have yet to have any big problems with this vehicle I had a window regulator go out and some mild problems with the cd player when the vehicle has been sitting for a few hours in cold conditions. Its sturdy and easy to navigate while being large enough that the big trucks on the road wont block your visions when trying to make turns or backing out of a parking space. its currently at 117,000 miles and running strong.

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  Buy it - 2014 Ford Escape
  By sal96 - January 23 - 9:08 pm

  Amazing! Totally redesigned, the new escape is powerful, sporty, elegant and comfortable. The titanium package is totally worth the extra money. The SONY touch screen gps interface has a lot of good features. The escape accelerates well on the highway, plenty of power when you put your foot down. The panorama roof is very nice. New electric steering is a BIG improvement and you can feel the difference. Above all you can tell Ford did their homework on this one, the escape has a very nice sleek design inside and out, much better than the asian makes. In Southern california, small suvs were for a long time dominated by RAV4s and CRVs. Now I see more of these escapes than the new RAV4.

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  Awesome little SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By tugboat95 - January 15 - 11:46 pm

  I love this truck! I bought this with 33k miles to replace a Durango I could no longer afford to feed. It was an adjustment to go that small. I chose the Escape because it had the most interior room of the small SUVs. Im 65 and I sit comfortably in it for an 8 hour drive twice a month. I have the XLT V-6. I get 28mpg round trip on that drive and I see 33 in certain spots where I behave with the throttle. It now has 75k miles on it and the only thing I have touched is the oil and transmission fluid and a new set of tires. Most dependable vehicle Ive ever owned. And it pulls a 3050lbs RV and gets 12mpg doing it. Ive been offroading in WV with it and even just 2wd, it holds its own.

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  Tranny Troubles - 2010 Ford Escape
  By winter_driver - January 1 - 11:52 am

  Bought new. Exactly the kind of vehicle I needed...big windows, AWD, fuel efficient, cargo space...just right for my cold climate. The 4-banger is fine around the city though its a slow accelerator off the line and when merging into traffic. V6 was probably a better choice. 1st problem right away was a vibration at about 50 mph. Turned out to be an unbalanced drive shaft, which the dealer promptly corrected. Lots of tranny problems. Rebulit after 3-years. Problems returned less than a year later. Rebuilt again. Lots of similar stories online. When it works, I really like it, but deep down, I have little faith left in the vehicle.

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  Wont own Fords again! (That Sucks) - 2012 Ford Escape
  By jmjett - December 31 - 12:28 pm

  I leased a new 2012 Limited 4x4 V-6. I have always liked Ford products, and even worked for them in the 90s.This rig has had a water leak problem since purchase. Its been almost 3yrs,and thank god my lease is almost done!! It has had 12+ repairs on the same problem, and mostly has had the same repair done. Repair doesnt work! It is a small leak, and most of the time it runs down the back window, but has run from small hooks in back,sunroof, soaking passenger side floor boards front and back.Living in the NorthWest isnt helping. Super disappointed in Ford for how this was handled or not handled. Ive been ruined for life and no longer will support any of Fords products! (wish differently)

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  mixed emotions - 2014 Ford Escape
  By swalcher - December 31 - 12:13 pm

  14 Escape 2.0L AWD Titanium / Bought used with 25,700 miles on 12/11/14. Bought used thinking all possible issues should be resolved. MPG is terrible at 21 HWY and 17 city. We have now driven this vehicle a 1000 miles and I am ready for my fifth fill-up. The gas gauge appears to be off. At the quarter mark, I am only able to put in about 8.5 gallons. After reading the manual, I discover the term Eco Boost has nothing to do with fuel economy. I havent really figured out what it means. This vehicle is really easy to get in and out. It has great acceleration but the ride is little bumpy but as short wheel base will cause this issue. The wife loves the car and thats what counts.

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  14 escape titanium 2.0l AWD w/nav. and pan roof - 2014 Ford Escape
  By rwalters1 - December 27 - 7:33 pm

  Great so far. traded a 13 Honda crv ex-l on this 14 tit. 2.0l awd. Only drove 1400 miles. the ford makes the Honda feel like it was a ten year old car. Love the power of the 2.0 turbo. Much better than the 1.6 in my fusion se fwd. drives nice feels solid, quiet. put a hitch on. 2000 lb cap. learning to use the nav. and sync. nice features but takes some learning. Will follow up at 10000 miles or so.

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  A sporty little SUV, packed with amenities! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By alby144 - December 18 - 10:18 pm

  We bought a 2013 Escape SEL, that had about 12,000 miles on it and so far have had no problems. 26MPG all around milegage is pretty nice for such a sporty, fun to drive vehicle of this size. The interior is very nice with leather heated seats, auto-dimming mirrors, various colors of interior lighting to choose from and a very comfortable climate control system. We have had two re-call notices (of no consequence) which is a little inconvenient.

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  Not bad but not great - 2004 Ford Escape
  By johnny127 - December 8 - 1:29 pm

  Only have about 98K, but the body is starting to rust out. Ive seen Escapes much newer than mine with similar corrosion problems. Engine has been reliable (aside from several coil packs requiring replacement), but it gulps fuel. Transmission has been reliable and shifts well. If we drove longer distances, we would add a separate transmission cooler due to problems others have reported. Car is peppy and feels sporty. Well weighted steering. Upholstery shows stains like theres no tomorrow. The 4 wheel drive is not the best, even when the part time 4x4 mode is selected.

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  Satisfied owner of 2014 Ford Escape S 2.0L/Turbo FWD - 2014 Ford Escape
  By ride50 - October 31 - 11:39 am

  Purchased 2014 Ford Escape S/FWD with 2.0L/Turbo. Ford Sync & Navigation. I have read a lot of complaints about Ford Sync/Nav. I have absolutely no problems with Sync and Navigation. I personally think the system is way too cumbersome for average user to understand and operate. Down to earth manual would solve the current Sync/Nav complaints. There are so many options with Sync & Nav to explore that even average Ford salesman does not know how to demonstrate the features. The manual supplied with the vehicle is very poorly written. I had to go on line to research all the functions this system can offer. Purchased 2014 end of the model year, excellent value, rebates, discounts, financing.