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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  EXCELLENT SO FAR! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By myescape2013 - December 3 - 2:41 am

  3,000 miles and very pleased so far. The center console armrest is too short for comfort and armrests on the doors are poorly designed and useless on long trips. Fun to drive, feels solid and handles very well. Gas mileage is quite good but gas tank capacity is too small. Hand brake on the console is annoying...I prefer the foot operated ones. Overall a nice vehicle but a bit overpriced for what you get.

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  A car that I am forcing to love - 2013 Ford Escape
  By foxdared - December 2 - 12:14 pm

  First of all, I do love this car. But 3x at ford dealer for the nav system that works 5-10 mins after your running seems not worth the cash I paid for this. Basically told me the last time that there was nothing they could do. I drive from buildings to and from small suburbs, and its the same story. It has severe difficulty to connect. My ford touch also is super glitchy. Wife has a toyota and night/day difference in computer systems. Also fuel economy regardless of driver or babying, will get you 19-22mpg. Using 87 octane costco, tires checked, no load, long roads. So if you know those 2 things and accept them, the car is amazing. Do not believe other estimates as i have when i got this:(

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  97K miles, 2nd Escape & its a great car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By christofferson - December 1 - 9:35 pm

  2008 is my 2nd Escape, previous 2003 that transmission went out at 119K. This one I have 97K miles on it today, and have had no major failures or problems. I like it and it was an excellent buy and value. Mileage is good for a 4X4 and it has handled very well in water, mud and sand (Rocky Point, MX--not 4-wheeling, just the circumstances--rare). I am buying a 2012 right now. I dont like 2013 body style 3.0-V6 This Escape & all small SUVs, have lot of road noise. Seats get tiring when you driving long. Thats the nature of what you get and what you pay. Buy good Michelin tires. People complain about seats staining--very easy--use carpet cleaner or expecially Oxyclean---works!

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  Jury is still out - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mrmonty - November 29 - 3:44 pm

  So far Ive had the car 2 months, 1500 miles. I traded in a Mercedes GLK, so I was not expecting the same car in return, but I feel like I get all the same features and power for 15 k less(GLK was 45K, escape was 30K fully loaded). The build quality is not the same, but what do you expect. The power is great. Almost no difference from the GLKs 268HP V6. The ride quality is a little bumpy with the 19" wheels. The interior is as quiet as the mercedes was. Ill give the seats a "B" on the comfort level. MYFORD TOUCH is a great display but like almost every review talks about, it has BUGS! Its unreal that Ford has not figured this out? It does not pair my phone 50% of the time.

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  A Nice car but has flaws - 2013 Ford Escape
  By fpconlult - November 19 - 2:23 pm

  Pros: The first impression is this is a good looking car. The interior is well laid out and includes what all back seat passengers want, rear air vents. Acceleration is good and the car handles well. Cons: Steering over compensates in panic situations. The Air/Heat controls not easy to use, unles using the display screen. The entertainment system starts with music on low then suddenly blasts you. Entertainment system changes mode when car starts(radio, MP3, Satelite). Only get 310 miles per tank of gas. Driver seat occasionally adjusts full forward when engine turned off. Too many controls on steering column is distracting and confusing.

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  2013 Ford Escape SEL 2.0L Turbo - 2013 Ford Escape
  By thelaw - November 6 - 5:42 am

  Just bought this car, has under 200 miles on it. Opted for the tow package with the 2.0 liter engine. Smaller than the mid-size SUV that I traded in but I love the handling and extra horsepower of the 2 liter engine. If you have a big family this car may NOT be for you. Skip the pricy options such as Nav, Park Assist, Back Up sensors, BLIS, Cross Traffic, and Power Lift Gate. Dealer included installation of the roof rack in the price. This car has many of the luxury items that my wifes new Volvo S80 has. I guess Ford learned something when they owned Volvo way back when. Highly recommend this car.

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  My FIRST SUV - Loving it ! - 2012 Ford Escape
  By gwsmith - October 18 - 7:25 pm

  First off, this is my first new car in 30 years, and have been a Saturn owner for the last 10... I needed something to transport my keyboard gear to the shows. Now, there is plenty of room for all the equipment now. Owned for only 6 weeks and the OD just turned 1800 miles and it has been 100% problem free thus far!

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  Comfortable fun, but........ - 2009 Ford Escape
  By thvillebear - October 12 - 1:24 am

  Bought the 2009 Escape as a replacement for our 1998 F150 that was super reliable. The Escape is comfortable and the V6 is powerful and economical delivering about 22 in mixed driving. However quality leaves much to be desired, the transmission started leaking right before the warranty expired and was fixed under warranty. The throttle body failed at 44000, costing 400 to replace I might mention out of all the cars I have owned I have never ever had a throttle body fail! I really question our decision to buy the Escape and curious as to what other problems will surface, I will be hesitant to buy another Ford.

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  Excessive tire wear and very noisy - 2007 Ford Escape
  By monirol - October 4 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased my XLT in December 2006 and loved it until about 35,000 miles. I began to notice a lot of road noise from the tires due to excessive wear and "cupping" on the outside of the tires. Once I replaced the original continental contitrac tires with general tires and did a 4-wheel alignment the problem was resolved and it was nice and quiet. However, at about 30K miles on the new tires the noise began again. Despite rotating tires every 5K the problem persists and the tires/road noise returned. I really like this vehicle but this noise just kills me.

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  LOVE MY FORD ESCAPE!!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By pumpkin2008 - September 22 - 4:09 pm

  I recently purchased an 08 ford escape limited used. I love this SUV, it drives so smooth for a 4WD and handles very well. It is very roomy. I cant wait to try it out in the snow this winter. Gas milage isnt bad for a 4WD, very happy with my purchase.