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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  Gives Premium Brand SUVs a run for the money - 2013 Ford Escape
  By rhut - January 18 - 4:52 pm

  Some of the comments on here must be by people payed by competing brands. To call the new Escape poor engineering is just plain WRONG. We took delivery of a fully equipped Titanium model a few weeks ago. This crossover is incredibly refined, has good build quality, nearly all the technology of an 80k luxury car. On the road it easily out handles and out accelerates any SUV/crossover in its class and surely some cars. The engine is incredibly smooth and quiet, with ample low end power, the ride is near luxury and wind/road noise at an effortless 80 mph is as low as in my other car..a 2012 MB CLS 550 4matic. The Escape is great, dont be misled !!

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  Great car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By cool9 - January 18 - 12:08 pm

  I have had my Escape for 2 months now, and I love it. The engine is second to none in this class. Seats are extremely comfortable. I only have one knock on the vehicle and that is the brake and gas pedal too close together. Other than that, I strongly recommend the car.

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  Titanium is AWESOME!!!! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By tweetabird - January 8 - 3:29 pm

  I just got the new Ford Escape titanium 2.0 eco boost.. in ginger ale!!! I have the bigger tires also, 19 inch on it. I absolutely love love love my new titanium and couldnt stop driving it when I got it home!!!! Its a total blast to drive and yes I can truly say this titanium of mine stops on a dime!!! The titanium to me was worth every penny I paid!! I use to drive a 2002 Ford Escape this Ford I feel as if I am driving a sportscar!! I must admit I did go over the speed limit some and really give it a go!! It is fantastic and such a beautiful CUV!! I would NEVER trust a bad review go and test drive it.. and make up your own mind! I love everything about mine!!! Thanks Ford!!

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  3013 Escape SEL 2.0 EcoBoost - 2013 Ford Escape
  By yblockv8 - December 29 - 2:07 pm

  Have had this car for 7 weeks. After 900 miles on the odometer we drove it from our home in Las Vegas to Phoenix and as we entered Sun City the car recorded 30.2 MPG and there are plenty of hills to go up and down. Around Vegas were constantly seeing 24-24.5 MPG. Power is awesome! We keep pretty much to the posted speed limit and use cruise control when applicable. I have no idea WHY other 2013 Escape owners complain about poor economy. Keep in mind this car weighs over 4,000 lbs. We drove Expeditions for 12 years (2 of them) and always got 20 MPG on the same trip.

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  First Ford in 40 years - 2013 Ford Escape
  By docwalleye1 - October 24 - 1:42 pm

  Replaced wifes 2005 Rav-4 with a new Escape. First Ford I bought since my Mach 1 Mustang back in 1970 (wish I still had that one). Love the car! Test drove several SUVs and it was love at first drive with the Escape. Had it all. Comfort, performance, and style all great. Especially like the interior design. It is so smoooooth and quiet to drive that I leave my car and take hers when I can. Got basic SE model and added leather seats in the aftermarket for $950, for a total of $24,600, plus TTL. I agree with one magazine review I read that said the new Escape puts the "Sport" back in SUV! Am getting 28 mpg in combined, mostly rural driving. Got 32 on a trip down I-90.

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  New Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By rtp_owner - October 24 - 3:48 am

  Purchased a brand new Escape - for mileage - went from 07 Suburban to 09 Mariner (slightly better MPG but no go) to 11 Edge (about same MPG but more go) to $4.00 gas and hence the Escape. Very cool car. Did NOT get nav - $800 - did NOT get park assist (miss rear radar though) $1000 and did not get sunroof ($1 zillion). Consequently ended up with leather my ford touch (much improved over 2011) heated seats dual climate control etc for $26K. Seats much firmer than the edge - videos on ford website actually discussed seat design. Rear air is great. Rear passengers however had no control over their reading lights. Car handles very very well - surprisingly so.

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  Near perfect SUV - 2012 Ford Escape
  By billf5 - October 21 - 2:32 pm

  I have had my 2012 Escape Limited with the V6 engine for 10 months and 10,000 miles. There has been no reason to bring it back to the dealer since purchase. I am getting 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. I love the looks and features of this well proportioned SUV. With full time 4 wheel drive it handles great in rain and snow. Never any slipping or sliding. For the money I think you get a lot of vehicle.

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  Escape much improved in 2013 - 2013 Ford Escape
  By gassendi - October 16 - 4:16 pm

  Traded up from my 2007 Legacy sedan - needed more room and better mileage, and I found both at Ford. We have a 2005 Mazda Tribute (rebadged Ford Escape) and we have really liked it, when the Subaru proved unreliable, we looked at the new Escape and chose it over the Forester and Mazda CX-5. Exterior styling is excellent - much more like BMW than Fords traditionally blocky lines. Interior is very comfortable for extended rides, roomy and functional, too. One lever fold-down rear seats give a flat floor for loading cargo back seat is roomy enough for a 6-ft adult to sit comfortably. Still learning My Ford Touch system, but voice command works reasonably well.

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  The wait is finally over - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dentond1 - September 7 - 9:40 pm

  A few weeks I made the final decision on the Escape. I have been tracking it for more than a year through its design and testing cycles and liked all the reviews that I had read on it. Ford had no reason to update the Escape but they did, and I like it! When compared to similiar compact SUVs it stands on top. The 1.6 Eco has plenty of power but the 2.0 Ecoboost doesnt have to be pushed much to get in and out of traffic quickly. The Tech features make the drive easier and My Ford Touch is 1000Xs better than first generation Synch models.

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  My first ford and wont be my last - 2012 Ford Escape
  By southern_guy82 - September 2 - 3:31 pm

  Bought a new 2012 ford escape limited and I love it I down sized from a Lincoln navigator Because of Gas mileage and cost of up keep. I have had my escape for two weeks and have put almost 300 miles on it so far and I love it. It is a perfect fit for me I love the feel the way it handles the ride and the interior/exterior design. It is a great car for the money Great job Ford Im already planning my second car and it will be a Ford.