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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  Just ok - 2010 Ford Escape
  By stev sc - December 9 - 5:35 pm

  Overall an ok car. Cheap materials inside. Switches failed. Minor problems turned into big things quickly

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  Money Pit - 2004 Ford Escape
  By David Downing - November 10 - 11:54 pm

  My mom bought this SUV in October 2012 (Ive daily driven it since September 2014) with 113,000 miles, with almost all the maintenence reports, and the vehicle was very well maintained. First year of ownership was great. It Handled very well, rode very nicely, had a lot of power, and got good gas mileage (25 MPG combined). About 13 months later it started having normal issues, like needing tie rods and tires and spark plugs. Then the vacuum leaks popped up. Then the exhaust falling off the car. Then needing a seal on the transfer case replaced. My car died in September 2014, and Ive been driving the Escape almost daily since. In that time, its needed struts as well as two new tires, which are normal things to wear on a car. The not so normal? Power steering pump failed twice, needed new brake lines, new front calipers, as well as a new master cylinder, more vacuum leaks, exhaust leaks, ball joints, and a wheel bearing. Fast forward to now, the car sits at 153,954 miles, and the car has an extremely rough idle, a plastic melting smell that will literally burn your eyes, and stalling. Im pretty sure its a vacuum link, my mom thinks the engine is blown. Either were not sinking any more money into it, as the transmission was on its way out as well.

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  Ford Escape - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Robert - September 25 - 3:16 pm

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  2500 miles and twice to dealership - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Roland K - August 29 - 2:46 pm

  Bought a 2015 Escape S in Feb 2015. As of August 2015 it has 2500 miles on the ODO, sleeps in a covered garage safe from the elements. It has been to the dealership twice for safety recalls. While I appreciate that the manufacturer issued the safety recalls, I think that their quality control is lacking and could have avoided these recalls. Due to these recalls, I have lost 2 half days from work and had to spend money out of pocket for taxi to get back to the dealer (they offer one way shuttle). I purchased a new vehicle because I couldnt afford to be losing time off work, but its a lesson learnt. It is also amazing that a cargo cover is an option that doesnt come with a vehicle thats listed for $23,500. To fords credit they had a representative call me to find out if the vehicle was working properly after the 2 dealer visits, but if they invest in quality control Vs resources for follow up calls, they would have prevented this review. This is my first experience with ford (I wanted to buy American) after being a customer of japanese manufacturers for 20+ years. I have to say that I am underwhelmed and wish I had stayed with a Japanese car. Im in the process of investigating trading in this vehicle for another brand because of my experience so far.

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  Drive Shaft, Door Latches and all 4 door agitators - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Anthony S. - August 27 - 8:50 am

  I bought my 2010 Ford Escape used with 27,000 miles on it in October, 2012. I had a drive shaft issue which was fixed by the dealer as a recall item. When I reached roughly the 40,000 mile mark in early 2014 I began to see problems with my door latches opening with the remote key fob ( I realize the mileage has NOTHING to do with the door agitators). Since I didnt always open all 4 doors and it was happening only once in a while it wasnt that much of a hindrance. My driver side always (and still does) work with an old fashioned key turn process. Fast forward to the fall of 2014 and now 3 of my 4 doors were giving me problems. I took it to the dealer and the verbal quote to fix the problem was "around $2000.00". I knew the problem wasnt going to fix itself but it was more than I could afford at the time. It was especially difficult to imagine that a car worth around $10,000 had 20% of its value in door latches and agitators. Beginning summer of 2015 all four doors were/are only working with the remote about 1 out of 10 times. But my driver side rear door now wasnt opening AT ALL. I took it back to the dealer, who was extremely courteous, and they gave me a written quote of $2,200 for the 4 door latches/agitators plus another $500.00 for the door that wouldnt open problem. So now I have a car worth about $8,500 with about 25-30% of its value in those door latches. The car was perfect for my size (64) and worked great when all of the current issues were not issues. In doing my research, it is difficult for me to believe that there hasnt been a recall on this problem since so many other people have had door latch/agitator problems with Ford Escapes. The dealership(s) (I have spoken to 2 certified Ford Dealerships in the process) have NEVER seen all 4 door latches go. The fact that they occasionally work tells me that it could be another issue but the dealership is pretty confident that it is the agitator. Hopefully a recall becomes available in the near future or I may be forced to trade this car in rather than put out so much money for such a seemingly minor issue. I may be better off selling off parts since they apparently carry way more value than a traditional trade-in.

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  Not As Good As Expected ! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Bill York - August 24 - 11:00 am

  Having owned Fords previously with little to no trouble, this Escape has not been as good. The ride is very jittery, but it does handle well with good brakes. The AC has quit working twice with no help for the dealer since he could not replicate the problem. Now the rear hatch panel/handle has broken and is going in for repair. The gas mileage is not anywhere close to the window sticker, I actually get better mileage from my Mustang ! This is not going to be a long term keeper but still too new to trade and lose our shirt. Our Escape is one year old with approx. 10,000 miles.

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  Hopeful - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Jax - August 10 - 3:18 pm

  Purchased a used 2014 with a little over 14k miles. I had issues from early on but Im hopeful once things are reconciled it will all be ok. Transmission seems to stall between shifting, AC stoped working, Gas mileage is horrible...Im getting 15.3 highway/city it moved up from the 14.9. Automatic lights was killing my battery. Battery replaced Autolights out and battery is still draining. Im hopeful.

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  Wish I didnt buy it! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By whatalemon - June 1 - 3:06 pm

  We just hit the six month mark & the the car has been back for service twice in the past 2 weeks. We thought it was recalled, then were told our car was not made at the LA factory or in the month for the recall. Had oil change+ tires checked & rotated while there. The very next week the lift gate handle came off into my hands and the inside tailgate panel was loose from the right hand side to the middle. Back it went for service. Now another week later and the tire pressure light is indicating a problem. My previous car was a beloved 2010 Jeep Liberty that NEVER had service other than oil change. I really regret trading such a great vehicle in on this Escape which I now believe is a lemon.

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  Wind noise - 2015 Ford Escape
  By james chatterton - March 11 - 2:57 pm

  Purchased an Escape SE a few weeks ago and have had problem with wind noise. The dealer states the problem is with outside mirror and A Pillar which is a Ford design flaw and is not correctable.

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  Noisy and poor transmission - 2011 Ford Escape
  By mvirgolici - February 3 - 10:14 am

  Im working in automotive industry as engineer for the last 30 years. I bought this new 2011 Escape in Canada for my wife as she liked it during the driving test. I wouldnt buy it for myself. The car is noisy, a combination of engine, exhaust and poor sound insulation. I also knew from customer reviews that transmission for the 4 cyl engine is a concern. From day one, an average 4 times per week the transmission STRONGLY jerks when I reduce the speed below 25 miles per hour or shift in reverse at start. Canadian dealer tried to fix it without any luck, now living in US the Americans tried as well, they just gave up saying by loading the latest shift software there is nothing else to do.