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Ford Escape

EPA MPG: 24 mpg
Average Retail Price
$5,350 - $6,450

RECALL ALERT:
There are 17 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Rejuvenated, this version of the Ford Escape came to market solid, sophisticated, and athletic. Genuinely qulifying as fun-to-drive, this one delivers agile handling, along with an impressively supple and composed ride. The cabin is quiet and feels substantial. Further, a long list of desirable and high-tech options can make the Escape feel like a luxury-branded small SUV.

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2013 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Poor
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Poor
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Poor
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2013 Compact SUVs Ratings

$5,300 - $6,375
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,950 - $5,050
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,300 - $6,400
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,800 - $8,025
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$8,950 - $12,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG 25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 1.6-liter 4 turbo (173 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (231 hp)
  • 2.5-liter 4 (169 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2020-
Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Escape has curvier styling compared to the previous version, as well as new drivetrains, and standard advanced safety features. The standard 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine returned 26 mpg overall in our tests. Although it provides sufficient oomph, the engine transmits an annoying vibration at low engine speeds. The optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is more powerful and smooth. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also available. The ride has an underlying firmness. Handling is quite nimble and secure. But the brake pedal is oversensitive. Controls, including the rotary gear selector, are easy to use. The front seats are a bit flat, but the rear seat is quite roomy when set to the rearmost position. Updates for 2021 include adaptive cruise control, a convenience feature, now available on the SE and SEL trim levels. A hands-free foot-activated liftgate is now included in the Technology package and standard on Titanium. For 2023, Ford refreshed the Escape with updated styling and a restructured trim lineup. Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims replaced the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium versions. The infotainment system was upgraded from Sync 3 to Sync 4, and a larger, 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen became optional. In 2024, the Base trim was dropped. There were no changes for 2025. All Escapes come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning.  


2013-2019
2013 Redesign Year
The Escape's 2013 redesign brought many improvements. Genuinely qualifying as fun-to-drive, this version of the Escape delivers agile handling along with an impressively supple and composed ride. What's more, the cabin is quiet and feels substantial. Plus, a long list of high-tech options can make the compact crossover feel like a luxury-branded small SUV. This iteration of the Escape is not without its shortcomings however. Basic radio and climate controls could be simpler and better designed. This model year also brought the distracting MyFord Touch control interface's small fonts, tightly clustered touchscreen buttons and unintuitive functions. Ultimately though, a Poor performance in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small overlap test kept it from being recommended.
2008-2012
2008 Redesign Year
Electronic stability control became standard for non-hybrid Escapes for 2008, solving the tip-up problem noted in the 2005 ' 2007 models. ESC is standard on all versions from 2009 forward. The Escape's sensible size, roomy interior and good visibility remain intact. However, though it was improved with the 2008 freshening, the Escape's interior is still somewhat subpar. Fit and finish issues include uneven gaps and exposed screws. On the infotainment front, the optional SYNC system brought voice activation to the Escape, allowing hands-free control of digital music players and cell phones. This is a remarkable advancement for the class.
2001-2007
2001 Redesign Year
The Escape is a car-based small SUV launched in 2001. First-generation models had sound handling and braking, impressive cabin space, and adequate acceleration with the optional 3.0-liter V6. Downsides include a stiff ride and noisy interior. Other engine choices included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a Hybrid that arrived in 2005 to return 26 mpg in our tests. A tip-up in the government rollover test for 2005-2007 models is a concern. For 2008, electronic stability control became standard on the non-hybrid Escapes, rectifying the problem.