The Ford Escape has long been one of the most popular compact crossovers on the market, blending technology, style, and economy to suit numerous American lifestyles. This crossover has evolved over four generations and continues to deliver both efficiency and performance in a small package. The Escape competes with small crossover SUVs, like the Honda CR-V, VW Tiguan, and Toyota RAV4, among others.
2020 - Present Ford Escape (4th Generation)
2023 Update:
Starting in 2023 the Escape received updated styling with new front and rear fascia designs, as well as new wheels. Trim levels were renamed including Base trim, Active trim, a sporty-looking ST-line trim, luxury Titanium trim, and PHEV trim as the most expensive model.
The infotainment was upgraded across all trim levels to Ford’s Sync 4, with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen or available 12.3-inch touchscreen. Android Auto was included as well as wireless Apple CarPlay.
Earlier Version:
For the 2020 model year, Ford introduced the fourth generation of the Escape. This version of the Escape got a redesign and has a sleeker, lower profile on the exterior, which is closer to a hatchback than a compact crossover. This generation has five different trim levels including the S, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and Titanium models.
The biggest changes in this compact SUV came in the form of four new available drivetrains. The base engine is a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder putting out 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. This comes in a front-wheel-drive configuration with the option for an all-wheel-drive version. There is also an available 250-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine is only available on the AWD version.
The new Escape marks the return of the standard hybrid powertrain as well as a plug-in hybrid that has a fuel efficiency of up to 100 mpge. The plug-in hybrid puts out a combined output of 209 horsepower, while the standard hybrid puts out 200 horsepower. The gas engine for both hybrids is a 2.5-liter inline-four with two electric motors that work in conjunction with each other using a planetary gearset, which allows changes in the gear ratio. This principle is similar to a variable automatic transmission. The standard hybrid features a 1.1 kWh battery while the plug-in version has a 14.4 kWh battery.
The new Escape came with a suite of safety features. These included a blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation.
For the 2021 model year, the SE and SEL trim levels could be optioned with the hybrid powertrain, and top-tier Titanium models were hybrid as standard. Several optional packages featured updated equipment. The Co-Pilot360 Plus safety suite package added adaptive cruise control and traffic sign assist.
The Technology Package added a memory setting for the mirrors and driver’s seat as well as a hands-free automatic liftgate. The Technology package added LED lighting, a keyless-entry touchpad, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Class II towing became available for models equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. 19-inch wheels were optional equipment on Titanium trim models.
For the 2022 Ford Focus, the only changes were the addition of three paint colors to the available lineup of hues.
2013 - 2019 Ford Escape (3rd Generation)
The third-generation Ford Escape ditches its older upright and boxy styling to blend in with more modern, sleeker crossovers. This new generation comes in four variants - S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The previous generation’s Hybrid model was discontinued.
The S model comes with steering wheel audio controls and SYNC voice command. The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, SYNC, reclining rear seats, automatic headlights, privacy glass, satellite radio, and a four-inch multi-function screen. You also get options such as a power panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and a navigation system. The SEL model adds heated side-view mirrors, dual-zone automatic control, a nine-speaker stereo system, power windows, a cargo management system, parking technology, and a rearview camera. At the top of the Escape, the lineup is the Titanium trim, packing a Sony audio system, ambient lighting, keyless ignition and entry, full leather upholstery, and a power panoramic sunroof.
Under the hood of the third-generation Escape is a choice of three engines matched to a six-speed auto transmission. The S model comes with a 168-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder. If you prefer something with a bit more power, the SE and SEL models offer Ford’s EcoBoost 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 178 horsepower. The top-end Titanium model comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine with 240 horsepower. All-wheel drive is an optional feature, while front-wheel-drive is standard.
In 2016, a new version of Ford‘s infotainment system – now dubbed Sync 3 – was introduced to the Escape.
For the 2017 Ford Escape, the model got a face-lift. The exterior was refined and made more rugged, featuring a trapezoidal grille and a redesigned hood. The rear bumper got blockier and updated taillights rounded out the exterior changes.
The interiors saw significant changes. Better cup-holders, a comfortable center arm-rest, new storage bins, buttons for audio and climate control, and an electronic push-button parking brake are some of Escape’s new features. Interior refinement was also increased while enhancements were made to reduce wind and road noise.
Under the hood, the SE and Titanium trim got an updated version of the older 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine with greater torque and horsepower (now 245 versus the earlier version’s 240 horsepower). Ford also changed the mid-grade 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo to a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbo that now made 179 horsepower.
2008 - 2012 Ford Escape (2nd Generation)
The second generation of the Ford Escape ran from 2008 to 2012. Its exterior was more truck-like, squared off and rugged than both its predecessor and successor.
Most of the other changes were to the vehicle's interiors, an updated center console, interior lighting system, and instrument cluster. Added insulation to the roof made the cabin much quieter. Leather-upholstered interiors, premium audio, navigation, reverse sensing, and dual-zone auto climate control could be added as options.
Under the hood, this generation of Escape came a new 2.3-liter Duratec four-cylinder engine that made 171 horsepower; it was paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The optional V6 from the previous model was upgraded to 240 horsepower and refined for better fuel economy.
Exteriors aerodynamics were fine-tuned and a full front spoiler and rear tire spoilers were also added to fuel efficiency. Additionally, the second generation saw the inclusion of a new braking system for the Hybrid and a retuned suspension.
2010 saw the introduction of an additional feature that helped parents breathe easy - the Ford's MyKey System - while enabling parents to limit the vehicle's speed and audio system's volume when teens were driving. Ford's Roll Stability Control system and additional safety features helped make the crossover one of the safest in its segment at the time.
The second generation also saw improvements to the Hybrid - cosmetic and under the hood. New bumpers, headlights, taillights, and grille were included to blend with the new edge style that Ford was promoting. 2009 saw the introduction of a more powerful engine, added stability control, revised suspension, and extensive software modifications.
The Hybrid was offered in either a base model or a limited trim, with an electric motor that produced 94 horsepower and a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine with 155 horsepower (the maximum combined horsepower at any given point was 177 horsepower). Fuel economy, fuel consumption, and carbon footprint standards were also enhanced and tailpipe emissions were better in the second generation Hybrid.
2001 - 2007 Ford Escape (1st Generation)
The first generation of the Escape made its debut in 2001 and ran until 2007 and it shared many components with its close cousin, the Mazda Tribute. Unlike body-on-frame trucks and SUVs of the era, this Escape (and all subsequent generations) had unibody construction, four-wheel independent suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering
Upon its debut, the Ford Escape came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, this engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission. An optional 3.0-liter V6 engine made 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque and was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard and either powertrain could be optioned with four-wheel drive.
This new car was on the boxy side relative to today. It included standard 15-inch wheels and 8.5 inches of ground clearance, but its large wheel lips, integrated bumper, and wide-body cladding make it look functional and rugged, while its short front and rear overhangs make it look sporty.
Inside the Escape offered seating for five, 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded down, and a system to haul two mountain bikes in the cargo area as well as a snap-in pet barrier.
Standard features included air conditioning, an audio system with a CD player, cloth and vinyl seats, and power windows and locks.
The Escape came in entry-level XLS trim and better-equipped XLT models (V6-powered XLT trims had the option of upgrading to 16-inch wheels).
A midcycle refresh came to the Escape for the 2005 model year. A new 150-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine became the standard powertrain. The V6 remained available, and a hybrid powertrain was added to the lineup. The hybrid combined an Atkinson cycle 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for 155 total system horsepower. The hybrid system used a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive was standard for hybrid models, but all-wheel drive was available. The Escape claimed the title as the first hybrid SUV offered in the USA. The estimated fuel economy at the time was 35 MPG city and 29 on the highway, in its most efficient configuration.
Other changes that came with the mid-cycle redesign included revised front and rear fascia, a new gauge cluster, and more optional paint colors.
