2015 Ford Escape

2015 Ford Escape Highlights

As part of the third-generation Escape, the 2015 model year represents everything from basic transportation (the S trim) to a more premium ride (the 2015 Ford Escape Titanium). Sitting between the two grades is the 2015 Ford Escape SE.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Three engine options: 2.5-liter I-4, 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4, and 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Six-speed automatic transmission

Benefits

• Spacious and versatile interior with flexible cargo options
• Responsive and efficient EcoBoost (turbo) engine options
• Available SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system
• Competitive fuel economy
• Engaging driving dynamics with smooth handling

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2015 Ford Escape Overview

Performance

The 2015 Ford Escape offers three engine choices, catering to different driving preferences. The base S trim has a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, producing 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for daily driving, though it may feel slightly strained under heavy loads or when merging onto highways.

For a more spirited behind-the-wheel experience, the SE and Titanium trims offer two EcoBoost engine options. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine generates 178 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine delivers a robust 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. These turbocharged engines provide quick acceleration and responsive performance, making the Escape feel more agile and fun to drive.

All engines are paired with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which offers smooth and timely shifts. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on SE and Titanium trims for enhanced traction and stability.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2015 Ford Escape an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. The Escape received four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests and five stars in the side crash test rating.

All 2015 Escape models have a rearview camera, traction control with stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available safety features include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keeping system
• Adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning
• Front and rear parking sensors

Driving

When a turbocharged engine is under the hood, the 2015 Ford Escape delivers an engaging and comfortable driving experience. The EcoBoost options provide ample power for merging and passing, with minimal turbo lag and a satisfying surge of acceleration when needed.

Regardless of the powerplant, the suspension helps the Escape maintain a composed and settled feel, even on rough pavement. The available all-wheel-drive system provides extra traction and stability on slippery surfaces. The Escape's electric power-assisted steering is well-weighted and precise, offering good feedback and making the vehicle easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Interior

The 2015 Ford Escape's interior is spacious and well-designed, focusing on comfort and practicality. The front seats are supportive and offer a good range of adjustability, ensuring a comfortable driving position for various body types. The rear seats provide adequate legroom for adult passengers but come up short against some rivals.

With 34.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 67.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, the 2015 Escape is versatile but not as spacious as some compact crossovers, like the Subaru Forester. Otherwise, the Escape’s low load floor and wide opening make loading and unloading bulky items easy. The available foot-activated power liftgate adds convenience when your hands are full.

Higher trims add premium features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, giving the Escape an upscale touch.

Technology

The 2015 Ford Escape SE has a 4.2-inch color LCD screen with a six-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. The available SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system, standard on SE and Titanium trims, features an 8-inch touchscreen display, voice-activated controls, and enhanced smartphone integration.

Other notable tech features include:

• Navigation system with 3D mapping and voice guidance (available on Titanium)
• Sony premium audio system with ten speakers (available on Titanium)
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Proximity keyless entry with push-button start (available on SE and Titanium)
• USB ports and an auxiliary input jack

The MyFord Touch system, while feature-rich, may have a learning curve for some users and can occasionally be slow to respond to inputs.

Fuel Economy

2015 Escape buyers looking to maximize fuel economy will want to stick to the base engine or the smaller turbo engine with front-wheel drive. Here are the EPA-rated fuel economy figures for each drivetrain (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive) in the 2015 Ford Escape.

2.5-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined

1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 23 city / 32 highway / 26 combined
• AWD (mpg): 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined

2015 Ford Escape Reviews

The 2015 Ford Escape has received generally positive reviews from consumers on Kelley Blue Book, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Rankings are high for reliability, comfort, quality, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Engaging driving dynamics with responsive handling and a smooth ride
• Efficient and powerful EcoBoost engine options
• Available SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system
• Competitive fuel economy ratings
• Attractive styling and well-equipped trim levels

Problems

• Second-row and cargo space are less than some rivals
• MyFord Touch system can be slow to respond and may have a learning curve
• Some interior materials may feel lower quality compared to rivals
• Reliability concerns with the EcoBoost engines and the transmission

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CoPilot's Take

The 2015 Ford Escape faces stiff competition in the compact SUV segment, with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V being better sellers. Other rivals include the Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5. But a combination of comfort, practicality, and value make it a contender. In addition, the Escape's engaging driving dynamics make it a pleasure to drive on city streets and highways. The available EcoBoost engines provide a satisfying blend of power and efficiency, with the 2.0-liter option delivering particularly impressive acceleration.

There are some shortfalls with the 2015 Ford Escape, namely a less roomy backseat and tighter cargo space. This model year also has a history of engine and transmission problems. These issues don’t rule out the 2015 Escape but require extra buyer diligence in the form of thorough research and a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection.