Are Ford Escapes Good Cars?

Published August 14, 2023
in Reliability

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that has been a staple in Ford’s lineup since its introduction in 2000. Over the years, it has become one of the most popular vehicles in its class, consistently ranking high in sales charts in the United States and other markets.

Despite the fierce competition in the rapidly growing compact crossover SUV market, the Ford Escape has maintained a strong presence (thanks to its distinct grille design) and popularity. This success is due mainly to its well-roundedness and offering various types of powertrains such as gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. This range of options caters to diverse customer needs, appealing to fuel efficiency seekers and those who want a more spirited SUV.

If you’re looking to buy this SUV model, you’re likely asking: are Ford Escapes good cars?

In this article, we will highlight various vital aspects of the Ford Escape to help you make an informed decision, including engine, performance, interior and tech features, safety, and long-term reliability. Let’s take a look.

Engine, Performance, and Fuel Economy

The Ford Escape generally offers a solid selection of engines that cater to various automotive needs. For instance, the 2023 Escape base model comes with a 1.5 liter EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged three-cylinder that delivers a balance of power and fuel efficiency. This engine can produce 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving.

For a more powerful driving experience, the Escape also offers a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, making the Escape a more spirited drive. It’s ideal for drivers who frequently carry heavy loads or need more power for overtaking on the highway.

Meanwhile, the Escape’s ride is designed more for comfort than sportiness. It’s tuned to soak bumps, making it ideal for smooth highway cruising and city driving. While it can handle winding roads when pushed, its steering response is more geared towards maneuverability than sporty driving.

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Ford Escape Fuel Economy

The Escape also gets good fuel economy in its class. The EPA.gov website lists the following mpg ratings for various configurations (including hybrid) of the 2023 Escape:

2023 Ford Escape FWD 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 8-spd

Combined MPG: 30
City MPG: 27
Highway MPG: 34

2023 Ford Escape FWD HEV 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)

Combined MPG: 39
City: 42
Highway: 36

2023 Ford Escape AWD 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Automatic 8-spd

Combined MPG: 26
City: 23
Highway: 31

2023 Ford Escape AWD 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Automatic 8-spd

Combined MPG: 28
City: 26
Highway: 32

2023 Ford Escape AWD HEV 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)

Combined MPG: 39
City: 42
Highway: 36

Interior and Tech Features

The cabin design and layout are handsome, but the Escape leans more toward conservative yet comfortable. Nothing mindblowing, but the Escape’s interior isn’t a bad place to get stuck in traffic. The standard cloth upholstery can be upgraded to synthetic leather in higher trims, with finishes ranging from faux aluminum to wood grain.

The Escape seats five people and boasts a spacious cabin with ample head and legroom in both rows. The front and rear seats are comfortable, with the rear seats being adjustable for extra passenger or cargo space. Despite some critics finding the seats a bit flat, the Escape’s interior is generally appreciated for its comfort.

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Tech-wise, the Ford Escape is quite loaded. For instance, the 2023 Escape has a sizable 8.0-inch infotainment system as a base unit, which can be upgraded to an impressively large 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The SUV also has various tech features, including Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a range of driver-assistance features.

For tech add-ons, buyers may include features like wireless charging, voice recognition, navigation, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

Safety Features and Ratings

Ford has always been a trailblazer regarding safety and driver assistance technology, and the Ford Escape is no exception. As of this writing, the 2023 Escape boasts a wide array of standard and available safety features, including:

Forward Collision Warning: Detects potential collision threats in front of the vehicle.
Forward Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects a potential collision and the driver does not respond in time, it will automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or lessen the impact of a crash.
Pedestrian Detection: Uses sensors and cameras to detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If a pedestrian is detected and the driver does not respond to the system’s warnings, it can automatically apply the brakes.
Blind-Spot Monitoring: This uses sensors to monitor the vehicle’s blind spots.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When reversing, this system can detect vehicles approaching from the sides that may be difficult for the driver to see.
Lane-Keep Assist: This system helps the driver stay in their lane.

For safety ratings, the 2023 Escape received a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and mostly positive scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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Long-Term Reliability and Best/Worst Years

Are Ford Escape good cars? For many folks, it will depend on reliability. Unfortunately, reliability isn’t the strongest suit of the Ford Escape, only because it pales compared to its main competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. RepairPal rates the Ford Escape with a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, with a 16th place out of 26 compact SUVs.

As for the Escape years to avoid, the second (2008-2012) and third generations before the facelift (2013-2016) have thousands of complaints and severe mechanical woes, primarily with the SUV’s transmission and steering. Meanwhile, the best years of the Escape aside from the current fourth-gen are the 2001-2005 and 2010-2012 model years. Check out our previous write-up about this topic to learn more.

Final Verdict: Are Ford Escapes Good Cars?

Absolutely! The Escape is undoubtedly one of your top choices within the hyper-competitive subcompact crossover segment. It is a strong contender in the compact SUV market, providing a compelling mix of balanced performance, comfort, and technology. However, some years have had problematic transmission and steering issues, so keep an eye out for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the general reputation of the Ford Escape?

A: The Ford Escape has earned a reputation as a versatile compact SUV. It’s known for offering a balance of performance, comfort, and advanced features. However, reliability is a mixed bag as some outlets like Consumer Reports, state that only the hybrid version is reliable.

Q: What is the general reputation of the Ford Escape?

A: The Ford Escape Hybrid offers significantly enhanced fuel economy without compromising on performance. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, providing an eco-friendly driving experience while retaining the Escape’s signature driving dynamics.

Q: Is the Ford Escape available in a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration?

A: Yes, the Ford Escape comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD option is often preferred by drivers who primarily navigate city roads and are looking for better fuel efficiency.

Q: How does the Ford Escape perform in different terrains and weather conditions?

A: With its robust engine options and available all-wheel drive, the Ford Escape is well-suited for various terrains and weather conditions.

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