The Best Year for the Ford Escape

Published September 6, 2021
in Best

Ford is known for its high quality cars loaded with fancy new features, which is one of the reasons they’re so widespread in the car industry. The Escape is no different, coming equipped with a wide variety of safety features and options to choose from. However, not all Ford Escape year models are made equal, so we want to point you in the right direction: the 2018 Ford Escape. Here, we’ll show you why 2018 is the best year for the Ford Escape and what you should consider when picking the right trim level for you.

Quick Answer: Get the 2018 Ford Escape

In our research, we found that the best year for the Ford Escape is the 2018 year model. The 2018 comes with all the latest cutting-edge technology that Ford has worked on in the last decade or so, while also having the fewest driver complaints of any Ford Escape. Essentially, the 2018 Escape is the ultimate cross between reliability and functionality. If you have your heart set on a Ford Escape, definitely spring for the 2018 model.

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Is the Ford Escape Right for You?

Whereas most SUVs are large, somewhat cumbersome vehicles, the Ford Escape finds the happy medium between copious amounts of space and supreme comfort. The Escape is actually car-based so it’s more of a car/SUV hybrid rather than a full-fledged SUV, which can make it an appealing choice for many people. If you want a lot of space, great fuel economy, reliability, and top of the line tech, the Ford Escape is the car for you. With its five seats and towing capabilities, it’s especially great if you have a small family to transport or want to tow something.

Four Different Trim Levels

The 2018 Ford Escape has four different trim levels to choose from: the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The S is the base trim and uses a 168 hp, 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder engine, as well as a 6 speed automatic transmission. The other three trim levels have the same automatic transmission, but enjoy greater performance with their upgraded 245 hp, 2 liter, 4 cylinder engines.

While the S is the simplest trim, it still has decent features like power windows, cloth seats, and the SYNC infotainment system. In addition to these, the SE trim has extra comfort capabilities with its dual-zone climate control system and fog lamps. If style is more your game, you’ll probably want to go with either the SEL or Titanium trim. Both have completely leather interiors, and take the SYNC infotainment system to the next level with the SYNC 3 as well as the SYNC Connect. The SEL has its drivers enjoying additional luxury with LED lighting and heated mirrors, too. However, nothing compares to the Titanium trim when it comes to the height of Ford Escape luxury. Not only will you get a ten-speaker audio system, top tier navigation, and a garage door transmitter, you also have the option of paying a small premium for ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and much more.

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What’s the Drivetrain and Gas Mileage Like?

The base Ford Escape S trim comes with Front Wheel Drive, while the SE, SEL, and Titanium trims all give the option of Front Wheel Drive or 4 Wheel Drive. The S has great gas mileage, getting 24 combined MPG. This means that you can enjoy up to 30 MPG on the highway. The SE 4WD and SEL 4WD gets 24 combined MPG, while their FWD counterparts each get 26 combined MPG. Both types of the Titanium trim get 24 combined MPG.

What Technology Comes with the Ford Escape?

One major reason that 2018 is the best year for the Ford Escape is the variety of options it provides when it comes to technology. If you’re seeking the hottest new technology you can find in an SUV, the Titanium trim will definitely have you covered. If technology isn’t your priority and you’d rather save money, you can go with the base S trim and still get some nice features. Even the S comes with great features such as a back-up camera, cruise control, keyless entry, a vehicle anti-theft system, and the option of getting remote engine start. Your technology options just get better and better as you move up the trim levels, with the Titanium trim containing everything you’d get with the other trims and then some. With that being said, let’s talk about some of the fanciest additions that the Titanium provides. This trim comes with a universal garage door opener, a hands-free power liftgate, and automatic parking, and you can even add rain sensitive wipers and adaptive cruise control!

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What Will You Pay for a 2018 Ford Escape?

The four 2018 Ford Escape trim levels each have different price tags attached. According to U.S. News, you should be able to get your 2018 Ford Escape model for a few thousand dollars under the MSRP. The average price paid for the S trim is about $20,700, and an SE will run you between $22,200 and $23,500 on average. For what you’re getting, the SEL won’t run you too much more, with the average estimate lying between $23,800 and $25,000 depending on the type of drivetrain you get. The ultimate 2018 Ford Escape trim, the Titanium, is also the most expensive with the average price ranging from $26,300 and $28,000.

Of course, we have to say that you’ll always get the best deal buying used. Many people are skeptical about this, but if you have a trusted mechanic look over any used car you’re looking at, you can get a reliable set of wheels for a great price.

2018 Ford Escape Safety Features and Reliability

Ford Escapes are generally seen as reliable cars, and the 2018 is the most reliable of them all. That’s a huge factor in why it’s the best year for the Ford Escape! All 2018 trims, including the base S trim, include great safety features like multiple air bags, four-wheel ABS, brake assist, an anti-theft vehicle system, and electronic stability control. No matter the trim, your 2018 Ford Escape will keep you and your passengers safe and sound.

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