The Ford Escape is a compact crossover utility vehicle, introduced in 2001 and updated several times since. It is one of the most popular models in its segment and can be had in gasoline, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid configurations. The current model rolled out in 2020 and continues with standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive.
We Love the Ford Escape
Style: The Ford Escape has a sleek and modern exterior design that features a bold front grille, sharp lines, and sculpted body panels. It also has a panoramic sunroof available on higher trim levels.
Cabin: The Escape has a comfortable and spacious interior with seating for up to five passengers. It features high-quality materials and a modern design, as well as a variety of convenient storage options.
Technology: The Escape is equipped with a range of advanced technology features, including an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a digital instrument cluster.
Safety: Ford’s compact crossover comes with a variety of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Off-road prowess: While the Escape is not designed for serious off-roading, it does have available all-wheel drive and selectable drive modes that can help in low-traction situations.
Engines: The Escape is available with three engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that comes with the hybrid powertrain.
Transmission: The Escape comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission on all gas models, while the hybrid models use a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Hybrids: Ford offers the Escape in two hybrid variants, a standard hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The standard hybrid has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, while the plug-in hybrid has an estimated all-electric range of up to 37 miles.
Packages: The Escape is available in seven trim levels: Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite, and Plug-In Hybrid. All but the first two trims and the top trim can also be had as a conventional hybrid. Ford also offers packages and individual upgrades for customization.
Upgrades: The Escape can be customized with a range of accessories and upgrades, including roof racks, cargo organizers, all-weather floor mats, and more.
Towing Capacity: The Escape has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and the Class II Trailer Tow Package. Otherwise, the Escape pulls up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel economy: Besides the hybrid models, the Escape with the 1.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine gets an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The standard engine is a turbocharged three-cylinder.
Warranty: The Escape comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance program.
Convenience: The Escape comes with a hands-free power liftgate available on higher trim levels, allowing for easy loading and unloading of cargo. That storage space measures up to 65 cubic feet in gas models with the rear seat folded.
Comfort: The Escape has available heated and ventilated front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel, providing a comfortable driving experience in a variety of weather conditions.
Ford Escape Considerations
The Ford Escape competes with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, and about 10 other models. However, it is one of the few compact crossovers that offer two kinds of hybrid choices.
2023 Ford Escape Specifications
| Ford | 2023 Escape |
|---|---|
| Segment | Compact Crossover SUV |
| Price Range | $28,000 to $40,500 |
| Destination Charge | $1,495 |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, Front- or All-Wheel Drive |
| Engine No. 1 | 1.5-liter, Turbo I-3 |
| Horsepower | 180 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 199 @ 3,000 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke (inches) | 3.31 x 3.54 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 2 | 2.0-liter, Turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 250 @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 280 @ 3,000 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke (inches) | 3.44 x 3.27 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 3 | 2.5-liter, I-4, hybrid |
| Horsepower | 163 @ 6,250 rpm (net 192) |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 155 @ 4,500 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke (inches) | 3.50 x 3.94 |
| Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Transmission | ECVT |
| Engine No. 4 | 2.5-liter, I-4, PHEV |
| Horsepower | 163 @ 6,250 rpm (net 210) |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 155 @ 4,500 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke (inches) | 3.50 x 3.94 |
| Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Transmission | ECVT |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,283 to 3,904 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 106.7 |
| Length (inches) | 180.1 |
| Width (inches) | 74.1 |
| Height (inches) | 66.0 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 40.0, 39.3 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 42.4, 40.7 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 57.6, 56.0 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 55.2, 53.3 |
| Pax Volume (cu. ft.) | 104.0 (102.2 hybrids) |
| Cargo Storage (cu. ft.) | 37.5, 34.4 (hybrids); 65.4, 60.8 (hybrids) |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | N/A |
| Towing (pounds) | 1,500 to 2,000 |
| Payload (pounds) | N/A |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 11.1 to 15.7 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 23/26/28 to 42/36/39 |
| Manufacturing Plant | Louisville, Kentucky |
Specifications and images supplied by the manufacturer. Statistics assembled by Tom Keegan.
See Also — Ford Escape: Chronicling the Changes
