Ford Escape

Name: 2026 Ford Escape
Brand: Ford

CR MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

The popular Ford Escape was fully redesigned for the 2020 model year and it morphed into a curvier model that looks more like a raised hatchback and less than a utilitarian box. The Escape has more elaborate interior technology and standard advanced safety features. We found the Escape agile and solid feeling but it also suffers from a few flaws that should give buyers pause. We think the hybrid version is the most compelling. A plug-in hybrid is also available.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Ford Escape

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good rating in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.5-liter 3 turbo (181 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (250 hp)

8-speed automatic

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 3 years/36,000 miles
Drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/60,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Escape has curvier styling compared to the previous version, as well as new drivetrains, and standard advanced safety features. The standard 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine returned 26 mpg overall in our tests. Although it provides sufficient oomph, the engine transmits an annoying vibration at low engine speeds. The optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is more powerful and smooth. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also available. The ride has an underlying firmness. Handling is quite nimble and secure. But the brake pedal is oversensitive. Controls, including the rotary gear selector, are easy to use. The front seats are a bit flat, but the rear seat is quite roomy when set to the rearmost position. Updates for 2021 include adaptive cruise control, a convenience feature, now available on the SE and SEL trim levels. A hands-free foot-activated liftgate is now included in the Technology package and standard on Titanium. For 2023, Ford refreshed the Escape with updated styling and a restructured trim lineup. Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims replaced the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium versions. The infotainment system was upgraded from Sync 3 to Sync 4, and a larger, 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen became optional. In 2024, the Base trim was dropped. There were no changes for 2025. All Escapes come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. 2026 will be the last year of production for the Escape.

2013-2019

2013 Redesign Year

The Escape's 2013 redesign brought many improvements. Genuinely qualifying as fun-to-drive, this version of the Escape delivers agile handling along with an impressively supple and composed ride. What's more, the cabin is quiet and feels substantial. Plus, a long list of high-tech options can make the compact crossover feel like a luxury-branded small SUV. This iteration of the Escape is not without its shortcomings however. Basic radio and climate controls could be simpler and better designed. This model year also brought the distracting MyFord Touch control interface's small fonts, tightly clustered touchscreen buttons and unintuitive functions. Ultimately though, a Poor performance in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small overlap test kept it from being recommended.

2008-2012

2008 Redesign Year

Electronic stability control became standard for non-hybrid Escapes for 2008, solving the tip-up problem noted in the 2005 ' 2007 models. ESC is standard on all versions from 2009 forward. The Escape's sensible size, roomy interior and good visibility remain intact. However, though it was improved with the 2008 freshening, the Escape's interior is still somewhat subpar. Fit and finish issues include uneven gaps and exposed screws. On the infotainment front, the optional SYNC system brought voice activation to the Escape, allowing hands-free control of digital music players and cell phones. This is a remarkable advancement for the class.

2001-2007

2001 Redesign Year

The Escape is a car-based small SUV launched in 2001. First-generation models had sound handling and braking, impressive cabin space, and adequate acceleration with the optional 3.0-liter V6. Downsides include a stiff ride and noisy interior. Other engine choices included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a Hybrid that arrived in 2005 to return 26 mpg in our tests. A tip-up in the government rollover test for 2005-2007 models is a concern. For 2008, electronic stability control became standard on the non-hybrid Escapes, rectifying the problem.