Ford Escape

Key facts at a glance

Four generations from 2000 to 2025

First generation (2001–2007): Mazda partnership and the first hybrid SUV

Development started in 1997, according to the old 1cars text, and the Escape went on sale in 2000 as a 2001 model. Ford held the controlling interest in the joint project with Mazda, which sold its own version as the Tribute. A Mercury Mariner joined in 2005. Production was split between Ford's Ohio and Missouri plants and Mazda's Hofu factory in Japan.

The base engine was a 2.0 Zetec four-cylinder with 95 kW (127 hp), replaced for 2005 by a 2.3 Duratec. The 3.0 Duratec V6 delivered 150 kW (200 hp). The old text notes that the four-cylinder came with a five-speed manual and the V6 with an automatic. The car measured 4,394 mm long at first and 4,442 mm after the 2005 update, and weighed 1,473 kg with front-wheel drive or 1,568 kg with 4WD.

The Escape Hybrid arrived for the 2005 model year as the first hybrid SUV in the USA and Ford's first hybrid car. Its 2.5 Atkinson-cycle engine produced 99 kW (133 hp), and the combined output with the electric motor was 116 kW (155 hp). Ford's aim, as the old text puts it, was V6-like acceleration with much lower fuel use; the electronics chose between petrol, electric or combined drive.

Second generation (2008–2012): new body, more power

The second Escape was shown at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show and kept the CD2 underpinnings under new sheet metal and a new cabin. For 2009 Ford fitted a 2.5 Duratec four-cylinder with 128 kW (171 hp) and a stronger 3.0 V6 with 180 kW (240 hp), plus a six-speed automatic. The old text adds that the 2009 update brought better sound insulation and a folding rear seat that enlarged the boot.

Production moved to Louisville, Kentucky. The 2010 front-drive Escape Hybrid was rated by the EPA at 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, or about 6.9 and 7.6 l/100 km by our conversion.

Third generation (2013–2019): the Kuga twin

For 2013 the Escape became a North American version of the Ford Kuga, designed by Ford of Europe. The V6 and the hybrid were dropped. Buyers chose between a 2.5 Duratec with 125 kW (168 hp) and two EcoBoost turbo engines: a 1.6 with 129 kW (173 hp) and a 2.0 with 177 kW (237 hp). From the 2017 model year a 1.5 EcoBoost with 133 kW (179 hp) replaced the 1.6.

This was the most popular Escape. US sales peaked at 308,296 in 2017. The European counterpart is described on our Ford Kuga page.

Fourth generation (2020–2026): hybrid and plug-in hybrid

The last Escape was revealed on 2 April 2019 and reached dealers in the third quarter of that year as a 2020 model. It was more than 90 kg lighter than its predecessor, with a longer body and a wider track. All engines used an eight-speed automatic except the hybrids, which used an eCVT.

Ford Escape key specifications (2020–2026)

By our calculation, the 2.0 EcoBoost has almost twice the power of the 2001 base engine (186 kW against 95 kW), while the hybrid adds 54 kW over it with far lower fuel use.

Hybrid, plug-in or petrol: fuel use and costs

The hybrid versions have always been the economical choice. The plug-in hybrid was rated at 100 MPGe and can cover short commutes on electricity alone. The petrol EcoBoost engines are efficient on paper but use noticeably more fuel when towing or driven hard. The V6 models of the first two generations are the thirstiest. Compare fuel bills for different versions with the 1cars fuel cost calculator.

Escape trim levels and the sliding rear seat

US buyers chose from simple base versions up to the well-equipped Titanium, with front- or all-wheel drive on most versions. The fourth generation added sliding rear seats on combustion models, which create the 1,062-litre maximum cargo figure. Adaptive cruise control and other driver assistance became common on higher trims.

Crash-test results: IIHS and ANCAP

The third generation scored "Good" in the IIHS moderate-overlap, side and roof tests, but only "Poor" in the driver-side small-overlap test for 2013–2016, improving to "Acceptable" from 2017. The fourth generation was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2020, with "Good" small-overlap results on both sides.

In 2019 ANCAP tested the fourth generation, also sold in Australia as the Escape. Under rules aligned with Euro NCAP it scored 92 % for adult occupants, 89 % for children, 82 % for vulnerable road users and 77 % for safety assist.

Rivals compared: RAV4, CR-V, CX-5 and Tucson

The Escape held its own until the end: Ford sold 82,589 in the first half of 2025, compared with 72,438 Bronco Sports. Put any of these SUVs side by side with the 1cars comparison tool.