Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim
The Ford Escape has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, making it 16th out of 26 compact SUVs. The average yearly repair cost is $600. Significant faults are fewer than expected, and the quality of repairs is typical, so major repairs are uncommon for the Escape.
Key Takeaways
- Ford Escape has positive feedback from customers for its dependability and longevity
- The Ford Escape has a Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance package, Ford+Alexa, a premium audio system, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- The Ford Escape has quite a few engine options to choose from like a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, and a hybrid powertrain
- One key feature of the Ford Escape is its all-wheel drive, this feature allows better traction and stability in various road conditions
How Reliable is the Ford Escape Model?
The Ford Escape’s new look is remarkable, with a sleeker, more attractive aspect. This new Escape has many interior rooms, and the performance is quite athletic. There are four powertrain options, including two hybrids.
Escape appears to be the draw Ford seeks in the lucrative compact SUV segment. However, there are a few flaws:
- The cabin is attractive, although there is a lot of black plastic. Regardless of the vehicle’s price, the cabin appears to be out of date.
- The more cheap models lack essential amenities and features that today’s consumers desire.
The 2022 Escape’s soft-road capability and carlike ride and handling can continue to serve on-road-oriented consumers. Thanks to the arrival of the similarly-sized Bronco Sport, which gave small SUV buyers an off-road capable option at their Ford store.
Unlike the Bronco Sport, the Escape can be equipped with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, albeit the standard turbo three- and improved turbo-four engines remain available.
Inside, the Escape has enough passenger and baggage room but lacks the refinement of rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Nonetheless, the Escape comes standard with several useful driver-assistance functions and can be customized with various luxury and convenience options.
Escape’s Engine and Transmission Performance
The 2022 Escape comes with various engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and may come with front- or all-wheel drive.
While squirmy and imprecise, the turbo three provides decent performance, propelling an all-wheel-drive Escape SE to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Upgrade to the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is powerful enough to achieve a 5.7-second zero-to-60-mph time.
An eight-speed auto powertrain is fitted with both gasoline machines. To compete with the Honda hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Prime, Ford provides two Escape hybrids, a plug-in hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and two electric motors to produce 221 horsepower.
The Escape’s Fuel Economy
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, among non-hybrid Escape vehicles, the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder model with front-wheel drive will deliver better fuel economy estimations.
It gets 27 miles per gallon with front-wheel drive, 26 miles per gallon in the city, 31 miles per gallon on the highway, and 28 miles per gallon combined.
With all-wheel drive, it gets 26 miles per gallon in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined.
During a 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, an all-wheel-drive vehicle with a turbo three-cylinder has an amazing 35 mpg.
The larger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with all-wheel drive is rated for 23 miles per gallon city, 31 miles per gallon highway, and 26 mpg combined.
While looking for the most fuel-efficient Escape, look no further than the plug-in hybrid model, which gets up to 44 miles per gallon in the city.
Connectivity and Navigation Systems
While low S models only have a 4.2-inch radio display and an AM/FM radio, SE trim levels have a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capabilities.
A smartphone app allows remote access to vehicle telematics and remote start on all Escape models. Still, the Titanium model is the most connected and high-tech, with a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, in-dash navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display as standard. A head-up display that pops up is an option.
Interior and Comfort
Whereas The Escape interior is nicely designed and spacious for both front- and back-seat occupants, it features several low-cost plastic panels, such as those on the doors and lower center console.
The standard seat fabric is a highly textured cloth, while better trim levels feature realistic faux-leather seating surfaces or, in the Titanium, genuine leather. The Escape has a large cargo hold behind the back seat, holding up to eight carry-on suitcases, tying its crosstown rival, the Chevrolet Equinox.
Safety Innovations in Driver Support
The Ford Escape is equipped with various advanced safety technologies, both standard and optional, to keep you ahead of whatever dangers. Auto High-Beam Headlamps and a Rear-View Camera are standard, providing an extra layer of protection against unexpected collisions.
Improved Active Park Assist, Adaptive Drift Control, Forward Collision Alert with Brake Support and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert are among the other driver-assist features available.
The occupants are protected by seven standard airbags and Personal Safety for the driver and front passenger.
A chart Depicting Ford Escape Models and their Specifications
| Model | Specifications |
| S | Priced at $25,555, Voice Recognition and Entertainment System with 4.2-inch color LCD screen FordPass Attached, comes equipped with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, stainless 17-inch Tires with Silver-Painted Caps |
| SE | Starting at $27,035 MSRP, 1.5L EcoBoost engine with Auto Tech and 181 thrustDigital automated temp management in two phases, Stealth Keypad by SecuriCodeSYNC 3, features an 8-inch display and smartphone connection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. |
| SEL | Starting at $29,505 MSRP, Halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED lighting, Power Foldable with Hands-Free Operation, Reverse Sensing app, Sideview mirrors, and a fabric steering wheel system for Direct Engine Start |
| Titanium | Starting at $35,490 MSRP, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine produces 250 horsepower, has Autodetect, Incorporated SiriusXM Traffic and Flight Link, and a voice-activated touchscreen GPS with pinch-to-zoom capability, HD Radio Transmission, and a B&O Sound System, Front Bucket Seats with Leather, User Seat Memory, and Digital sensor panel with a 12.3-inch customizable LCD |
Common Ford Escape Issues
There are a few aspects to look for in a Ford Escape if you’re searching for one. These will help you choose a better pre-owned vehicle, but they will also tell you about the risks of buying a Ford Escape.
Brake-related issues
Multiple reports of loud brakes have been received, with the 2016 and 2017 models garnering the greatest complaints.
In certain cases, the brake squeal was so terrible that Ford took action and began replacing worn-out components or the entire system on specific models. Nonetheless, this was not a one-year issue; it spanned multiple years and it should be addressed.
Transmission Failure
This is a common problem with Ford Escapes. The car ceases working while traveling in extreme circumstances, with no prior warning or symptoms. The expense of fixing the issue is in the $4000 range, which not everyone could afford.
The Final Word
The Ford Escape model is a reliable car. They rarely break down, and the average annual maintenance cost is reasonable. However, remember that some models, such as the 2016 and 2017 models experience brake-related issues, but the company has addressed them.
Reference 1: Ford Escape Reliability and Common Problems – In The Garage with CarParts.com
Reference 2: How Reliable Is the Ford Escape? (motorbiscuit.com)
Hi, I’m Leepu Da Maxim, a dedicated car enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in this field, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with fellow car enthusiasts like you. My journey began in my hometown West Jordan, Utah, where my fascination with the mechanics and design of cars sparked at a young age. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a commitment to providing accurate, insightful, and engaging information about all things automotive through CarsAmazing.
