Which year to buy
Best bet2023Fewest serious problems: 0.5× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2020Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2010–2011, 2013, 2017–2018, 2021More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2010CAREFULSerious complaints 1.8× usual, mostly speed control and power train Extended coverage
1,959 serious complaints of 2,129, the most about speed control (566) and power train (513); per car on the road, 1.8× this model's usual year. 5 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE13003: electronic throttle body malfunction.
What owners report
“While driving at approximately 70 mph the engine suddenly cut out, there was no response to the gas pedal. A blinking yellow wrench symbol came on the dash board. We coasted to a stop on the side of the road, where I switched the car off and after a couple of minutes started it again seemingly to be fine.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the speed control, Aug 2013
“As I was driving down the road my vehicle lost power, it did not stall, it slowed to almost no speed. I turned off the vehicle and turned it back on. I was able to drive it for about 3 more miles until it happened again. This time the check engine light came on.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Jan 2014
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Ford fusion, milan, escape, mariner 2009-2013: customer satisfaction program throttle body extended coverage. *lj (13N03, Mar 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
2,129 owner complaints · 5 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–32 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2010 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp · Drive: 4WD, FWD
2010 Escape trims
| HEV | Limited | XLS | XLT |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Ford reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Ford aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–40 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 4 | Electrical system (2) | — |
| 2025 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–40 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 29 | Electrical system (9) | Yes |
| 2024 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–39 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 87 | Electrical system (35) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–40 mpg | 5 of 5 | 13 | 133 | Electrical system (61) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 181 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 165 hp 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 165 hp | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 21 | 380 | Engine (102) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 236 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 21 | 376 | Structure (95) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 26–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 24 | 1820 | Structure (710) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 170 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 171 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 588 | Engine (309) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 170 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 171 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 1801 | Engine (1154) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 170 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 2687 | Engine (1573) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 1133 | Power train (320) | No |
| 2015 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 9 | 1105 | Power train (285) | No |
| 2014 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 16 | 2087 | Engine (726) | No |
| 2013 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 168 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 18 | 2754 | Engine (1268) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 20–32 mpg | 3 of 5 | 2 | 617 | Steering (141) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp manual available | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 20–32 mpg | 3 of 5 | 3 | 1353 | Steering (423) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp manual available | 4WD, FWD | 20–32 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 2129 | Vehicle speed control (566) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayPower liftgateAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Escape 2017–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE GAS SUV N/A AWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 3 |
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE GAS SUV N/A FWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 3 |
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE HEV SUV HEV AWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE HEV SUV HEV FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | FORD ESCAPE PHEV SUV PHEV FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape Gas SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 9 | 24 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape Gas SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 9 | 24 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 8 | 76 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 8 | 76 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 7 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 11 | 99 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 11 | 99 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 23 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 23 |
| 2023 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 11 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 19 | 234 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 19 | 234 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 68 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 68 |
| 2022 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 78 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 19 | 348 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 19 | 348 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 19 | 348 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Standard | 19 | 348 |
| 2021 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Standard | 1 | 22 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 23 | 1531 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 23 | 1531 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 288 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 288 |
| 2020 | Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 588 |
| 2019 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 588 |
| 2018 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 1801 |
| 2018 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 1801 |
| 2017 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 2687 |
| 2017 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 2687 |
| 2016 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 1133 |
| 2016 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 1133 |
| 2015 | Ford Escape SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 1105 |
| 2015 | Ford Escape SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 1105 |
| 2014 | Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | 4 | No | No | 16 | 2087 |
| 2014 | Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | 4 | No | No | 16 | 2087 |
| 2013 | Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | 4 | No | No | 18 | 2754 |
| 2013 | Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | 4 | No | No | 18 | 2754 |
| 2012 | Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | 3 | No | No | 2 | 602 |
| 2012 | Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | 3 | No | No | 2 | 602 |
| 2012 | Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x4 | 3 | No | No | 2 | 600 |
| 2012 | Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x2 | 3 | No | No | 2 | 600 |
| 2011 | Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | 3 | No | No | 3 | 1316 |
| 2011 | Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | 3 | No | No | 3 | 1316 |
| 2011 | Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x4 | 3 | No | No | 3 | 1334 |
| 2011 | Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x2 | 3 | No | No | 3 | 1334 |
| 2010 | Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 2129 |
| 2010 | Ford Escape Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 2129 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2026 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2026 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2026 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2025 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2025 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2025 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2025 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2025 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2024 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2024 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2024 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2024 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2023 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2023 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2023 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2023 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2023 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2022 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2022 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2022 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2022 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 41 |
| 2022 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2021 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2021 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2021 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2021 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 41 |
| 2021 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2020 | Escape AWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2020 | Escape AWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 40 |
| 2020 | Escape FWD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2020 | Escape FWD HEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 41 |
| 2020 | Escape FWD PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–24 |
| 2019 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–26 |
| 2019 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 24 |
| 2018 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–24 |
| 2018 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–26 |
| 2018 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 24 |
| 2017 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–24 |
| 2017 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–26 |
| 2017 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 24 |
| 2016 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–25 |
| 2016 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2015 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–25 |
| 2015 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2014 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–25 |
| 2014 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2013 | Escape AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–25 |
| 2013 | Escape FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2012 | Escape AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 23 |
| 2012 | Escape AWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 20 |
| 2012 | Escape FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
23–25 |
| 2012 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2012 | Escape Hybrid AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2012 | Escape Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 32 |
| 2011 | Escape 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 22 |
| 2011 | Escape 4WD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 20 |
| 2011 | Escape FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
23–25 |
| 2011 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2011 | Escape Hybrid 4WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2011 | Escape Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 32 |
| 2010 | Escape 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 22 |
| 2010 | Escape 4WD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 20 |
| 2010 | Escape FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
23–24 |
| 2010 | Escape FWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2010 | Escape Hybrid 4WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2010 | Escape Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 32 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.