Used Ford Escape Buying Guide

The first-generation Escape had a boxy appearance with an integrated bumper and wide body cladding, making it look rugged and functional. It had short front and rear overhangs to make it look sporty. The Escape came in entry-level XLS trim and a more equipped XLT trim. It came standard with front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Higher trim levels had a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission.

This generation introduced the Escape Hybrid with two-tone exterior paint. An available automatic 4WD was an option.

Restyled for 2008, the exterior on the second-generation was more truck-like, squared off and rugged. Changes to the interior included an updated center console and instrument cluster. Added options included premium audio, leather-upholstery, navigation, reverse sensing and dual-zone auto climate control.

In 2009, it was upgraded with better fuel economy and new technology including standard six-speed automatic transmission and optional self-parking.

Ford’s MyKey System was an additional feature in 2010 to help parents limit the vehicle’s speed and audio system’s volume when teens were driving.

The third-generation Escape had its first full redesign; it changed the upright and boxy styling with a more modern and sleek design. You can have the choice of four trims – S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The Hybrid model was discontinued, as well as the V6 engine. Three four-cylinder engine options are available with a six-speed automatic transmission. Base Escape had a 2.5-liter engine, mid-level models were powered by a turbocharged EcoBoost 1.6-liter that made 178 horsepower, and the top-of-the-line, Titanium trim had a 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

The S model comes with steering wheel audio controls and SYNC, reclining rear seats, automatic headlights, privacy glass, satellite radio and a four-inch multi-function screen. The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, SYNC, reclining rear seats, automatic headlights, privacy glass, satellite radio and a four-inch multi-function screen. The SEL adds heated side-view mirrors, dual-zone automatic control, a nine-speaker stereo system, and the Titanium trim gains keyless ignition and entry and full leather upholstery.

A back-up camera is standard in 2015, and in 2016, SYNC 3 touchscreen multimedia system is newly available.

Restyled in 2017, the Escape got a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an improved 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter; each having stop-start capability. It gains a reshaped body, with a completely new front end, broad upper grille, redesigned headlights, fog lights and lower intake. The rear gets reshaped stoplights, as well as a new bumper. Some added driver assists include adaptive cruise control, enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping system, and driver alert system.

The SEL model joins the lineup for the 2018 model year, featuring leather seats, a power liftgate and other upgrades. The available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is now only an option for the Titanium trim.

For the 2019 model year, the SE trim now comes standard with SYNC 3 and FordPass Connect. The SEL now brings unique seats to the crossover and three new colors also join the Escape: Agate Black, Baltic Seat Green, and Sedona Orange.

The redesigned 2020 Escape is lower, wider and longer, than previous generations. It weighs less and is more aerodynamic. A SE Sport Hybrid joins the line-up, along with the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder powers the S, SE, and SEL, while the SE Sport Hybrid and Titanium come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. A 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is available on the SEL and on the Titanium.

The 2021 Escape is available in four trims: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Pricing starts at $26,130 and ranges to a starting price of $37,000 for the Titanium model. The Escape Hybrid comes in SE, SEL, and Titanium trims, ranging from $28,850 to $34,545. The Escape Plug-in Hybrid comes in the same three trims, priced from $33,895 to $39,830.

The Escape S, SE, and SEL come standard with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine. A four-cylinder turbo is optional on SEL and standard on the Titanium. The hybrid models are powered by a four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor. The plug-in carries a higher capacity battery and can travel up to 37 miles on electricity alone.