2013 Ford Escape review | Consumer Reports

Completely redesigned, the Ford Escape is enjoyable to drive. Handling is nimble, the ride is absorbant, and the car feels solid and substantial. But it's expensive and some practicalities could be better. Watch more free SUV videos: bit.ly/ORzFvt

[@bongobreathman]

2015 Escape Titanium now comes with both the trailer hitch and the foot activated lift gate. (The 2013 reviewed above did not have that available.) As far as the reach distance to the My Sync screen on the Titanium, you can now do just about everything by speaking to the system thereby removing the need to touch the screen. The rear view camera is now standard. The vehicle is exceptionally quiet. The 2.0 Ecoboost engine is an additional cost but well worth it. Before purchasing my 2015 Escape Titanium FWD, I rented two from Avis; one week with the 1.6 Ecoboost the second week with the 2.0. Both were new 2014 models with very little mileage. Without question the 1.6 is under powered. We also own a CRV which is an excellent SUV, however, Honda seats are very stiff and uncomfortable. I have been a Honda driver since 2000 and have noticed the Honda leather seats keep getting harder and stiffer over the years. The Escape Titanium has great leather seats. RECOMMENDATION: As with any car, spend some time driving the car for a few days. Get the feel of the car and make sure you are comfortable, and it will meet your driving needs. I spent time in multiple SUVs before deciding on the Escape. My drive is suburban roads and freeways. It came down to the Escape vs. another CRV. (The Mazda CX-5 was fun to drive but the seats got uncomfortable after an hour and the Navigation screen is rather tiny.) The Escape won out over the CRV with more comfortable seats, quicker engine response (2.0 Ecoboost) in the "S" mode shifting, and quieter/more comfortable ride. But like I said, spend time in a vehicle before you buy/lease to confirm it meets your driving needs taking into account comfort, vision and power. The 2015 Escape and the Honda CRV are great choices in this SUV class size,

[@TheLifetraveler1]

I've never been a fan of SUV. But I got an SEL Escape from Avis this weekend. I thought I was going to dread it, but was actually smiling when I brought it back to the rental car company three days later. It had strong acceleration (2.0L), smooth ride on smooth roads, a bouncing ride on rough roads, was somewhat quiet and I got 28 mpg after driving through the high elevation of I-5. I hated the small rear visibility though. It is now a favorite on my list of vehicles to rent. Try it!

[@Heathishness]

Good information! It's nice to see a review from Jennifer Stockburger again. You guys should feature her more often!

[@prodigy1210]

what a great detailed review! Love this new reviewer

[@jjurii]

Nice review!

[@rickhamilton620]

Yes but it's common for most every car to have a recall...at least they let you know about it instead of just sitting on it before something bad happens.

[@lidermin]

I bought this one last week... and it's amazing to drive, I fully recommend it.

[@markmorris3579]

lidermin-If you don't mind,do you still have it?I wonder how it's holding up.Thanks!

[@hazelr7789]

I’m looking into getting a used is it still good any major problems

[@camilocastiblanco6544]

Too early to recommend it! After a few years, I would like to know your currently opinion

[@marktbeauchamp]

FYI for do-it-yourselfers.... An oil change is a real chore with the Escape there is a large panel under the engine that must be removed to get to the oil drain plug and the filter. And, filling the engine with fresh oil is in a crazy place under a decorative panel so you'll need a long neck funnel. The battery is set way back in the engine compartment making it next to impossible to get (or give) a jump to another vehicle. That being said, I still love my Escape but some of the design flaws really make you scratch your head and say WTF???

[@Aviatorkayla]

Mark Beauchamp there are extended terminals coming from the battery so you don’t have to worry about getting all the way back to the actual battery.

[@Lincolnator721]

@@Aviatorkayla ya still. No thanks lol

[@Lincolnator721]

Most modern cars have stupid design flaws so you have to take it to a shop

[@fourthgirl]

I am a Zipcar user and I have driven the CRV and the Escape. Overall, I liked the Escape better. The handling was much better, very little sway and not the choppy ride of most SUV's. The seat pan is better than CRV. The backseats are very uncomfortable, but since I drive I could care less about the backseat.

[@nrborod1]

Well-done review. Good voice.

[@kodyarmstrong9508]

I have just got a brand new 2013 Escape Titanium with fully loaded for $29K even after discounts and rebate applied. I love it.

[@rosalieholland25]

I find this car popular in my area. Everyday I see so many of them :) I love how it saves me *way more* gas than any car I've ever driven. I filled up gas 1 time at the pump and when my miles to E refreshed, I got 370 miles to go on a full tank. That's a lot xD I have only had this car for a month and have already put a little over 2,000 miles on it. *I drive a lot*

[@Lincolnator721]

Stop driving so much!

[@solimance1]

SE version now comes standard w/ the camera - they also start at 24k, not 28k. The CR-V and Forester are also 5 speeds, the escape is a 6 speed. Big difference

[@theresemeggitt8455]

Love love love my new Ford Escape Titanium fully loaded!!!! So damn sweet! You guys drive one and let me know!!!! It's really beautiful!!! You need to get into a Ford Escape and drive drive drive!!! So much fun!!! It's luxury if you ask me and I owned a 2002 boxy Ford Escape I loved but it CAN NOT compare to this Titanium!!! What a beauty and so very cool! Love it!

[@Vanderkitten]

We've owned one (it's a company car) for a month and a half and it replaced a 2011 Escape. 100% improvement in everything over the old escape for daily driving, except the deletion of the back-up cam in lower model groups. It is quiet, and around town the 1.6 turbo gets you across intersections well, but as to be expected, power falls off quickly. The 6-speed auto is nice (outgoing was a 4), and it's comfy and has good room. I'd probably look at the Forester XT first.

[@mlps93]

Amen!

[@juancalder3081]

Excelent review!

[@noneofyourbusiness6147]

I just bought a 2010 Ford Escape Limited. I wasn't even planning on that. I was expecting to walk out with a Subaru Forester but I saw that Escape and was blown away. I hope Ford goes back to the body style of the 2010 Escape. It is much more spacious and has a more appealing body style. It also has a lot more chrome. The front panel on the 2010 is all chrome compared to the 2016 that looks like a heavy duty plastic. The one I bought came with an upgraded center console. It has a touch screen interface that is easy to navigate through while driving. It isn't all caved in and hard to reach like the new ones. It also came with the sunroof, the premium sound system, interior ambient lighting and leather seats. Aside from the extras, it has a V6 engine that really has some kick to it , all wheel drive and is compatible with flex fuel. I bought it certified used with 63,000 miles on it and got a great deal. The mpg isn't bad. I am getting at least 20 mpg on average. I love the extra space. I'm not a fan of this movement towards smaller SUVs that are cheaper to make than older ones, yet for whatever reason cost a little bit more. I love my 2010 model though. But it's crazy that the 2016 Explorer looks about the size of my 2010 Escape. They are shrinking everything down.

[@jimpease280]

I've been hanging onto my 2005 V6 Escape because I like the square room boxy shape as well.

[@juancoronado3474]

I got a 2013 is good so far

[@propylene22]

Chrome is the worst thing that can be put on a car.

[@hazelr7789]

@@juancoronado3474 have you had any major problems I been looking to get a used one?

[@1212354a]

Passed on this one for a 2013 Subaru Forester Limited. All the Titanium features for cheaper than the SE.

[@divisioneight]

Excellent review - no flumery or hype. Just the facts ma'am.

[@lukehoisington4236]

hopefully the 2017 refresh improves

[@bear34love]

great review! :)

[@ijl05]

nope regular gas but you could put performance if you want more performance in the 1.6L.

[@Insanity_Crow]

Agreed. I have a 2012 Focus and it was fairly easy to pick and choose what you wanted. When I looked at the 2013 builder online out of curiosity, I noticed almost everything you'd want is part an expensive bundle. The competition is really going to hurt Ford if this trend continues.

[@TheLifetraveler1]

She isn't complaining about the car, she is showing its good and bad points. Why is it when someone isn't completely enamored with something, that the owners of the same item, get mad. You bought it, be happy. I hate SUV's, but happen to rent an Escape 2.0L SEL this weekend, and have change my mind and now like that model. The few negatives she mentioned, match my opinion. However, it is now a favorite on my rental list.

[@Ikesthetic]

exactly! D: even the 2012 CR-V has it as standard equipment.

[@Zippy1one]

I had a 2006 tuarus, i tried to fit 5 adults in it and the suspension droped to the ground bottoming out at every bump.

[@cbnboy34]

i second that!! drove one 2 weeks ago and it just feels like trying to move a bear! plus i like the styling of the Escape much better!, YET the price is a BIG factor!

[@mb013962]

well said

[@ericofcanada]

I just priced it out and the Honda was 1000K more then the Escape with all the same options!! Total MSRP as built $33,092 Honda CR-V Total MSRP as built $32,243 Ford Escape Consumers reports!! WRONG!!!!

[@freezy2freshfrankiedoyle223]

What are the issues with theses

[@MrAbilio20]

Hello, I'm from Panama, I am about to buy this car (ESCAPE SE ECOBOOST 4WD 1.6L), but I don't know much about ford cars; is Ford reliable? ;)

[@RequiumFrost]

if it works harder at slow speeds wouldn't that reduce fuel efficient? 1:28

[@SwPiotrek]

I very like this car. Good review.

[@Fordguy1997]

yes, working harder at slow speeds does reduce fuel efficiency. That is what she is saying. Her point is that the 1.6 should be much more fuel efficient than the 2.0 but it isn't because of the working-hard factor.

[@misterq0604]

Rearview cameras should be standard on SUVs.

[@dhw314]

so I guess anybody walking pass an escape and puts their leg under the bumper and it will open up??? i think you still need a key just to unlock the door first before you can use your foot to open it.

[@polaralpha5561]

just got one

[@alexsiul1142]

Did anyone kept looking at the mazdaspeed3 on the back?

[@John1MN]

MyFord Touch is enough to keep me away from this vehicle. I have read nothing but bad things about it. The 2014 Subaru Forester sounds interesting though. What I *really* want, is for Ford to bring back a redesigned Ranger compact pickup truck.

[@GenesisBRZ86]

Why would you even need a back up camera standard equipment?

[@kanna231]

I want one

[@Tourbillion14]

Beware - the inside aft lowering gate back plastic shroud handle tends to brake. from the hatchback door. Overheating issues...

[@KhrissyDaDon]

The tin can statement was directed at the Kia Sportage & Hyundai Tucson LOL! And I know because I test drove both and they need a heavy mechanical overhaul!

[@WilliamVG]

Turbo only? I'm guessing this requires premium gas at the pumps?

[@hawkermustang]

Very nice small SUV

[@DarrylBass]

I rented one of this this weekend. its a cute little car but not something I would buy for numerous reason--none of which are related to this particular car. A few things I dislike about it. I don't like how close the gas pedal is to the break pedal., its so close that my size 11 foot rub against the side of the break pedal when my foot is on the gas. the windshield frame as pointed out in this video really does impede vision a bit. and lastly, its tiny fuel tank.

[@blacuraRL]

Ford often provides large factory incentives and discounts to help with the pricing issue.

[@davidjames4583]

The Cr-v doesnt need at this point in time a 6 speed... i get awesome fuel mileage with the 5... i have a 2013...

[@John1MN]

CBS Online reports today that in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small overlap crash test for small SUVs "the Ford Escape had the worst safety results." I have long been a Ford fan, but the company has really gone downhill. The Escape has reportedly been recalled five times (LA Times), and apparently MyFord Touch is also problematic.

[@BulgadariXR]

Share my thoughts? The ford escape may not be perfect and no car is by any means. But it is a good vehicle coming from a company who is trying to build new and exciting cars. The company has also done it without being bought and sold by the Government. GM who I have always loved is a pseudo government entity at this point and Chrysler including your precious Jeep brand is foreign owned. I own Fords, GM, and Chrysler products right now. I can find comical faults in all of them.

[@mlps93]

Fix Or Repair Daily 3 recalls already hard plastics ill take the CX-5 please

[@rickhamilton620]

I could see how someone might crosshop a Titanium full zoot Escape with a base Q5 or X3. Titanium trims are never going to be big sellers overall.

[@angelregalado3472]

What music is playing at 0:16

[@jays5926]

lol

[@jvrdlc]

Really good review.. 36K for a loaded Escape? Wow I can get a loaded Santa Fe w that money..

[@connorPiper0]

The escape has the auto parking system! And the rear seats recline!

[@stephenderong9151]

I'm short and I keep hitting my head on the roof when I get in.

[@WoZIMoo]

Yeah but the engine catching fire isn't just your typical recall..

[@franki3Ru550]

The backup camera should be standard, it's 2012 hello!

[@thetman0068]

...you were saying?

[@singhn77]

Did she just compare the Escape to a X3 and Q5?

[@mdscaravan08]

5 months later, do you still love it.

[@TheLifetraveler1]

CR is not anti-American. Car that American dealers use to make were junk. I know I had three pieces of crap, purchased brand new from Ford and said I would never buy a Ford product again. When buyer gravitated to the Japanese brands, it forced American manufactures to do a better job and they did. My favorite cars now are Ford Focus, Ford Escape, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruz. Because of the improvement, I will consider a U.S. brand next time. American is NOT the world, just one part!

[@John1MN]

After reading the June 14, 2012 LA Times Online review of the Escape, it sounds like it's a leader in defective technology that doesn't work right.

[@bmwmsport11]

Beatiuful car, BUT pricing is abit high, I don't like the trim level choices. And I don't like the interior style it's too much like a focus.

[@OhNoAndyIsHere]

They put it into the C-MAX instead.

[@hlbrownfield]

Ours burned to the ground on the side of the road, ONE day!!!, after we got the recall. Ford is extremely hard to deal with when you have a loss like this. One of the hardest thing I have had to deal with!

[@1232bluejays]

crv blows this away

[@maxthehulk]

2013 escape looks way nicer than 2013 pathfinder

[@jvrdlc]

Great review. The car is too expensive cimoating to the crv rav4 forester and all fully loaded.. with thtmat 36K i can get myself a nicely equiped toyota highlander or an EX Pilot or even a traverse... Just too much money for the segment

[@Trades46]

$36,000 and no back-up camera. That's painful. I feel Ford is trying bit too hard to move upscale: $36,000 is well within VW territory & with options will run into GLK & Q5 price range. I'm not sure if people will fork over that much dough for a Ford badge.

[@DevPack]

no the 36K one had it...the SE didnt.

[@95thRiflesOCI]

2:25, wow look how small tat screen is >.

[@pininfarina575]

at 36000, I'd rather go for something like Acura RDX or VW Tiguan... the pricing doesn't add up for what it is.. and those interior panel gaps and crappy seats? come on Ford.

[@ramonj08]

Rather have a base model BMW X3

[@20nripped91]

I don't really like the the new models. I bought a 2012 Ford Escape. I had the option of the 2013 but I did not like the new models.

[@kitkatakakitty]

This is completely biased. She hates everything about this car.... Apparently nothing is right with this vehicle . I own one, I love it !!! It was 23000 and comes with a review camer on any package (maybe not the S) but it is standard... Great car !!! Lovei it

[@lizardgreen2121]

Recalled

[@xyzbobboy]

This report was dead-on. I would have bought one except for the value/cost and back up camera issues.

[@myakolakowski7930]

Another example of how consumer reports is a lap dog for foreign car makers. The Escape drives much better than any of the competition, The Honda Toyota and Subaru that I drove were unresponsive, and I wouldn't want to have to change direction at high speeds in those cars. The 2.0ltr is a blast to drive, Honda and Toyota are slow old granny cars compared to good ole American muscle. The technology is light yrs better than the sad competition. Love my Escape. God Bless America!

[@hazelr7789]

Have you had any major problems with the car?? Just curious bc I’m looking into getting one used

[@minivanman1356]

no v6 come on

[@chitpaul]

FORD Kuga...in the uk...

[@zuti071]

shame,no diesel engine.

[@TheSouthernGentMan]

This lady is so much better than Tom Muechler.

[@pucus21]

I would take Mazda CX-5 over this Escape!

[@TheLifetraveler1]

And who says they are suppose to look "American". Give us a break. You buy what you like and for your information it is Euro cars morphing into American designs. If you've ever traveled overseas, you would know Japanese and European branded cars so here, are much bigger and laid out totally different. The European ACCORD is tiny, compared to the one made for America. Knowledge is power, get some!

[@YeuLaKho]

$36000 for a Ford escape? That is expensive.

[@95thRiflesOCI]

Those recalls on the 1.6 turbos zzzzzzzzz

[@59summerset]

At least you don't hear about Ford's sunroofs exploding. > Hyundai Veloster

[@DaveDude571]

3:40 mazdaspeed3

[@ceczis]

poor review. ford escape starts below $23,000...you make it sound like it starts at28,000 and compare the price to "cheaper" compact suvs, which are not actually cheaper. why did you do that?

[@woodchuck1848]

For the same price, just get the German VW or Audi.

[@TheMetalmachine467]

There's not one car suv or truck Made by Japanese Chinese german Korean or American That is problem free!!! Go to any forum to any car from any maker youll see all problems

[@killersushi99]

Not bad for a rolling fireball of death.

[@lizardgreen2121]

38000? Wtf uh ill take the new sante fe sport waaaaaay better looking, better interior, better price. What I don't understand is why a domestic brand is more expensive then imports.

[@jackfrost2288]

Safety rating? Not good. lol Subaru Forester. Great

[@Dankcatvacs]

only a vw will only last 99k miles

[@Robin_R.]

For that price, one can buy VW Tiguan!

[@beatlespersun]

This car is a failure. The old model was perfectly fine and was well liked. Then Ford went and fixed something that wasn't broken. The 2013 Escape has only been around a few months and already 4 recalls, 3 for engines that could catch fire. Now thanks, I'll buy GM, maybe even Chrysler if they get something like this available.

[@chiragmistry2004]

one word to describe this review is "COMPREHENSIVE"

[@GenesisBRZ86]

Just get yourself a Hyundai Santa Fe or a Mazda CX-5.

[@danielnjk]

Ford is starting to produce cars that look like old Kia/Hyundai car models. This upsets me...