The Ford Escape has proven to be a reliable family vehicle that is capable of both daily driving and long distance trips. There have been some major changes that have come about since these were first introduced in 2001 and it is important to know what each of these generations have to offer.
3rd Generation (2020 to 2023)
The latest generation of the Ford Escape saw an exterior redesign making it lower, longer, and wider than its previous generations. In the newer generation a 1.5 liter 3 cylinder turbocharged engine is the standard engine. This engine makes 181 horsepower and is mated to an eight speed automatic transmission. There is also a 250 horsepower 2.0 liter engine available in some of the trim levels as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains to enhance efficiency.
There are still options for both front wheel drive as well as all wheel drive in this generation. Looking at the interior of this Escape there are some stark differences from previous generations. There are upgraded infotainment centers for the 2023 year of the Ford Escape and they are still compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior is a bit larger than the previous generations. The seating for five is comfortable.
2nd Generation (2013 to 2019)
After 12 years of the first generation Ford Escapes, Ford decided to completely redesign the Escapes with this second generation. This generation got rid of the V6 engine seen in the first generation as well as some of the hybrid options. In this generation there were three different engine options, all three of them were 4 cylinder options. There is a 2.5 liter engine in the base models, whereas the mid-level trims saw a 1.6 Liter turbocharged engine that made 179 horsepower. The high level trims, such as the Titanium, features a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine that makes 2440 horsepower. All of these engines were mated to a six speed automatic transmission. This generation also saw options for either front wheel drive or all wheel drive capabilities.
The second generation features a Sync 3 multimedia system that will allow drivers to sync their devices with the vehicle. A more block looking dash design is also seen in the second generation. We also see security features such as Securilock, which is a system put in place that will not recognize any key that is in the ignition that is not the correct key. Thus making the Ford Escape one of the models with the lowest rate of theft, injury, and collision loss.
1st Generation (2001 to 2012)
First generation Ford Escapes came standard with a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Higher trim levels come with a 3.0 Liter V6 engine with a four speed automatic transmission. Some of the trim levels in the first generation feature Control Trac II four wheel drive systems. There were also towing packages that would allow the vehicle to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
In 2005 a hybrid Ford Escape was first produced. This Hybrid makes about 30 miles per gallon. The 2008 Ford Escape saw an upgrade to the styling and look of the overall Escape look. The Ford Escapes that were produced between 2008 and 2012 brought better fuel economy and upgraded electronics. Some of these upgrades included an upgraded 6 speed automatic transmission and options for self-parking.