Used 2012 Ford Escape XLS SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Ford Escape XLS SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Good Commuter Car
Vic, Beltsville, MD, 12/22/2015
2012 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
I purchased this vehicle new in August 2012 and I have had no major complaints for 6 years.
PROS:
This is a decent commuter car, no bells and whistles, nothing fancy. This is a $20,000 car so you get what you pay for.
I can answer my cell phone hands free, (SYNC & SUN Model), which is pretty cool.
I have not noticed the braking system problems that so many have mentioned.
It turns … well and easy to navigate in parking lots.
Plenty of cargo space. 6' when seat cushions are removed.
I get 28 mpg for my commute to work in highway, stop and go traffic, but I have gotten 31 mpg on long highway trips.
I have a 4 cylinder so there is no "get up & go", i use premimum gas, and it helps preformance immensely.
Leaks around rear hatch window & probably windshield too as carpet is always wet when it rains.
The door handles and the sun visors are very cheaply made, (hate them).
Radio speakers are pretty generic.
Backseat area is small. Only a small child would be able to sit in the middle seat.
The rear folding seat is the worst design. It is a major project if you want to fold the seats down. It is a multi-step process, AND they will not lay flat unless you take the head rest off too. Ugh awful. I don't carry passengers so I took off the three headrests and seat cushions and stored them in garage.
UPDATE CONS: Running the AC will greatly reduce MPG and power. I have a 4 cylinder. If i had to do over i would have bought 6 cilinder just for the "get up & go power"
over 90k miles and a/c has leak somewhere in system. still works but its not cold, but its cool enough to be comfortable in summer.
Update Jan 2019- 100,000 miles. No new complaints. I had it tuned up, new plugs and wires, transmission flush and I change oil every 3-5k miles. I still use premium fuel for performance.
Very reliable, practical car.
Jake Sprecher, Fort Collins, CO, 10/01/2016
2012 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
I have a 2012 Escape with the rare manual transmission. The ride is nothing special, and the driver's seat is a little stiff and unsupportive, but that about sums up my complaints. I haven't had a *single* issue in the 40,000 miles that I've owned it. I think it looks really sharp, and is reasonably fun to drive with a manual transmission. The 4 cylinder bogs down a bit if you're in the … wrong gear, but if you don't mind shifting fairly often it has plenty of power. I average low 20's mpg in town and high 20's on the highway. The steering is the best I've experienced in any car other than my dad's 1987 Porsche 911... it's light in effort yet quick enough and very precise. I wish every car had steering feel like the Escape. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a practical, reliable and reasonably fun to drive vehicle.
Great Vehicle For The Price
ffparamederek, Vista, CA, 05/21/2012
2012 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Bought this car a few days ago so we could have a car to augment our GMC Acadia due to a growing family. It replaced a 1997 Escort so its definitely better. My dealer's initial price quote was over $19,000.
I was called a few days later and was told that that particular Escape was on sale for $13,995. For that price I would say the car is spectacular, being that it was less cash than a 4 … year old RAV4 with 90,000 miles. Its quiet, rides smooth, is very quiet, and has ample power. The manual transmission is hard to shift, but I hope it loosens up. The interior is cheap and plasticky, but what should I expect for the price?
Rusty but reliable
Daron Hill, Saint Francis, WI, 01/15/2018
2012 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
We purchased extra paint protection to ensure against rust but at 5.5 years old no warranty coverage from the manufacture or the add on protection ($750 wasted investment) we just have a rusty investment. Very disappointing and will prevent us for a few purchases from buying Ford products. I was a Ford devotee until now. The transmission is also quirky with how it shifts from first to … second (a bit jerky at times).
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Ford Escape XLS SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:High-tech entertainment features
- Pro:nifty automated parking option
- Pro:hybrid model's impressive fuel economy.
- Con:Feels old compared to rivals
- Con:poor performance from rear drum brakes
- Con:non-reclining and non-sliding rear seat is difficult to fold.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Ford Escape SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Ford Escape in Tennessee is:
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