2017 Ford Escape Review
Used Escape for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine accelerates quickly
- New tech interface features advanced voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Steering and handling feel more like that of a car than SUV
- More room for small stuff, and more power plugs
Cons
- New base engine lacks punch
- Dashboard design looks dated with many small, similar-looking buttons
- Base-model S trim available only with older, less efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
What’s new
The 2017 Escape gets revised exterior styling, some minor interior improvements, a newly available 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a modified 2.0-liter engine with a bit more power. Models with Sync 3 also provide an ownership app (FordPass with Sync Connect) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety features now include lane departure prevention, a drowsy driver warning system, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert.
Vehicle overview
Shopping for a small crossover presents a dizzying array of options, but the Ford Escape is a smart, safe choice among a crop of great contenders. The 2017 Escape receives style and power upgrades, improved small item storage, and an updated tech interface that packs plenty of connected punch.
The Escape offers optional all-wheel drive, respectable fuel economy, a spacious cargo bay and an available hands-free power liftgate. You can outfit the Escape from comfortable casual (the SE trim with no options) to rugged luxury (a loaded Titanium model that can breach $40,000). On the road, its agility instills a level of driver confidence that's rare in this class.
For 2017, Ford has trickled some desirable features such as automatic climate control down to lower Escape trim levels. The old lever-operated parking brake has been replaced by a button, which frees up space for improved small item storage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is now available. Finally, there's a new standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in addition to the optional 2.0-liter turbo-four.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our test of the 2013 Ford Escape Titanium AWD (2.0L 4-cyl. turbo; 6-speed automatic). NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Escape has been revised with updates to infotainment features, driver aids, and a new 1.5-liter base engine. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Escape.
Scorecard
| Overall | 3.5 / 5 |
| Driving | 3.5 |
| Comfort | 3.5 |
| Interior | 3.5 |
Driving
3.5The turbo four-cylinder gives the Escape rapid acceleration. Unlike many competitors, it never lacks for power. The transmission is a smooth operator, and the manual mode gives easy access to engine braking.
Comfort
3.5Overall comfort is good in the Escape. Its ride is amply compliant, even though it's one of the better-handling SUVs in the segment.
Interior
3.5For the most part the interior design makes sense and is easy to use. It's loaded with features, too, especially on the Titanium trim level. The quality of materials and assembly is good.
Utility
Hard to argue with the Escape's available cargo space: 68 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Not as much room as in the Honda CR-V but on par with rest of the class. The hands-free, foot-operated power liftgate also becomes a can't-live-without feature once you've used it.
Technology
The new Sync 3 is a significant upgrade over the previous MyFordTouch infotainment interface. Improvements include clear touchscreen graphics, quick response time and easily navigable menus.
Which Escape does Edmunds recommend?
The Escape SE with the optional 2.0-liter engine delivers strong acceleration and reasonable mileage without pushing the price tag above $30K. It also offers various stand-alone options so you can pick and choose features without having to select large packages that include things you don't need.
2017 Ford Escape models
The 2017 Escape is a compact crossover SUV that comes in S, SE and Titanium trim levels. The S is fairly bare-bones but comes with features such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Sync 3 tech interface and smartphone integration. Most buyers will want to start with an SE, which introduces a new engine, nicer wheels, a power-adjustable driver seat and more available options. The top-trim Titanium adds luxury touches such as leather upholstery, a hands-free power liftgate and ambient cabin lighting.
2017 Ford Escape videos
2017 Ford Escape Expert Rundown
Looking for a great SUV that's a smart, safe choice among a crop of great contenders? The 2017 Ford Escape might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.