The 2021 Ford Escape provides most of what you'd expect of a small SUV, including a roomy cabin, helpful technology features and very comfortable seats. Storage capability isn't mind-blowing, but it's certainly good enough. The Escape's few but significant drawbacks include unrefined transmission shifting and a lack of handling precision.
The 2021 Ford Escape is a small SUV that competes against segment juggernauts including the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Redesigned just last year, this versatile crossover is roomier and more powerful than the previous Escape, while a range of new engines ensures there's a powertrain to fit any buyer's budget or needs. That is especially true of this year's model, which expands availability of the hybrid model to the SEL trim level.
On the inside, the Escape offers Ford's newest Sync infotainment interface — one of the most user-friendly touchscreen systems in the class. There's also a long list of available safety features. Among these is adaptive cruise control, which can now recognize speed limit signs and adjust the Escape's speed accordingly. Despite some drawbacks, such as clunky transmission shifts and poor handling capabilities, the Escape is a strong competitor in one of the toughest segments on the market.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.7
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Ford Escape on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the Escape drive? We tested the Escape SEL with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This engine makes plenty of power, allowing it to easily squirt through traffic and accelerate up to highway speeds. In Edmunds testing, our Escape covered 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is better than most rival small SUVs with an upgraded engine.
Unfortunately, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts slowly and can be jerky with its upshifts. Downshifts are similar, and you'll feel multiple small shocks as you decelerate. Even the engine stop-start system bucks the Escape when it restarts the engine as you take your foot off the brake. It all feels terribly unrefined and like something that Ford should have fixed before putting the Escape on sale.
The Escape's handling is disappointing too. It rolls a lot and has a ponderous feel as you go around turns. There's not much grip from the tires either. As for the steering, it's very light and low-effort in the default drive mode. Selecting Sport mode gives it more heft and makes it easier to figure out where the front wheels are pointed.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Escape? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort the Escape offers. The front seats are well shaped and have a pleasing amount of cushioning. The rear seats are also comfortable and provide a suitable amount of thigh support for adults. While our SEL test vehicle was equipped with basic controls for the front passenger, the next-level Titanium adds a power-adjustable seat, which is a rarity in this class.
Around town and on the highway, the Escape rides in a smooth and composed manner. It's also fairly quiet at speed, with road noise the prevailing source of sound intrusion. The automatic climate system delivers less airflow than you'd expect on a hot day. Unlike rivals, ventilated front seats or heated rears are not available on any trim.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? The Escape's cabin is functional and pleasantly laid out. The primary controls are easy to reach, and the steering wheel buttons take no time to decipher. The Sync 3 touchscreen interface is snappy and simple to operate as well. The driver's seat gives you a commanding view outward, and it's only mildly impeded by the rising beltline toward the rear. The seat itself offers numerous adjustments that make it a cinch to dial in the perfect position. On the downside, the door armrests are a touch too narrow.
We're impressed by the Escape's use of space inside. There's plenty of room all around, and the deeply sculpted front seatbacks afford lots of knee room to rear passengers. Headroom might run out for very tall rear occupants on models with the panoramic sunroof. Other than the tall doorsills, there are no issues getting into or out of the Escape.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? The Ford Escape's infotainment system is a highlight. The navigation setup is easy to use, quick to act, and shows you directional info when a point-of-interest search returns multiple locations (e.g., a Starbucks is 1 mile forward, or 0.5 mile to the left). The six-speaker system is excellent for a base system, producing clear audio and punchy bass. Smartphone integration, however, is a bit disappointing. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility isn't standard on every Escape, and there aren't many USB ports to charge your devices.
The driving aids work well and almost all are standard. Though our test car wasn't equipped with it, experience with an Escape Titanium reveals that car's unique lane-centering feature works quite well on the highway, avoiding the "ping-ponging between the lanes" effect in rivals.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? At 33.5 cubic feet, the Escape's cargo area is average for the segment. We like the low floor and high seatbacks, affording you a lot of vertical storage space before luggage cuts into rear visibility. The rear seats don't fold flat, but the outboard seat belts can be disengaged from their seat holsters so there's no obstruction while loading cargo.
Interior storage is much better, with large cubbies in the front and sizable door pockets in the back. All cupholders have anti-tip tabs, which is fairly uncommon in this vehicle class. Easily accessible car-seat anchors and tethers, plus the large rear seat, make it a breeze to load a child safety seat.
Escape models with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, more than many small SUVs.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Escape with the turbo 2.0-liter engine is rated at 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). This is better than all other small SUVs with upgraded engines. Though the estimates are stellar, our observed fuel economy with our test vehicle fell short of expectations. We earned an average of 20.2 mpg over 187 miles of driving — mostly at city speeds but without much traffic.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Escape a good value? The Escape's interior has plenty of soft-touch plastics up front, while hard plastics are generally silver, gloss black or otherwise textured in a way that shows effort. The simulated leather upholstery is surprisingly convincing. The panel gaps are a little inconsistent and the interior door handles feel inexcusably cheap, but overall it's an appealing cabin for the price.
Ford's pricing is competitive, though you'll often have to pay extra to get features that competitors offer on less expensive trims. Adaptive cruise control, for instance, requires adding a package on top of a midlevel model. It's standard on the CR-V and RAV4. Ford offers basic warranty coverage for three years/36,000 miles, with powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles. All are average for the class.
Wildcard
7.5/10
Remove the fish mouth-like front grille, and the redesigned Escape would look like any other small SUV on the market. The interior won't wow you at first glance either. But your appreciation of what the Escape offers will likely grow as you put it through the paces of everyday living. It's a perfectly serviceable small crossover SUV, and one that Ford can be proud of.
2021 Ford Escape trim level differences
The 2021 Escape is a small SUV available in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Titanium. By default, most trims are driven by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard for the Titanium and optional for the SE and SEL is a fuel-sipping 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain (200 total system horsepower) that drives the wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Those looking for more power can opt for the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (250 hp, 280 lb-ft) available on the SEL and Titanium trim levels. Front- or all-wheel drive is available with the three-cylinder and hybrid powertrains, while the turbo-four comes only with AWD.
Which Escape trim does Edmunds recommend?
We like the generously equipped SEL model, though it's not the most wallet-friendly option in the Escape lineup. All three of the Escape's engines are available on the SEL, and it comes with creature comforts including heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. A bevy of option packages lets you customize the Escape to your heart's content.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
2021 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)
Personally like interior trim, smooth ride, and many extra features in the Titanium Hybrid. Added a hitch for small towing needs, installed by Ford. Factory installed would have been ideal but wasn’t in stock at time of purchase. I am particularly impressed with mileage. So far approx 43% of my overall miles are electric, however mostly short haul trips. No regrets! Very happy so … far but time will tell how it holds up.
2021 Escape Hybrid/Titanium if fabulous!
5 out of 5 stars
BobT, 08/30/2021
2021 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)
Our 2021 Escape Hybrid/Titanium if fabulous- 51 MPG in the first 10 mile trip driving home from the dealer and I have pictures to prove it! We have been getting 45-56 MPG with mid-range gas in our daily driving-mid 40s on the highway at 70 mph with the AC running and mid 50s on two lane roads and in city traffic generally 45mph or less. The Hybrid drive and CVT make it very smooth … starting and stopping which is very important for a family member who has had extensive neck and back issues and the battery pack shifts the center of gravity back toward the rear wheels making the hybrid much more nimble than the fully gas powered Escape. It's AWD and navigates the narrow, poorly maintained mountain road to our home with no issues. Power is more than adequate on the highway. We are very happy with this vehicle.
Ford Fever
4 out of 5 stars
Matthew R, 05/19/2021
2021 Ford Escape Titanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Considered the Honda CRV but chose the redesigned Escape titanium version instead. Liked the stronger 250 hp engine and its traditional transmission versus CVT in the Honda. The tech features (nav, HUD, app, safety) are significantly newer and at 6' tall I seemed to have a bit more leg room in the cockpit. I also really liked the panoramic sunroof option and a bit more comfortable … seats. The car seems significantly more refined than the older generation CRV to me and the color and wheel choices appealed more to me. I love the antimatter blue. Negatives: In higher trim levels the Ford appears at least 10% more expensive than the Honda (apples to apples) and it's historical resale value is poorer as well. The Ford's interior is also not real impressive, seat materials even at the highest trim level (titanium elite) are cheap and hard plastics abound. Most upper level configurations end with a black interior, no grays are offered. It's unfortunate you have to order the highest trim level to get digital gauges, LED lights and an electronically dimming rear view mirror; they are not offered individually. Ford links interior choice to wheel selection which is also annoying. All in all I am happy with my choice (so far) and pleased to be driving an American car for the first time in 30 years.
Great suv; love it!
5 out of 5 stars
CAS, 05/26/2021
2021 Ford Escape SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A)
Love this suv, very easy to drive and love all the upgrades! Saving money on gas as well! My sis bought the same suv, we both agree loving the Ford Escape! My son has an older model and loves it as well! The price was right with the help of edmunds advise.
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