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Used 2021 Ford Escape SUV Trims Comparison

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.

Ford also offers an Escape with a plug-in version of the hybrid engine, the Escape PHEV. It's reviewed separately on Edmunds.

S
This base trim starts you off with:

  • 17-inch steel wheels
  • 4.2-inch central display screen
  • Height-adjustable driver's seat
  • Six-speaker sound system
  • Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot

Every Escape also comes with these safety features:

  • Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
  • Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
  • Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

SE
Perks the Escape's content up with:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Keyless ignition and entry
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Satellite radio
  • Two rear USB ports
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Choosing the hybrid powertrain also adds dual-zone automatic climate control and an upgraded instrument cluster display. Other optional extras include:

  • Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
    • Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
    • Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
    • Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
    • Navigation system
  • Cold Weather package
    • Heated mirrors
    • Remote engine start
    • Automatic climate control
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Heated front seats
  • Convenience package
    • Upgraded headlights
    • Power liftgate
    • Dual-zone automatic climate control
    • Power driver's seat
    • Rear armrest
  • SE Sport Appearance package
    • 19-inch black-painted wheels
    • Black exterior styling elements
  • Panoramic sunroof

SEL
Builds on the SE's standard equipment with:

  • Cold Weather package
  • Convenience package
  • 18-inch wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Foglights
  • Roof rails
  • Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
  • Imitation leather upholstery

A number of packages are also available for the SEL, including:

  • Technology package
    • Hands-free liftgate
    • Digital instrument panel
    • Driver-seat memory settings
    • 10-speaker B&O premium sound system
    • Wireless charging pad
  • SEL Stealth AWD package (turbo four-cylinder engine only)
    • 19-inch black-painted wheels
    • Black exterior styling elements
    • Faux suede seat inserts
  • Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Tow package (turbo four-cylinder and hybrid only)

Titanium
This top trim comes standard with the hybrid engine, though the turbo-four is also available. Other upgrades include:

  • Technology package (minus the charging pad)
  • Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
  • 19-inch wheels
  • LED foglights
  • Ambient lighting
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Power-adjustable passenger seat
  • Front parking sensors
  • Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention)

There are a few options for the Titanium, including:

  • Titanium Elite package
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Chrome exterior accents
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Leather upholstery
    • Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Tow package

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.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Spring Hill, FL
Vehicle
Escape S
Escape SE
Escape SE Hybrid
Escape SEL
Escape SEL Hybrid
Escape Titanium Hybrid
Escape Titanium
Vehicle
S
1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A
See all Escape S for sale
1 for sale near you
SE
1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A
See all Escape SE for sale
12 for sale near you
SE Hybrid
2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT
See all Escape SE Hybrid for sale
5 for sale near you
SEL Hybrid
2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT
See all Escape SEL Hybrid for sale
Titanium Hybrid
2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT
See all Escape Titanium Hybrid for sale
4 for sale near you
Titanium
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
See all Escape Titanium for sale
2 for sale near you
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Navigation
Not Available
optional
optional
optional
optional
standard
standard
Satellite radio
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Keyless Ignition
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
optional
optional
optional
optional
standard
standard
Parking assistance
optional
optional
optional
standard
standard
standard
standard
Upholstery
cloth
premium cloth
premium cloth
leatherette
leatherette
leatherette
leatherette
Heated seats
Not Available
optional
optional
standard
standard
standard
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Sunroof
Not Available
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Drivetrain
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
all wheel drive
Engine power
181 hp @ 6,000 rpm
181 hp @ 6,000 rpm
165 hp @ 6,250 rpm
181 hp @ 6,000 rpm
165 hp @ 6,250 rpm
165 hp @ 6,250 rpm
250 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Engine torque
190 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
190 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
190 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Engine displacement
1.5 l
1.5 l
2.5 l
1.5 l
2.5 l
2.5 l
2.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 3
inline 3
inline 4
inline 3
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
Transmission
8-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
electrically variable-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
electrically variable-speed automatic
electrically variable-speed automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
Tire size
225/65R17
225/65R17
225/65R17
225/60R18
225/60R18
225/55R19
225/55R19
Wheel size
Wheel type
steel wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
28 / 34 / 30 MPG
28 / 34 / 30 MPG
44 / 37 / 41 MPG
28 / 34 / 30 MPG
44 / 37 / 41 MPG
44 / 37 / 41 MPG
23 / 31 / 26 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
14.8 gal.
14.8 gal.
14.3 gal.
14.8 gal.
14.3 gal.
14.3 gal.
15.7 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
414 / 503 miles
414 / 503 miles
629 / 529 miles
414 / 503 miles
629 / 529 miles
629 / 529 miles
361 / 487 miles
Fuel Type
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
premium unleaded (recommended)
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
39.0 ft.
39.0 ft.
39.0 ft.
39.0 ft.
39.0 ft.
39.0 ft.
39.0 ft.
Curb weight
3,298 lb.
3,298 lb.
3,491 lb.
3,298 lb.
3,534 lb.
3,566 lb.
Ground Clearance
Overall Width with Mirrors
85.6 in.
85.6 in.
85.6 in.
85.6 in.
85.6 in.
85.6 in.
85.6 in.
Overall Width without Mirrors
74.1 in.
74.1 in.
74.1 in.
74.1 in.
74.1 in.
74.1 in.
74.1 in.
Height
66.1 in.
66.1 in.
66.1 in.
66.1 in.
66.1 in.
66.1 in.
66.1 in.
Length
180.5 in.
180.5 in.
180.5 in.
180.5 in.
180.5 in.
180.5 in.
181.3 in.
Wheelbase
106.7 in.
106.7 in.
106.7 in.
106.7 in.
106.7 in.
106.7 in.
106.7 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
33.5 cu. ft.
33.5 cu. ft.
30.7 cu. ft.
33.5 cu. ft.
30.7 cu. ft.
30.7 cu. ft.
33.5 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
40.0 in.
40.0 in.
40.0 in.
40.0 in.
40.0 in.
40.0 in.
40.0 in.
Front Leg Room
42.4 in.
42.4 in.
42.4 in.
42.4 in.
42.4 in.
42.4 in.
42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room
57.6 in.
57.6 in.
57.6 in.
57.6 in.
57.6 in.
57.6 in.
57.6 in.
Rear Head Room
39.3 in.
39.3 in.
39.3 in.
39.3 in.
39.3 in.
39.3 in.
39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
38.9 in.
40.7 in.
38.9 in.
38.9 in.
40.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
56.0 in.
56.0 in.
56.0 in.
56.0 in.
56.0 in.
56.0 in.
56.0 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$33,794
$34,747
$33,023
$35,142
$34,729
$34,775
$42,026
Average Cost Per Mile
$0.45
$0.46
$0.44
$0.47
$0.46
$0.46
$0.56
Depreciation
$8,842
$9,427
$9,456
$9,569
$10,867
$10,527
$10,987
Financing
$3,256
$3,412
$3,719
$3,667
$4,006
$4,073
$4,151
Taxes & Fees
$1,480
$1,531
$1,631
$1,614
$1,725
$1,796
$1,822
Fuel
$8,521
$8,521
$6,237
$8,521
$6,237
$6,237
$12,131
Insurance
$3,542
$3,626
$3,626
$3,387
$3,387
$3,712
$3,807
Maintenance
$5,280
$5,357
$5,785
$5,511
$5,938
$5,861
$6,035
Repairs
$2,873
$2,873
$2,569
$2,873
$2,569
$2,569
$3,093
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Interior
Dark Earth Gray, cloth
Dark Earth Gray, premium cloth
Sandstone, premium cloth
Dark Earth Gray, premium cloth
Sandstone, premium cloth
Ebony, leatherette
Sandstone, leatherette
Ebony, leatherette
Sandstone, leatherette
Ebony, leatherette
Sandstone, leatherette
Ebony, leather
Ebony, leatherette
Sandstone, leatherette
Ebony, leather
Exterior
Agate Black Metallic
Oxford White
Desert Gold Metallic
Velocity Blue Metallic
Antimatter Blue Metallic
Iconic Silver Metallic
Bronze Fire Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Oxford White
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Desert Gold Metallic
Velocity Blue Metallic
Antimatter Blue Metallic
Iconic Silver Metallic
Bronze Fire Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Oxford White
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Desert Gold Metallic
Velocity Blue Metallic
Antimatter Blue Metallic
Iconic Silver Metallic
Bronze Fire Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Oxford White
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Desert Gold Metallic
Velocity Blue Metallic
Antimatter Blue Metallic
Iconic Silver Metallic
Bronze Fire Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Oxford White
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Desert Gold Metallic
Velocity Blue Metallic
Antimatter Blue Metallic
Iconic Silver Metallic
Bronze Fire Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Desert Gold Metallic
Velocity Blue Metallic
Antimatter Blue Metallic
Iconic Silver Metallic
Bronze Fire Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Desert Gold Metallic
Velocity Blue Metallic
Antimatter Blue Metallic
Iconic Silver Metallic
Bronze Fire Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic