Ford Escape Pros and Cons – The Ford Escape stands tall as a competitive compact crossover SUV, boasting its most reliable performance in the hybrid powertrain option. But like any vehicle, it comes with its share of strengths and weaknesses.
So, what exactly are the Ford Escape’s pros and cons?
No car is flawless, but every vehicle has its merits. Delving into the pros and cons of the Ford Escape can help you make an informed decision about whether it suits your needs.
The Ford Escape has long been a popular choice among compact SUVs, though it hasn’t always topped the charts. The 2023 model brings fresh updates including new exterior styling and enhanced tech features. However, despite these improvements, it still falls short of being a class leader.
In a recent comparison test of six top contenders, the Escape finished at the bottom of the list.
Ford Escape Reliability
With various models and updates, knowing which years to avoid can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
The Ford Escape has had its highs and lows in terms of reliability. In its early years, particularly in the early 2000s, the Escape garnered a devoted fan base for its versatility and long-lasting performance.
Owners boasted of driving their Escapes for 200,000 miles or more, a testament to its robust design and durable engineering.
However, the reliability landscape shifted with the 2013 redesign, which introduced a poorly crafted engine that led to issues such as coolant and oil leaks, particularly in models featuring the EcoBoost engines.
This drop in reliability significantly reduced the projected lifespan of the Escape to 130,000 miles or fewer.
Despite the challenges posed by certain model years, the Ford Escape continues to receive praise from both owners and experts.
The third-generation compact SUV consistently earns high-reliability ratings from organizations like J.D. Power and ranks among the top five compact SUVs by U.S. News and World Report from 2015 to 2019.
Pros and Cons Of Ford Escape
The Ford Escape stands as a popular choice in the competitive compact SUV market, offering a blend of features, performance, and style.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of the Ford Escape to help you make an informed decision when considering this vehicle.
Read Also: Ford Escape Years To Avoid
Ford Escape Pros:
- Comfortable, Spacious Seating: One of the standout features of the Ford Escape is its comfortable seating. With well-cushioned front and rear seats, passengers can enjoy ample support even during long road trips. The interior design provides plenty of room for everyone, enhancing overall comfort and usability.
- Available Hybrid Powertrain: The Ford Escape offers a compelling hybrid powertrain option, providing both plug-in and traditional hybrid versions. These hybrid models deliver impressive power and mileage, making them a practical choice for drivers seeking longevity and value from their investments.
- Good-Looking Design: With its sleek exterior and appealing interior layout, the Ford Escape is undeniably stylish. The precise lines and curves make it a head-turner on the road, while the high-quality materials used in the interior create a luxurious feel.
- Physical Button Additions: Unlike many competitors that rely heavily on touchscreen controls, the Ford Escape incorporates physical buttons for easier use and accessibility. These control functions are simple to find and operate, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Ford Escape Cons:
- Excessive Plastic in Lower Trims: While the Ford Escape’s interior design is visually appealing, lower trim levels may suffer from excessive plastic components that detract from overall quality. This can be disappointing for buyers seeking a more upscale experience.
- Firm Ride Experience: Some drivers may find the Ford Escape’s ride to be firmer than desired, impacting comfort and handling, especially during sharp movements or turns. While the seats provide comfort, the car’s movement can hinder the overall riding experience.
- Numb Steering: Despite its sporty pretensions, the Ford Escape may suffer from numb and uncommunicative steering, leading to a lack of confidence, particularly in spirited driving scenarios.
- Budget Accommodations: The interior of the Ford Escape, even in upper trim levels, may feel somewhat disappointing compared to competitors. With hard plastic trim and seats that may feel too firm for extended comfort, it lacks the upscale feel of other models in its class.
- Control Issues: While the touchscreen interface is a nice addition, it may complicate the operation of certain functions, leading to frustration for some users. Additionally, the layout of certain controls, such as those for the optional head-up display, maybe awkward and inconvenient.
- Cost of Entry: Depending on the trim level and optional features, the Ford Escape can be relatively expensive compared to its competitors. While higher trim levels offer more features, the cost may not always justify the additional benefits, making lower trim levels a better value proposition for some buyers.
The Ford Escape offers a range of attractive features and options, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if it’s the right choice for your needs and preferences.
Read Also: Why Are Ford Escapes So Cheap?
Does Ford Escape hold its value?
The 2021 Ford Escape, along with the 2019 and 2022 model years, is highlighted as offering good value. With the 2021 model, buyers would pay only around 90% of the original price, with 92% of the vehicle’s useful life remaining. This suggests that the Ford Escape holds its value relatively well, particularly for these model years.
Is it worth it to buy a Ford Escape?
Yes, it can be worth it to buy a Ford Escape. With a starting price of $29,345, the Escape offers the qualities expected from a modern compact SUV, including a spacious interior and good fuel economy. Additionally, it features unique characteristics such as sliding second-row seats and multiple powertrain options, enhancing its appeal to buyers.
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
The Ford Escape has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 16th out of 26 for compact SUVs. While the average annual repair cost is $600, indicating average ownership costs, major issues are less frequent than average. This suggests that the Ford Escape is generally reliable, with fewer major repairs needed.
Why is Ford discontinuing the Escape?
Ford’s decision to discontinue the Escape is part of a strategic effort to update its SUV lineup, focusing on vehicles that are more modern and feature advanced technology. This suggests that while the Escape has been a popular model, Ford is shifting its focus towards newer and more technologically advanced offerings.
Are Ford Escapes good on gas?
Yes, Ford Escapes are known for their efficiency. With an estimated gas mileage of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the entry-level model equipped with front-wheel drive, the Escape offers powerful and efficient performance, making it a practical choice for buyers seeking fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
The Ford Escape offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and reliability. With its comfortable seating, available hybrid powertrain, attractive design, and user-friendly physical buttons, it presents numerous advantages for potential buyers.
However, it’s essential to consider the cons as well, such as the firm ride experience, excessive plastic in lower trims, and numb steering. Despite these drawbacks, the Ford Escape remains a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.
When weighing the Ford Escape pros and cons, it’s clear that it offers a well-rounded package for drivers seeking a versatile and practical vehicle.