Looking at all the makes and models that encompass the SUV marketplace, you might notice a common trend affecting every brand: there are an overwhelming number of compact and crossover models. It's hard to believe there once was a time when all SUVs were overbearing in size, with small options virtually nonexistent. Visiting a used Ford dealership such as Steve Marsh Ford, you'll certainly see many scaled-down SUVs that might not be as large as their predecessors but still possess all of the same capabilities drivers look for.
This practice might not have even existed had it not been for the Ford Escape. Arriving at the start of the SUV boom, the Escape was the first clue that a smaller SUV could provide all the advantages of a more fuel-efficient powertrain and a size that made it easy to drive around the city limits. Today, we look back at the vehicle that proved to be one of the most influential in the history of the SUV. Buckle up; we're going places. To be more specific, we're going to escape the ordinary.
Escaping From the Realms of Typical Convention (2001-2008)
The story of the Ford Escape begins at the dawn of the new millennium. In 2001, some of the more popular SUVs were the ones who were, for lack of a better term, large and in charge. The Hummer and Cadillac Escalade are two offerings that were not only known for their size but also as notable status symbols. The Escape arrived as a complete antithesis of popular design, so much the better.
The most notable difference that the Ford Escape offered was how it was built. Instead of being built on a chassis generally shared with a pickup truck, the Escape had a unibody design similar to that of a sedan. The result was a smaller SUV that any driver could operate with minimal difficulty. While designed as a more consumer-friendly vehicle, the Escape still had plenty of kick with a six-cylinder engine that provided 201 hp and could tow 3,500 lbs when properly equipped. The exterior design was more in line with a vehicle that was built for the path less traveled. Its ground clearance of more than seven in and 4WD could facilitate adventures.
These days, it's not uncommon to see a crossover or compact SUV with a hybrid powertrain. In 2005, however, the technology was relatively new and becoming more streamlined and accessible for consumers. The Ford Escape took advantage of this technology during the 2005 model year, much to the delight of SUV owners looking to save money on fuel costs. A four-cylinder engine and regenerative braking allowed 36 MPG while driving in the city. Utilizing an eCVT meant that the vehicle could easily handle the stop-and-go patterns of city driving.
New Style, New Features (2008- 2013)
2008 was a new beginning for the Ford Escape as the vehicle entered its second generation. As the SUV market changed, Ford sought to adapt a new style to the Escape that had similarities with its siblings, the Explorer, Edge, and Expedition. The Ford Escape still has an exterior design that was common for SUVs, but it had begun to grow more aerodynamic and curvaceous.
One of the most notable items in 2009 was a new four-cylinder powertrain. A 2.5L engine provided 171 hp and the capability to generate 171 lb-ft of torque. The new setup allowed for better fuel economy, with drivers achieving 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Proving that they could stay ahead of the curve with the continuing changes in the market, the hybrid version of the Escape, which used the same engine with an electric motor and a CVT, allowed 34 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, both impressive numbers for the SUV market.
2009 would also see the introduction of Ford SYNC. This comprehensive software program would connect drivers to a host of technologies that would enhance the driving experience and provide additional oversight in terms of safety.
A Bold New Design and More Fun With Four (Cylinders) (2013-2020)
It's been remarked before that one can't reinvent the wheel. This assumption that there's a plateau to perfecting anything was thrown out the window when Ford granted the Escape a complete redesign in 2013, coinciding with its third generation of production. The first notable difference was the exterior design, which was now sleek and aerodynamic, giving the vehicle a look that genuinely operated it compared to many of its competitors. The most notable change with the vehicle concerned its available powertrains. The V6 was now gone from the equation altogether, and a series of turbocharged four-cylinder engines would be the standard method of propulsion moving forward.
Aside from the engine of the Ford Escape, which is now becoming more streamlined, the transmission has also received a notable change. The manual transmission available in recent years had been dropped, and in its place was a performance-oriented six-speed automatic. This new setup allowed for improved fuel economy, with the Escape now achieving 23 MPG in the city and matching the Hybrid's 31 MPG on the highway that had been present in the vehicle's previous generation. The vehicle's interior has also become more refined and sophisticated, emphasizing comfort.
Escaping Into a Bright Future (2020-Present)
Following some styling updates in 2017, the Escape entered a new era of its ever-growing legacy during the 2020 model year. The Escape once again changed up its available powertrains. A 1.5L three-cylinder engine and a hybrid configuration that combined a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors generated an impressive 200 hp. Around this time, Ford announced that it would be building a PHEV version of the Escape, with up to 37 miles of electric-only driving. A five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a host of standard features showed Ford's dedication to providing their drivers with safe vehicles was as strong as ever.
In 2023, the Escape and the Explorer entered the high-performance realm. The ST-Line of both vehicles saw the introduction of not only elevated style and suspension made for higher speeds, but Ford took the initiative to offer courses for both vehicles to teach drivers the intricacies of cornering, accelerating, and braking at high speeds. For over two decades, the Ford Escape has set new standards for what a compact or crossover can achieve when the right minds are involved. No matter what it travels next, we're waiting with unbridled enthusiasm as it takes its rightful place in the pantheon of great SUVs.
Get Into the Escape Today
Now that you've read about many of the changes the Ford Escape has undergone in its history, you might feel tempted to take one for a test drive. Here at Steve Marsh Ford, we carry a variety of new and used versions of the Escape that are ideal for anyone. See us today and become a part of this unique SUV's lineage. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will walk you through our extensive selection of Ford Escape models and help you discover which one best fits your needs and budget.