1
0
Compact SUV; Built in
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $13,700 – $25,300*


2014 Ford Escape


2014 Ford Escape


2014 Ford Escape

Pros:
  • Acceleration with 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines
  • Ride/handling
Cons:
  • Engine noise with 2.0-liter engine
  • Interior storage space

The redesigned for 2013 Ford Escape is dramatically different than the vehicle it replaces. This compact sport utility is smooth, refined, and quite engaging to drive. The new 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that’s standard on SE and SEL models is very refined and powerful enough to please most shoppers. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost that’s optional on SE and SEL and standard on the range-topping Titanium is substantially stronger and makes Escape quite quick. Interiors are comfortable and nicely finished, and cargo capacity is good. Much less impressive is the MyFord Touch control interface that’s hard to use and frequently suffers from crippling software bugs. If MyFord Touch isn’t a deal breaker (please try before you buy), stick with a modestly equipped Escape SE with the 1.6-liter engine. It hits to sweet spot for performance, features, and dollar value, as SEL and Titanium models can get quite pricey.

Overview

As Ford’s smallest SUV, the compact Escape was positioned below the Edge in the Ford family. Escape debuted as a 2001 model and received its last major update for 2008. Modified, retrimmed versions of the Escape were sold as the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. Both have been discontinued.

Ford built the Escape at the company’s Louisville, Kentucky, assembly plant.

The Ford Escape was completely redesigned for 2013. Ford’s entry-level SUV gained updated styling, new engines, and new features. It seated up to 5 passengers and was offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Escape S came standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It was rated at 168 horsepower. SE and SEL models came standard with Ford’s 1.6-liter “EcoBoost” 4-cylinder engine. This turbocharged powerplant was rated at 173 horsepower on regular-grade gas and 178 on premium. Standard on Titanium and optional on SE and SEL was a 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder. It was rated at 231 horsepower on regular-grade gas and 240 on premium. Regardless of engine, all Escapes came with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Escape S models were front-drive only. All other Escapes were available with front- or all-wheel-drive.

The Escape came standard with all expected and federally mandated safety features. Other available safety features included front- and rear-obstacle detection, rearview camera, blind-spot alert, and cross-traffic alert.

Yearly Updates

2013 Escape
There were few changes to the 2014 Escape.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

The Escape S came standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It was rated at 168 horsepower. SE and SEL models came standard with Ford’s 1.6-liter “EcoBoost” 4-cylinder engine. This turbocharged powerplant was rated at 173 horsepower on regular-grade gas and 178 on premium. Standard on Titanium and optional on SE and SEL was a 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder. It was rated at 231 horsepower on regular-grade gas and 240 on premium. Regardless of engine, all Escapes came with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Escape S models were front-drive only. All other Escapes were available with front- or all-wheel-drive.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/152
Engine HP 168
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 170
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 22/31
Turbocharged dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 1.6/97
Engine HP 173
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 184
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 23/33
Turbocharged dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/121
Engine HP 231
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 270
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 22/30

 24

Road Test

With the 1.6-liter engine, Escape feels energetic from a stop but with just adequate power for highway merging. The 2.0-liter engine is stronger overall. Both engines have fine throttle response, and the 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly and provides timely downshifts. No 2.5-liter Escapes have been made available for testing.

In Consumer Guide testing, AWD 2.0-liter Escapes averaged 23.9-24.5 mpg. Ford recommends regular-grade gas for all Escapes, but the turbocharged 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines make more horsepower when they are run on premium.

All Escapes ride quite well, with fine bump absorption and good body control. Even the Titanium, which has 19-inch wheels, capably deals with most imperfections.

Escape’s steering is accurate, if a bit too light for some testers’ tastes. Handling is confidence-inspiring with well-checked body lean. The 1.6-liter engine is strong enough to give off a bit of torque steer wander under aggressive throttle, at least in front-drive models. The all-wheel-drive system puts the muscular 2.0-liter engine’s power to the ground without drama. Braking is strong with an easy-to-modulate pedal.

Escape SE is very quiet on the highway with little wind or road noise. The 1.6-liter engine is very refined and nearly silent at cruise. The 2.0-liter engine is louder overall with more exhaust noise than expected, but not enough to be intrusive. The 2.0 engine quiets down on the highway. The Titanium’s 19-inch tires kick up more of a ruckus than the 17s on the SE.

Escape has large gauges that are easy to read. All models tested came with MyFord Touch. With it, most audio, climate, and navigation functions are governed by a large touch screen mounted on the central section of the dash and by two five-way control buttons on the steering wheel. Despite several refinements over the years, MyFord Touch still requires acclimation and study to master all of the options. It also continues to suffer from glitches, including a wayward navigation system and finicky Bluetooth connectivity. Some of the virtual “buttons” on the touch screen are small and can be difficult for the driver or front passenger to reach. Further, the few physical buttons seem to sacrifice function for form, notably the audio system’s power switch, which is mounted face up on a flat surface in front of the touch screen where it’s easy to miss.

Escape’s interior is handsomely finished with good assembly quality. Plastics are a combination of soft-touch and hard surfaces with attractive finishes. Escape’s faux-metal accents look good too. Titanium’s interior is especially nice with its specific trim and the available full-leather seating surfaces.

Up front, larger adults will find plenty of room. Headroom is generous on models without the sunroof; we haven’t yet had the opportunity to evaluate a sunroof-equipped Escape. The seats are comfortable, but some folks may wish for a bit less side bolstering and a longer bottom cushion. Only the driver’s seat is height adjustable, which seems like a cost-cutting measure. Legroom is likewise good.

Escape’s rear seat has adult-size space, with enough headroom, knee space, and foot space even behind a six-foot driver.

Rear cargo room is good, and the rear seat flops forward to increase load space. Interior small-item storage space is unexceptional. Storage spots include two console-mounted cupholders, door pockets with bottle holders, and a good-size bi-level glove compartment. The center console has a bin under the armrest that houses the USB jack, a set of RCA-style inputs, SD card slot, and a 12-volt power outlet. The storage compartment itself has a small footprint but is very deep.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2013 Ford Escort SE 1.6-Liter engine 2WD

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 66

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
105.9 178.1 72.4 66.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
68.1 15.1 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.9 39.0 40.4 36.8
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2014 Escape 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Oil leak
Description: The right cylinder head gasket may leak oil. (2013-14)
Transmission leak
Description: Automatic transmission may leak fluid from left halfshaft seal. (2013-14)
Accessory belt
Description: The accessory belt may have been installed incorrectly and overheat. (2013)

Recall History

2013 Escape
Description: The Restraint Control Module may fail and airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not function correctly.
2013 Escape with 1.6-liter engine
Description: A coolant leak could start a fire.
2013
Description: The left rear door child lock may not engage. The door could be opened from the inside.
2013 Escape with 1.6-liter engine
Description: The cylinder head could overheat and crack. Leaking oil could start a fire.
2013 Escape with 1.6-liter engine
Description: An incorrectly installed fuel line could leak and start a fire.
2013 Escape
Description: The console trim may be misaligned and reduce the area around the pedals. The driver’s foot might contact the side of the brake pedal while braking and increase stopping distances.
2013-14 Escape with 2.0-liter engine
Description: A faulty sensor could cause the engine to stall.
2013-14 Escape
Description: Doors may difficult to close and could open unexpectedly while driving.
2013-14 Escape
Description: Front seatbacks may have substandard welds and the seatbacks could become loose or lean while driving.
2013-14 Escape with 2.0-liter engine
Description: An Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor could cause the engine to stall.
2014 Escape
Description: Because of a software problem, the instrument panel could be blank and warning messages would not be visible.
2014 Escape
Description: The fuel pump could fail and stall the engine.
2014 Escape
Description: The Fuel Delivery Module may crack and cause low fuel pressure. This could result in the engine stalling.
2014 Escape with panorama roof glass
Description: The panorama roof glass may separate from the vehicle.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 20, 2016.
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