2017 Ford Escape Review: Bad Year For The Unreliable Cheap SUV

Alex Showalter

Mar 4, 2022

The 2017 Escape only lasts about 200,000 miles with common engine failures. At $18,919 – 23,715, it’s not worth the money for the problems.

The Good

Updated infotainment technology, handling is very good and the most powerful engine is quick.

The Bad

The base engine is relatively weak, interior materials are cheap and advanced safety technology is very expensive.

2017 Ford Escape: Key Points

Reliability ratings are poor with engine and brake problems. Avoid models from 2016–2018, and go with a 2019 or newer model.
Two 4-cylinder engine options: one is efficient and the turbo engine has more power.
Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG combined.
Safety scores are excellent, getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
We don’t recommend the 2017 Escape because of expensive mechanical problems and an uncomfortable interior.

Positive Owner Reviews

Troy B

Good reliable. Over 100,000 miles and no major issues. Great interior quality.

It is a great vehicle especially for someone that cannot afford a large SUV. No major issues so far. Just rolled over 100,000 miles on the original brakes. I have flushed the transmission once. Only real problem I have had with it is the plastic guards protecting the bottom of the car. I love on a dirt road where we have to drive through lots of snow and the slush gets in between the plastic and metal and it will freeze up overnight and break the plastic. Plenty of power and great handling. Gets decent gas mileage for a larger turbo charged engine. Seats are very comfortable especially compared to other brands. Love the sync 3 technology, works flawlessly. Blind spot assist is amazing I couldn't imagine not having it now. Great vehicle overall.

David V

It is innovative, worth value and.

My vehicle is just the best for me,I have not had any serious issues with it. It is comfortable, portable and accurate, it consumes less fuel, it is luxurious and fit, it fits my personality, buyers should check the portability,,it is not too expensive, it is worth buying.

Elizabeth N

Ruby red sports package and se with eco fuel.

The electronics need to be updated with software patches from time to time. The suspension is amazing and the ride is pretty smooth. Very comfortable interior. Ruby red is my favorite color. Got the sport package too. Very sleek and eye catching with black 18 inch rims.

Dawn S

Great gas mileage even when I mainly do around town driving.

Drives great. Roomy hatch area. Little tight with my toddlers car seat.

Grac A

Perfect, versatile vehicle.

The interior of the car is very comfortable & makes especially long car rides bearable with features such as comfortable leather seating, Bluetooth connection, and satellite radio. The build of the car has been able to withstand long trips throughout different terrain.

Kate P

Safety and comfort can be found in this amazing priced vehicle

It is the perfect size between a car and a full size SUV. For someone who is petite like I am (5'2") it can be difficult driving larger vehicles but this one is perfect! It rides smooth and has great features and all for a reasonable cost.

Sandra S

Great drive, in all types of weather conditions including snow

Like how it drives Seat height is perfect Great convenient storage

Alexis M

It is a great car to have for the family.

It is a great car to have! I do not have any problems with it at all. I can travel far on a full tank of gas with no issues.It's comfortable and spacious for the family and very affordable as well. I love the heated seats and run roof the tinted windows the space in the back when you lay the seats down that way you will have more storage.

Negative Owner Reviews

Jay

Bad engine 31000 miles!

Agree with Mark however ours has only 31000 miles 2017. Thank good it’s under power train warranty getting fixed. Total junk they know they have a problem with the 1.5 liter yet don’t take care of them.

Charlene M

Charlene

Up until one week ago I have absolutely loved my Ford Escape, then I noticed paint peeling off around the front windshield. Yesterday I took it to the dealership and was told that it is not Ford's problem. I have since read many reviews on the shoddy, thin coats of paint that Ford uses.

Kathy Ganci

Engine trouble

Coolant going into engine. There is a recall. Service very poor.Would not buy. Could be dangerous?

Brenda Porter

Never again

Bought new, at 3 years old had 31,000 km and engine had to be replace. Not long after warranty was up the paint started peeling. I guess the White 2017 is know for this. Be careful buyers.

George Large

Synch stopped working

I have a 2017 Ford Escape Se with 39,000 miles the main display panel started acting up n now has lijes through it the day after the warranty expired. 2 weeks later the voice control on the steering wheel stopped working along with the synch system. After doing a reset it still refuses to wirk. The radio utself doesnt shut off when pushed off. Will not have audio until the Sirius button is pushed. The FM doesnt work at all. All this happened within a 2 week span. I would never purchase another Ford product ever again.

Corey Curtis

Engine fsilure

My 3017 st 10000 km has coolant into engine leak and Gord’s attitude is to what ever you need to we won’t replace. Over warranty and misff Sc omg a service record. Not impressed. Still owe on it and refuse to pay gor junk

Jennifer M

Compact car, major engine concerns.

In less than 2 years after purchase, the engine had to be fully replaced at the cost of the manufacturer due to a known issue. There were cylinder issues, 2 and 4 that caused the vehicle to stall at a minimum of 50 miles per hour, on a busy street. Every other week the tire pressure is low, and from information gathered, the engine feature (not auto start) caused the issues previously mentioned (minus the tire pressure). Overall, the vehicle handles well, and seems to deal with the weather fine, and it is a comfortable car, minus the aforementioned problems.

Cheyanne

Engine bad at 63,000 miles.

Bought one used 4 months ago and has been nothing but problems. Dealership has had it for 3.5 of the 4 months I’ve owned it. The Engine is bad in it, at 63,000 miles!! I love the car itself, it’s very nice and updated but not worth all the mechanical issues ?. Luckily we were still under warranty so it’s all covered, but definitely do NOT recommend!!

Top Critics Reviews

Consumer Reports says the Escape is quiet and comfortable, but has terrible owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Escape a 3.5/5 finding a quick turbocharged engine, but the interior is very dated.
Kelley Blue Book rates the Escape 4.1/5, saying it’s roomy, but doesn’t offer as much room as rivals.

What Problems Does the 2017 Ford Escape Have?

Problems include engine coolant issues, squeaky brakes, and excessive paint chips. There are fewer complaints and engine problems in 2019, but prices are nearly $5,000 higher.

Engine coolant leaking into cylinders is a serious issue on some cars at around 63,000 miles. Leaks are usually caused by gasket failures. In some cases an entire engine replacement is necessary, costing $7,000.

Squeaky brakes are another common issue happening in the first 5,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by worn out pads or rotors. Replacing the parts costs about $350.

Excessive paint chipping is another complaint at around 50,000 miles. When paint doesn’t cure properly, it chips easier. Repainting affected areas costs about $1,000 per panel.

There’s only one recall, for the power window motor. The motor can injure people when the window closes with too much force.

How Long Will the 2017 Ford Escape Last?

A properly maintained Escape will only last about 200,000 miles, at least 100,000 miles less than rivals including the RAV4 or CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are expensive at $532 per year, according to Repair Pal.

As an Escape reaches 100,000 miles owners should prepare to replace oil pressure sensors for $100, control arms costing $600, and engine mounts which cost $250.

Heather C

I have only had it four months and I have not had any problems so far. It still runs like it is brand new.

Les W

I find my ford escape to be a reliable vehicle and have not experienced any problems with my car thus far.

Ann W

At this time we've not experienced any issues. It has been reliable and I do a lot of travel. I have not had any complaints since owning this car.

Betty J

None that I have noticed. It does make sounds when the door is opened and when the car is turned off, but other than that mine is fine.

Cynthia M

Yes, the ford escape titanium is reliable. I have not had any issues with it other than the rear parking sensor malfunctioning at times due to a loose wire. It was an easy fix ultimately.

Michael S

I seem to be having issues with the automatic shutdown and restart at stop lights. Sometimes it will not start again.

Kathryn S

The 2017 ford escape is a very reliable vehicle! I have not had any problems whatsoever with this vehicle.

Jan D

Very reliable. I have not personally encountered any issues with this car. I do commute over 200 miles daily for work and the car has performed very well.

How Much is the 2017 Ford Escape Worth?

Blue book prices range from $18,919 – 23,715 making the Escape more affordable than a CX-5 or Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $23,750 to $31,000. Depreciation is average, losing about 7% of its current value per year.

What Are the Models & Specs?

S is the entry-level model with:

17-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Interior
Cruise Control
LED Tail Lights

SE adds some good features including:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Premium Cloth Seating
Entry Keypad
Dual-Zone Climate Control

Titanium is the luxury model and has:

18-Inch Wheels
Leather Seating
Keyless Entry & Ignition
Power Liftgate

168 HP 24 MPG

View Details

179-245 HP 25-26 MPG

View Details

Titanium

179-245 HP 23-24 MPG

View Details

What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?

Technology is very good in the Escape, and new technology was introduced for the 2017 model with a complete redesign in 2020.

Base technology includes a 4.2-inch infotainment screen, SYNC, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and a 6-speaker stereo system.
Optional upgrades are expensive and include an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as 9 or 10 speaker stereo systems.
Standard safety features: a rearview camera, air bags, and anti-lock brakes.
Optional Safety features: blind spot information systems, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

What Engine Options are Available?

Performance is similar to other SUVs in the base-level Escape models. The upgraded EcoBoost engine is quick, taking only 7.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

The base engine is a weak 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 179 horsepower.
Optional on the SE and Titanium is a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which has 245 horsepower.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Escape?

The 2017 Escape is a compact SUV similar in size to the Rogue and Equinox. Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with decent legroom for adults, but is not class leading.

Cargo space is generous with 34 cubic feet of room, with the seats up, expanding to 68 when folded flat. There’s enough room for a family of 4 and their luggage.

How Does the 2017 Ford Escape Compare to Other SUVs?

The highest-rated compact SUV of 2017 is the more expensive Subaru Crosstrek. Where the Crosstrek comes out ahead is with a better driving experience, but the Escape has more passenger room. Overall, the Crosstrek will last longer and is a better choice.

Another rival is the Honda CR-V, which is also more expensive. The CR-V has a more spacious interior, but there’s a more powerful engine in the Escape. Between the two, the CR-V is a better choice with fewer serious issues.

Ranks #12 Compact SUV by Owners

2017 Subaru Crosstrek

4.68

2017 Kia Soul

4.67

2017 Ford Escape

4.43

Final Verdict: Is the 2017 Ford Escape a Good SUV?

No, the Escape is a bad SUV. We have received many negative owner reviews mentioning a lot of paint defects, engine failures, and problems with the infotainment system.

Overall, 2017 is a bad year for the Escape and we would recommend going with a 2019 model or newer. There are fewer engine problems for 2019, but prices are nearly $5,000 more.

Heather C

Yes. It's an affordable SUV with many modern features. It is spacious, comfortable and a smooth ride.

Les W

Yes. It is dependable and comfortable. I have had many ford escapes, and continuously remain loyal to the brand because of its great features and affordable price.

Ann W

Yes. It gets good gas mileage and is comfortable on long trips. It is very roomy and has the capacity to haul quite a large amount of boxes. In town driving is easy; stop and go traffic is no problem. It is a quiet ride as well.

Betty J

Yes. It drives very well. Comfortable seating that are adjustable. Mine has the review camera that I love. Maneuvers well and accelerates quickly. Plenty of room for five in comfort. I enjoy my car.

Cynthia M

Yes. I love my ford escape. This is the 3rd one I have had. It is very reliable and the titanium trim is more luxurious than the others.

Michael S

Yes. I enjoy driving this car and it is easy and cheap to maintain. Gas mileage could be better. Power is ok. Look is a bit boxy but that is ok.

Kathryn S

Yes, this vehicle is wonderful! I live in upstate New York and this vehicle handles the winter weather very well!

Jan D

Yes, smooth ride, comfortable. Gas mileage fair. I commute long distance for work and feel safe and secure in this car.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Steven on May 22, 2022

Engine and paint failures

I will never buy another Ford product I'll be at I do like driving this car. I knew engine was necessary at 35,000 miles. Shortly after this the paint began peeling primarily on the A-pillars Ford will not cover it. Search online is a common problem plaguing the Ford Escape (as well as the F-150 trucks.)

Matt on December 29, 2022

Coolant Leak..

Just like others.. Coolant leak is happening. I asked about this a month ago when my vehicle was near end of warranty. Ford said it's not an issue with my vehicle. 1 month later, my vehicle is affected and it's not covered. Never ever ever buying from Ford again.

D Sandene on October 7, 2022

Engine failed at 54,000 miles

Do not buy this suv.

Brenda Porter on November 8, 2021

Never again

Bought new, at 3 years old had 31,000 km and engine had to be replace. Not long after warranty was up the paint started peeling. I guess the White 2017 is know for this. Be careful buyers.

Robert B on October 26, 2021

Engine Failed After 70,000 miles

I have a 2017 Escape Titanium with the EcoBoost engine. Engine light came on and coolant leaked into the engine. Now I'm having the engine replaced.

Mary R on June 25, 2021

Safe, comfortable, and roomy.

This is the 3rd escape I have owned and I love it. I have never had any performance problems with this manufacturer or model. It handles well and I love the fact it has all wheel drive which serves me well during the winter months. It has plenty of room for passengers and the cargo space is capable of holding lots of items with no problem.

Karen L on June 25, 2021

I am in love with my escape!

Great value for the money. It is good on gas. It has a peppy engine to be able to pass when necessary. It has lots of luxury features. My favorites is heated seats and remote start. It has sensors for oil change and tire pressure and blind spot detection. I would definitely consider buying another when the time comes.

Evelyn A on June 25, 2021

Happy with 2017 ford escape.

I just bought it in sept 2020 used from carmax. I have had no problems with it at all. Very impressed with the performance and reliability. It also is the right size car for my husband my, and little one set to arrive in 4 months. I also enjoy the rear view camera.

Sara D on June 25, 2021

The se is affordable mid package to consider.

The vehicle is great however there has been sensor issues since the first month that I have had the car. Every time it is cold out the engine light will come on, but yet nothing will be wrong. Everything is great other than that. The vehicle is a smooth ride. Reliable and dependable.

Maxine L on June 25, 2021

Comfortable and affordable SUV.

This is a great car. It drives comfortably, not like a truck, but it can handle rugged terrain and hills very well. The back seat is not the most comfortable, but the captains chairs and console are great. We keep the oil changed and have had no repairs as of yet (knock wood),

Charlene M on June 24, 2021

Charlene

Ashley J on June 24, 2021

This is the best car ever- I would own a 100!

I love the large display- it makes backing up and guidance very easy. It drives very smooth and the gas mileage is amazing! The seats are comfortable for me and I am 5’10”. I can fit my three kids in the back comfortably and there’s a good bit of room in the truck for storage. I easily fit the stroller and several bags/sporting equipment. So far maintenance has been a breeze as well.

Cassidy O on June 24, 2021

Amazing, comfortable ford escape.

So comfortable! A little louder then I would like, but nothing horrible. Great gas mileage! Lots of trunk space, fits four tires. Handles really well. Easy to switch between menus. Sometimes it disconnects my secondary phone, but it is easy to reconnect. I wish plugging in my phone to the car wouldn’t override all other media, but that is not a huge issue.

Bryan S on June 22, 2021

Sweet and reliable ride. Has been good to me.

My truck typically runs really well. There is typical wear and tear that happens on most vehicles. Outside of changing breaks doing oil changes rotating tires and doing things to maintain the vehicle, there has been no major issues with my vehicle. It is a great truck.

Kaitlyn B on June 21, 2021

Great car overall, wouldn't trade it in.

When I first got it had troubles with the engine. Needed to get it replaced. The paint in chipping within the first 3 years I have it. I have had some issues with ford dealerships in Miami. I love the interior, I love how quiet it is, it drives very smooth. All the details are good.

Ve C on June 19, 2021

It is black on the inside, easy to ride in very smooth radio works great.

The color does not ruin a time goes. It has a lot of nice features and the radio works really well. It is easy to fix and is not really expensive when you fix it yourself but since we can fix it ourselves we do not know how much it is at a mechanic! It is very comfortable but the inside does get very hot and things can burn you. Sometimes the seatbelts get stuck but that is okay it fixes after a minute or two. It is a smooth ride does not shake at certain speeds or anything. It handles speed bumps and potholes really easily and it does not have many problems on the road. It does not over heat and we haven’t had to fix much. The payments are not bad and neither is the insurance we use. It is comfortable and the air and heat works really well.

Maddie H on June 19, 2021

Wonderful, reliable and comfortable.

The ford escape is a wonderful car, it has treated me very well! I have never had any issues with the car! I take care of it, and my car has been the most reliable one I have had yet! It is comfortable in my long road trips and has a decent amount of features for an se.

Becca V on June 18, 2021

Best vehicle with most safety features!

The safety features are amazing! I truly feel safe driving my family around. Not to mention, it is by far the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. The huge sunroof is a favorite! The reverse camera helps to navigate tight parking lots. The heated seats are wonderful during the cold winter months.

Yulia S on June 17, 2021

I love my ford escape and nothing else.

My car is a very good product. It has spacious room. The exterior is 30 and durable. I love the navigation system and the safety features. I also love the way it keeps me focus on my driving. The entertainment system is also good. Everything functions well and I can get a really good service and maintenance at my dealership.

Olivia R on June 15, 2021

Amazing SUV fit for a small family and/or an active lifestyle.

I love this car so much! It is very spacious and, with the seats laid down, allowed me to move an entire apartment, minus big furniture, in 2 trips. The gas mileage is great and it is relatively inexpensive to fill the tank. Additionally, I have taken several long trips in this car and the seats are very comfortable for road-tripping.

Troy in Texas on June 14, 2021

I love my 2017 Ford Escape

I've owned my for 4 and a half years. It has over 89,000 miles and is one of the few vehicles I've owned that still drives and rides like it did when I bought it. My 2017 Ford Escape has had regular service and the only thing that has went wrong it one of the wheel sensors. This vehicle has been a great daily driver and fun to drive.

Jennifer L on June 14, 2021

I love how smooth it drives and how comfortable I feel behind the wheel.

It is the most comfortable car I have owned. It drives smoothly and the backseat is super comfy and spacious for the kids. The trunk is also big and the back seats fold down which is great. My sister also has an escape and I enjoyed driving hers so much I purchased one for myself.

Yasmin B on June 14, 2021

Ford escape review great car.

I love my ford escape. It is great in gas I have had it over 1 year and everything is going perfect!! Nothing wrong with the engine. It is a great car to travel with you family the car itself had a ton of space. My car itself has seat warmers for the winter time I love to use it! It also had a GPS on the dashboard you can see where you are going. Like I said I love my ford escape I have had it over a year great car I will fully recommend it!

Mara M on June 12, 2021

The ford escape is wonderful, safe, reliable car. It is an all around great car.

The ford escape is a wonderful car. It is safe and reliable. The car drives smoothly and handles well with turns and starting /stopping. The electronic maintenance notifications are helpful and allow the car to be kept at peak condition. The center console has many nice features like storage compartments, cupholders and touchscreen for media and controls. Sometimes the USB ports do not work and do not charge or connect devices plugged into them. The only other issue with the car is that there is occasionally a rattling noise in the passenger door. Overall, the car has great winter features, storage space, safety features and I would recommend it.

Josi L on June 11, 2021

Air conditioner runs loud. It is very annoying.

When you run the air conditioner it is really louis. Otherwise been happy with the car. Like the size. I also like the screen in the car. It lets you to be able to see your maps, music etc. I wish I would of gone with leather seats. The cloth seats get d***y easy and hard to clean.

Jonathan B on June 10, 2021

I like the fuel efficiency. I do not spend as much on gas as I did before.

Wish the seats were more comfortable. Otherwise the car runs and drives great. The engine shut down feature sometimes makes the car completely shut down. Then you have to put the car in park, shut it off and restart it. This can be troublesome in traffic.

William R on June 9, 2021

For Its size it handles very well. Backup camera is very nice.

My car is very comfortable. Has good air and great sound. Decent gas mileage and is big enough for my friends and pets. The Bluetooth works seamlessly. The car handles pretty well for its size and power that lets me get up and go! The seats fold down and the back seat is great for taking bulky things too and fro.

Charlie G on June 9, 2021

My personal experience with the 2017 ford escape.

I recently purchased this vehicle, I believe it was April of this year. This car is very dependable while also offering great gas mileage. I haven't had any issues with the mechanics of the car. The only issue I have had is that sometimes when the car first turns on, the radio does not work. So in order for me to get it to work I will have to turn the car off and back on. Other than that the car is great and I do not yet have anything bad to say about it. 4.5 out of 5 for me.

Nydia C on June 8, 2021

Good car, beautiful and dependable.

Love the way it runs. It is beautiful and does not use too much gas. The one thing I don't like is that the inside is very small and the trunk is very small too. I will recommend this car to my friends and family. Also the price was good. Another bad thing is that key doesn't let me run over 80 miles and the radio wont go higher than 14.

Samantha P on June 6, 2021

About the car and the inside.

It rides really good! Very comfortable and lots of room. It has heated seats, the air and heat works good! All leather makes an easy clean up! Automatic windows, and has lights everywhere on the inside which makes it very easy to find door locks and even has lights in the cups holders which is amazing.

Alex K on June 6, 2021

The reliable and comfortable ford escape.

The ford escape is a reliable, durable, and overall a trustworthy car. Through my daily use of the vehicle I have experienced comfortable seating, impressive handling, and great sound quality. The only issue I have experienced is the auto start/stop does not work all the time.

Beth S on June 6, 2021

My ford escape, a perfect car for easy maintenance and a comfortable ride.

My car drives very well. We have gotten new brakes and tires, just maintenance repairs. All else is great. The car gets decent gas mileage and is a comfortable ride. My car has a moonroof which we really love but in Florida it is not used several months of the year.

Joela S Roberson on June 4, 2021

Bought a month ago.

Just bought a 2017 last month, the first payment isnt due yet! Paint chipping on the driver side windshield. Dealer says Ford wont cover it, waiting to see if dealer makes it right! Traded a 2011 Escape, never had any issues with it!

Colleen A on June 2, 2021

Ford escape 2014 and 2017.

This is my second escape. I have had problems with both. Mainly turbo issues. We had to replace engine in 2014 escape. It is a nice small SUV but they are know for problems with the turbo. Also had issues with linkage break. Wouldn't go into park. Plastic piece broke over 1000 dollars to fix.

Haylee L on May 27, 2021

Ford escape review from a millennial mama.

I love all the extra room in the back! It is amazing and the leg room in the back seat is decent. I had some trouble fitting my toddler’s car seat behind the driver’s seat, but fit enough. It rides very well and smooth. I did not get a 4wd one, but this FWD still gets going in the snow.

Stephanie C on May 23, 2021

Truly top of the line and best in safety!

The only problem I have with my ford is it could be a little more spacious in the back. Comfort wise, it is amazing! I can adjust my driver seat perfectly to fit my needs! It has so many convenience options, such as foot activated cargo door, keyless entry, and blind spot detectors.

Cayleigh W on May 16, 2021

2017 ford escape, is a great vehicle just not my personal favorite.

I have not yet had any issues with my ford escape. It drives smooth and nice with easy breaking. I am a SUV driver and it feels more like a car and the gas mileage is not very good. I feel too low to the ground and prefer something bigger. The backup camera come in handy with my horrible backup skills.

Molly P on May 13, 2021

Spacious car with great features.

I absolutely love my car! It is spacious enough for all my dogs and it rides really smoothly! It is not like a big bulky bus driving around- it actually whips around like a small car! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for space and reliability.

David Weber on May 10, 2021

Titanium 57K miles review

My 2017 2L Eco-boost Titanium Escape (pearl white, light interior), AWD, 57K miles is a very nice vehicle. It is competent with its AWD and 2L turbo engine. If you review YouTube for performance relative to other vehicles in its class - it is not the slowest vehicle by any means. It does have Turbo lag on the freeway. However, in Sport "S" mode that is less obvious. It has an average quiet interior ride noise and I believe the seats are not as comfortable as others in its class. I have the leather seats and compared to the cloth seats they are much better, but still could be better to make a long drive more tolerable. Its body platform sits up on the road which I like. I added sound deadener to the rear area and under the rear carpet. What a difference! My car never sees a garage however, I am a hobbyist detailer and it looks showroom condition. I have not experienced any of the paint issues suggested by others. To be 100% transparent; my wife has the 2018 Titanium Escape and no issue there either. I did change the low beam head lamp to LED type and I like the color of the light that produces. (Research your LED's very well). Finally, I have had the trunk auto-close / open replaced at a cost of ~$300 US Dollars. I also had to replace the Serpentine belt; tensioner and pulley just recently and was a bit surprised not at the belt but the pulley and tensioner being shot. Finally, I did change spark plugs to NGK 9568 (I believe)dire OE replacement part - and that provided a noticeable improvement in acceleration and fuel milage. At least in my case the factory Motorcraft plugs were causing it to run rich.

Tara A on May 5, 2021

Great on gas and affordable.

I absolutely love my ford escape. I have the ecoboost model that allows it to get up and go. It is also very good on gas getting about 35 mpg in town. As of now with gas at 2.25, fill it with 20 dollars or less a week and I do a lot of running. It has been very reliable and practice and is highly recommended for those who are single or with a small family, or an older couple.

Katelyn W on May 2, 2021

It is the basic model but wouldn’t change it for the world!

Great car! Has great gas mileage! Nothing really is wrong with it but the times I got in my accidents! Really great car bigger than people think! Can hold a lot of things! Seats fold down to make it somewhat pretty flat! Able to fit some large things in there not to big! Great for if you drive a lot and live far from work or from friends and family and need to drive!

Anthony M on May 2, 2021

Ford escape titanium “an SUV that drives like a sports car”.

The titanium model is the best to get because it has all the bells and whistles and is very fun to drive! It comes with leather seats, heated seats, Sirius XM radio, full apple carplay (which is my favorite). This car is an SUV with plenty of room but it drives like a sports car!

Keisha H on April 27, 2021

A reliable vehicle in unreliable times.

I enjoy the vehicle's performance and it is a smooth ride. However, there are blind spots on the driver's side of the vehicle and there have been a few issues in regards to the check engine light coming on. It is a reliable car and it is comfortable and the features are cutting edge.

Wendy W on April 26, 2021

SUV that offers many desirable features, great gas mileage, and more.

The ford escape titanium is a compact SUV that offers a lot of features. It drives very well much like a car and has great acceleration and a smooth ride. While the escape looks attractive on the outside, the inside is slightly lacking in space. This is especially true for the rear passengers as the leg room is very limited. The cargo area in the back is decent, however, I do like the large space that it offers when the back seats are folded all the way down to extend the cargo area in the trunk. The rear seats do fold down easily and lay flat once folded. In addition to the great performance of this vehicle, it also gets decent gas mileage (better than most SUVs on the market in the same range). I also find the colorful under lighting on the interior of the cabin to be a nice touch. Some things that I would have liked to see in this model, would be more storage room. It lacks cup holders making it difficult safely store more than 4 beverages of average size. I also find the front console to be a little smaller than I am used to having. While the Bluetooth pairing with smartphones and tablets is relatively easy, the rear camera is not as clear as I would like (compared to the Chevy models which provide a very sharp image when backing up).

Paul S on April 25, 2021

The backup and the spot side mirrors are a real asset when changing lanes.

Has really good performance, gets around 26 miles per gallon gas. Has all the room needed to handle things needed. Have never had any problems, replaced tires at 43,000 miles keep them rotated and balanced. Has very good headroom and legroom. Brother in law is 6ft 5' tall and he can get in and out with bumping his head.

Dawn Proulx on April 25, 2021

I will never own another Ford

I have a 2017 escape. Mechanically I've had no issues. However I've found a defect in the paint all around my windshield. It is just coming right off the car. This car is only 3 years old with only 24,000 miles. I went to the local dealership who reached out to Ford and they said sorry nothing we can do. This is a defect in their workmanship and they take no responsibility. I will never own a Ford again.

John R on April 24, 2021

2017 ford escape SUV. It is a very nice vehicle.

My 2017 ford escape does not have many problems. My ford escape has very good performance. The ford escape has very good reliability over all. It is very nice inside and is very comfortable to drive. The ford escape has a lot of very nice features too.

Becky K on April 23, 2021

Engine problems

This is my 14th brand new Ford since 1986. I purchased a 2017 SE Ford Escape new, check in light came on with only 20,000 miles, took to dealer Twice and they replaced a sensor. Check engine light coming on and off after about another year , then didn’t come on for several months. At 51,000 miles engine system fault light on, service immediately. Took to dealer ship and said antifreeze leaking into the motor. Needs motor replaced.Having to wait for parts to arrive and was told it will take 3 weeks to repair. Totally disappointed in this Ford product. Should be a product recall. Was told this was the 3rd one that had come in with engine problems recently. Buyers be ware.

Makenzie S on April 22, 2021

It is the perfect size for me and my 2 dogs.

My ford escape has the basic features; backup camera, Bluetooth, electric windows and seats. It is the first vehicle I have owned with a backup camera and I will not go back to not having one. The seats fold down, which gives a lot of space if you need to move. If all the seats are up, the “trunk” area is very spacious, my dogs have plenty of room. I have had people say it does not ride very smooth but I do not mind it. I have had it for a little over 3 years and I have not had any problems.

Loralee H on April 21, 2021

The car has very good gas mileage.

This car is very good on gas and has a lot of room. The back seats fold down to give the car more space to move items. It has a rear view camera and can connect to Bluetooth. The car rides nice and is comfortable if your looking for a economical vehicle.

Tara K on April 21, 2021

Great quality, affordable family car.

I love this car. It is not too big or too small. It gets great gas mileage, in town and on the highway. Even the standard features are nice. I really like the interior design. It is comfortable and fits my family of four well. It was not expensive, but it is a quality vehicle.

David J on April 20, 2021

Smooth ride and expert handling.

Very comfortable interior, smooth ride, handles very well. It gets moderately good mpg on highway and city driving. The onboard display is clear and up-to-date, with bluetooth technology. I really enjoy driving this car. It provides a decent level of luxury and is a fun car to drive.

Renee W on April 16, 2021

2017 ford escape se. The best small SUV on the planet.

My ford escape is a great SUV. It gets really good gas mileage and is very reliable. It is comfortable and can hold a lot of cargo. It handles really well and is very sporty looking. The features are easy to read and the ac and the heater work really well. I have moved a bedroom dresser in the back as the back seats flatten out and expands the cargo area.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.