2018 Ford Escape Review: Unreliable Compact SUV With A Lot Of Expensive Problems

Alex Showalter

Dec 8, 2022

The 2018 Ford Escape only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and transmission issues reported. At $15,400 to $20,950, it’s too much money for an SUV which will cost thousands of dollars to keep running as it ages.

The Good

The SYNC 3 stereo system works well, the cabin is quieter than other SUVs and steering is responsive.

The Bad

Fuel economy is worse than other compact SUVs, ownership costs are high and the interior is a bit outdated.

Is the 2018 Ford Escape a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 6/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the Ford Escape since there are some expensive problems reported, giving it a low overall score. Owner reviews complain about high repair costs, sudden breakdowns, along with steering issues.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice, the seats offer good comfort on long trips, yet cargo space is a bit smaller than the competition.
Reliability 5/10 – There are widespread engine failures reported on the 2018 Escape. Avoid models form 2016–2018, which all have problems, while 2019 and newer are more reliable.
Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard engines, while the turbocharged motor is reasonably quick for a small SUV.
Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Escape is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, parking sensors, as well as adaptive cruise control.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 26 MPG, giving 408 miles of range from the 15.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $10 higher than average at $227 per month.
Value 6/10 – The 2018 Ford Escape is cheaper than many other SUVs, however, costly problems paired with rapid depreciation make it a bad value.

Positive Owner Reviews

Erika D

My car has a very reliable 4wd.

My car has leather seats and seat warmers, which are amazing during the winter months. It has a great air conditioning/heating system, and an amazing touch-screen above the ac controls that allow easy control of my music, as well as for making phone calls.

Shea B

Spacious escape perfect for kids and dog.

Very comfortable. The features are fantastic. I love the auto left back door. It is very roomy, yet easy to fit into a tight parking spot. The back is spacious enough for my large dog.

Alex S

My car is perfect I love it so much.

I really love my car. I feel super comfortable and it is definitely a safe car. It has amazing features and really good gas mileage, it's a great car and the only issues I have had is alignment issues but its normal. Everything else in my car works perfect.

Marybeth C

If something goes wrong with your car and you do not know much about car repair.

If something goes wrong with your car and you do not know much about car repair, then it is time to go to the shop and find out what's wrong. However, lots of people are understandably worried about getting ripped off—mechanics are pretty good at detecting when a customer does not know anything about cars. To avoid this, it is a good idea to narrow down the possibilities of what's going on inside your car. Your sense of sight, hearing, touch, and smell are the only tools you'll need.

Dotty D

One most important things others should now about my car is that is it roomy.

Its new so that's always nice. It does have blind spots when trying to switch lanes. Trunk space is good. It is roomy.

Kat C

The size and safety features were what made me purchase my car!

I love my car! It has great safety features and that was the number one thing I was looking for when buying my first car. I love that I can also get my text messages and phone notifications come through my car so that I do not have to worry about checking my phone when driving. I also love the size. I live in Illinois where we get a lot of snow in the winter. I wanted a car where that will keep me safe during snow storms and this car is perfect.

Lynda F

Perfect size for just two but small backseat.

Perfect size and live the new options. Heated steering wheel and backup camera are my favorites. Would highly recommend.

John L

I have tell my friends if they were looking for a SUV it is the Ford Escape.

It is drives nice on the highway and residential roads, and it is great on gas and maintenance ! It is also very comfortable and roomy with five passengers besides the driver it also has a lot of room for baggage , and I sometimes use it for hauling my tools from the house to jobs because of my truck being broken.

Negative Owner Reviews

Sarah C

Engine leak

Two years old and the engine has to be replaced because coolant leaking into the engine. Light went on twice and I was told no problem just a fluke keep driving after insisting they check further they then admitted to a know problem that the engine needed to be replaced. I was then told rent a car we have no loaners it will take a month to fix terrible service. After several days we have a loaner for you

D B

Avoid

Trans rebuild....torque converter went out.. Other internal components damaged as well.. Coolant reservoir replacement due to leakage. Radiator replacement due to leakage. Ac condenser starting leaking freon. Numerous problems with skid guards coming loose and rattling and knocking around. Vehicle had never rode smooth since 15kmiles. Always vibrates. 2 sets of new tires made no difference. Dealer never can find a reason why. Worst vehicle ever. My 1995 Honda civic rides smoother than this hunk of junk suv. Trans shifts rough at times.. Slams into gear at times.. Dealer says its normal. Has no resale value whatsoever. I will pay this off and keep as my dump runner for my trash.. But never again will I buy another Ford ever again.

Mary

Very disappointed

We are very disappointed in our Ford Escape 2018. We bought this new in 2018. We loved it until May of 2020 when we started having problems. We would go to start it and it wouldn’t start. Faults came up on the dash. Since May we have had it to the dealership 5 times for the same thing a few times the dealership couldn’t find anything wrong but the last time which was about a month ago they had it for about 3 weeks and said it was electrical after finding some wires frayed from some rubbing so they said they changed some wiring. Well again it happened after we got it back when I went to the store and came back out it wouldn’t start. It takes around 15 minutes for it to start.Again it is back in the shop!!! Very worried about driving it any where in case I am really stranded. Very frustrated!!

Tonya

Do not buy

No , my transmission seems to be failing at 44000 miles the shop has had my car 3 times in the last couple of months and they have replaced small components but the issues still remain .. Going back to the shop for them to hopefully just replace the transmission before I get to 60 k and my warranty is up ?

Darrell black

Not happy

Steering went out @ 23000. Not happy.

Djuana hix

Not happy

Power steering issues

tim

Engine coolant leaking intocylinder

Pos do not buy. Engine fails coolant leaking into cylinder walls . Now I have something rubbing when I turn right and then go straight. New engine still making some odd noise. This one fails lawyer will be called and lemon law will kick in.

Davey James

In shop since July 20th

New engine needed due to coolant leak. Just under 40k miles. Engine on back order. Blaming delay on corona virus, but the Ford manufacturer was this slow before virus. Did provide loaner on eight day in shop.

What Do Critics Say About the Ford Escape?

Consumer Reports says the 2018 Ford Escape offers a quiet cabin, although owner satisfaction scores are very low.
Edmunds rates the Escape at 3.8/5, praising the SYNC 3 technology interface, but doesn’t like the relatively poor fuel economy.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Escape a 4/5, enjoying the nice interior for the money, but owners don’t like the boring driving experience.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Ford Escape Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Ford Escape include the engine misfiring, transmission failures, as well as paint peeling around the windshield. Overall, these problems are much worse than other compact SUVs from the same year, leading to expensive repair costs as they age.

The engine misfiring is the most common complaint on the 2018 Ford Escape at roughly 40,000 miles. Cylinder number 2 is known to misfire and get coolant in it due to a failed gasket. If the problem is caught quickly, the engine can be rebuilt for around $1,200. If it continues to misfire for a while, it will destroy the engine, costing around $5,400 to replace.

Transmission failures have also shown up on several Escape models, according to owners at around 25,000 miles. Some owners have been able to fix the problem by installing a new transmission wiring harness for $1,100. Other cases have needed a new transmission, costing around $4,000.

Paint peeling around the windshield is another issue found by Escape owners at roughly 50,000 miles. The paint around the windshield is thinner than on the rest of the vehicle, leading to it peeling easily as it ages. Repainting the affected area costs roughly $800 , depending on local labor rates.

There are 3 recalls on the 2018 Ford Escape, which is similar to other compact SUVs. The most serious recall covers the shift cable which can come detached, allowing the Escape to roll away. Ford will install a bushing and cap over the cable to fix the issue. Other recalls cover brake hoses on only 88 models, as well as airbag inflators which are common on all makes and models.

How Long Will the 2018 Ford Escape Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Ford Escape can last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other compact SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $506 per year.

As a used Ford Escape reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the A/C compressor for $800, power steering pump costing $550, as well as the camshaft position sensor which costs around $150.

Denise T

It is very reliable. I have had it about a year now, and there have been no issues. It handles well and is very comfortable to drive.

Stacey L

It is very reliable. We have had it just around the year mark, with no problems. We have driven it across country and it drove very smooth and comfortably.

Mel B

Very reliable. Have not had any issues. Except the windshield wipers broke when I had tried to use them when there was to much snow. This is actually 2nd time it has happened this year.

Elizabeth K

So far I have not experienced a single issue. The vehicle seems to be very reliable, providing safety and predictability.

Crystal G

The ford escape is a very reliable vehicle with very few problems. It has served me well for the period of my lease and has need nothing except a regular oil change.

Laura L

It was reliable until I had a blown head gasket at 16,000 miles. Very lucky the warranty covered it or I could not have been have pay to fix it.

Renee H

Yes, it's very reliable. I've had the vehicle about a year now, and I've had no problems with it. Like any other car, you need to keep up on maintaining it.

Jeremy W

Yes, it is very reliable. I had not had any major problems so far (cross your fingers) it has been a very trusty and reliable vehicle.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is decent in the 2018 Ford Escape, offering a standard 4.2-inch central screen. There’s also an optional 8-inch touchscreen available with the SYNC 3 software, which is highly rated.

Safety technology is good as well, offering a standard rearview camera along with Ford MyKey which lets you set speed limits for teen drivers. Optional safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with brake assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, parallel parking assist, rear parking sensors along with adaptive cruise control.

Is the 2018 Ford Escape a Good Value?

No, the 2018 Ford Escape is not a good value since there are a lot of expensive mechanical problems which show up as they age. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,400 to $20,950, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $23,940 to $33,490. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Ford Escape?

There are four models of the Ford Escape offered in 2018, from the base S all the way up to the well-equipped Titanium. It’s also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

S is the entry-level model with:

17-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Cruise Control
60/40 split-folding rear seat
LED Daytime Running Lights
2-Inch Central Screen
Rearview Camera
Bluetooth Connectivity
Six-Speaker Sound System

SE is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Trim
Sound-Reducing Glass
Roof Rails
Foglights
Keyless Entry Keypad
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Eight-Way Power Driver Seat

SEL is next in the lineup and adds:

Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Partial Leather Upholstery
Power-Adjustable Side Mirrors
Auto Dimming Rearview MIrror
SYNC 3 Stereo System
8-Inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Nine-Speaker Sound System

Titanium is the flagship model which has:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Remote Start
Hands-Free Power Liftgate
Xenon Headlights
110-Volt Household Outlet
10-Speaker Sony Audio System

168 HP 24 MPG

View Details

179-245 HP 23-24 MPG

View Details

SEL

179-245 HP 23-24 MPG

View Details

Titanium

245 HP 23 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Ford Escape?

The base engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 168 horsepower while getting up to 24 MPG. All engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission.
An available upgrade is the efficient 1.5L 4-cylinder which produces 179 horsepower and gets good gas mileage at up to 26 MPG.
The flagship engine is the strong 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo which generates 245 horsepower at up to 24 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Ford Escape Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Ford Escape?

The 2018 Ford Escape is a comfortable compact SUV offering seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice, offering a good amount of support paired with durable soft materials.

Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with enough legroom for taller adults in the back seats.

How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Escape Have?

There’s less cargo room than other small SUVs with enough space for 4-6 suitcases behind the rear seats and up to 12 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation of the Ford Escape came out in 2013 and was replaced by the fourth generation in 2020.

2015: No major changes from earlier years.

2016: New SYNC 3 infotainment system added.

2017: Minor exterior styling changes, new engine choices available, and updated safety tech.

2018: New SEL model added, 2.0L turbocharged engine now only on Titanium models.

2019: Standard SYNC 3 on all models, keyless entry and push button start on SE and SEL models.

2020: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new engines, styling, and technology.

2021: Traffic sign recognition added to adaptive cruise control.

How Does the Ford Escape Compare to the Competition?

The Ford Escape is a very bad compact SUV for the 2018 model year since there are a lot of expensive mechanical problems which show up as they age, making it one buyers should avoid.

The Chevy Equinox is a competitor which costs around $1,000 more. Passenger room is slightly better in the Chevy Equinox, while the Ford Escape offers higher quality interior materials. We recommend the Chevy Equinox since there are fewer serious problems reported by owners.

The Nissan Rogue is another compact SUV which is available for roughly $1,000 more. Interior materials are nice in the Nissan Rogue, while the all-wheel drive system works better in the Ford Escape. We recommend the Nissan Rogue for 2018 since ownership costs are lower with no major mechanical issues reported.

Ranks #12 Compact SUV by Owners

2018 Kia Niro

4.71

Tie

2018 Subaru Forester

4.69

Tie

2018 Ford Escape

4.44

Do Owners Recommend the Ford Escape?

Denise T

Yes. It is reliable and very comfortable. It also has great cargo storage. It handles well in the snow and ice, with traction control.

Stacey L

Yes. I really like it. The gas mileage is great and I love having heated seats and a back - up camera.

Mel B

Yes. 4 wheel drive, turbo engine. Heated seats, perfect for Montana winter and for hauling kids around.

Elizabeth K

Yes, the gas mileage is very good. The vehicle provides the perfect amount of space for my family. I love the height that I am seated at when I drive. It gives me perfect visibility.

Crystal G

Yes, the escape is an exceptional vehicle and very reasonably priced with a great trim package. Very good vehicle for the snowy northeast.

Laura L

Yes, love the way my car rides on highway and back roads. I get excellent fuel mileage. Love the CarPlay hook up to my iPhone. Makes me feel like a safer driver.

Renee H

Yes, it's a very good vehicle. It has good gas mileage and is eco friendly. It's a good size for my family of 4, although it's a little tight in the back seat with 2 car seats, not much room for a person in the middle.

Jeremy W

Yes, it provides good gas mileage, is a smooth ride, and it is very dependable. I hope it lasts for years to come.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

GC on January 15, 2023

2018 Ford Escape SEL Metallic Pearl White

I originally leased mine in 2018 and then bought it out in 21. I drove it off the lot with 4 miles on it and as of today Jan 2023, it’s just turned to 30k miles. I’ve had no mechanical issues whatsoever with this vehicle. The only issues I see, is in the past 6 months the exhaust system seems a little loud when accelerating. I’m about to have Ford do a 30k maintenance check on the car and may have them put a new exhaust system on. My Escape drives nice and is a comfortable ride, especially for road-trips. I’m not understanding why the information on this page says Escape’s don’t hold value? My Escape was $29k in 2018 and as of today the same condition low mileage 2018 Escapes are selling for between $20k and $23k. I think the Escape is a great value and mine has certainly been a very good vehicle!

Vick on March 8, 2024

Engine Failure

I have a 2018 Ford Escape. Loved it until it failed on me at 89,009 miles. There was no warning except for a little hesitation when cranked in the morning. The check engine light did not come on until after my engine was too ruined to fix. I had to replace the entire engine to the tune of $10,000. Of course, it was out of warranty, At this point there is no help from Ford because there is no recall. The dealership I took it to told me that I was the third car with the same problem in a month. Buyer beware. Owners get your car checked immediately.

R Warren on January 30, 2024

Very reliable

2018 S model, very reliable so far, looks nice in metallic brown, paint still looks new. Reasonably quiet, nice fuel mileage, averaging 27-28 mpg. Only 1 recall, s**t cable bushing. Just normal maintenance . At five years needs new battery, that's it. Very satisfied. On top of that our smaller local dealer has been great. On top of that Carvana has offered 14,500 in trade I only paid 18, 900 before tax an license new in 2018.

Yvonne on March 1, 2022

Peeling Paint, only 50000 miles but not covered under warranty

My escape has been ok to drive so far. But at only 3 years old with 50000 miles the paint is peeling off the pillar by the drivers side windshield. Warenteed to only 36000.

Cindy Marie on July 26, 2021

To his vehicle has been a dream to drive. I leased it for three years and it's time to turn it in. I don't want to own a vehicle, but if I did, I certainly would be buying this one. I will miss it. It's great to drive, rides really nice, handles great and has plenty of pep!

maegan L on June 25, 2021

Great car with great space.

Great car with a lot of space. Easy to use, drive, and set up the bluetooth features. Vehicle performs very well in all types of weather. Seats are comfortable and adjustable. Very reliable means of transportation. Includes the ability to connect your phone via bluetooth & activate bluetooth features from the steering wheel.

Julia H on June 25, 2021

I absolutely love my ford escape!

The car is extremely excellent in gas. It drives super smooth. The only feature that I do not like is the auto shut off to save fuel. I have not had any mechanical issues with mine and I have had it for thirteen months now. I would recommend the ford escape se to anyone!

Kathryn K on June 25, 2021

Amazing car, great value, and reliable.

It is the best car that I have ever owned. It makes me feel comfortable and safe. It is a very reliable vehicle and drives very well. It has great features even though it is the basic model. It has a backup camera, heated seats, and Bluetooth. I always feel safe when I drive it.

Darlene B on June 25, 2021

Good and not so good points about my ford escape.

My ford escape does not have as much cargo room as the trunk of my old car did. Also, the front wheel drive seems to make it pull to the right at certain speeds. I do like all of the modern technology, such as being able to connect my phone to the car and use the phone hands free.

Maria T on June 25, 2021

Ford escape - safety and comfort.

I love our ford escape. I prefer SUV/crossover to sedan models because I sit higher, making it much easier to see more. Ford escape is comfortable with individual driver/passenger temperature controls displayed in actual temperature settings, not jus 'red' or 'blue'.

Amanda C on June 24, 2021

Great car for a couple or single person that does not need a lot of room.

It is much smaller than a previous model year we owned. No legroom in back seat, cargo area has lower clearance. Finishes seem junky, storage space in the “cockpit” is lacking. The backup camera is a nice amenity, but seems standard on all cars. I wish the gas tank was on the driver side. It is an ok vehicle, but not the best for a family. Car seats are hard to install because of the contours in the back seats.

Kira L on June 23, 2021

The ford escape is incredibly versatile and offers a variety of features!

I really like the ford escape. It is roomy while not being overwhelmingly big. The navigation is a great touch. These vehicles can be very versatile. They can carry kayaks, bicycles, etc. They come with a variety of features to meet the needs of anyone.

Crystal A on June 23, 2021

Lots of space/ good for families/ affordable.

None. Wish the motion sensor to open back was easier. Gas mileage is good. Love the touch screen. Love the sunroof on top. Lots of storage in back. The keyless entry is so nice, keys inside purse and I can unlock door. Ac and heater work great. Good for people with kids.

Tammy A on June 21, 2021

An detail my husband found that with ab app he can remotely start the car!

We recently bought our 2018 used ford escape. Our other car was starting to break down. We had paid it off in five years. Luckily we got a good trade in value. We love the escape. It has the back up camera, fancy radio, heated seats, excellent ac and temperature controls!

D B on June 21, 2021

Avoid

Meghann B on June 21, 2021

Perfect small SUV that is extremely reliable.

I really love the overall size of my car and the trunk space that it has. The side mirrors are great for visibility with the built in blind spot mirrors. My tires often need air refilled which is annoying. The inside of the middle console is very spacious which is convenient since I can store so much in it. The sync feature was great to have when buying my car as well.

Rosie E on June 18, 2021

Honest 2018 ford escape review.

I have owned my ford escape for approximately 2 years now. It is very comfortable for the driver although not quite as spacious as I would like for adult passengers, especially in the back seat. It does have very good trunk space. It is good on gas and I did not find that it had many blind spots, which is a problem I found with several other SUVs.

Jessica M on June 17, 2021

S trim not enough comfort or features.

The vehicle has little comfort and features. I was disappointed with the second row space. The seats are not suitable for long distance traveling. I wish there were more features for comfort. It is best to ignore the s trim if you want more. It performs well and dependable.

Taylor D on June 14, 2021

The vehicle is just okay. The value of the car is not good.

The vehicle is just alright. It drives fine but it is not very comfortable. I am physically disabled and comfort is a big concern of mine. I do not find the driver's seat very comfortable. The vehicle also lost it is value very quickly. I bought it in 2019 used for 30,000 and I looked into trading it in about 8 months later and the vehicle is only worth maybe $8,000 now. I am still paying on a vehicle that is not worth what I owe on it.

Tyler G on June 13, 2021

Small SUV with room to spare.

This car has been great for my family. There is a lot of back seat space. Plus, more space behind the second row than other small sized SUVs. There is easy connection for apple CarPlay that has been very helpful with navigation and to play music through.

Tina H on June 11, 2021

Perfect for older women and short women also.

Very reliable but a short wheelbase gets a little squirrelish. Good gas mileage perfect size for older women! The ecoboost is amazing especially for road trips it really helps going over passes on the highway! Great leather interior good lighting! I love the sunroof full view. My husband says it is not roomie enough for him. I love the hatch back! Just being able to open it with a button the back row of seats lay down great for trips to Costco. The front windshield is nice and large!

Greg L on June 11, 2021

Ford escape is a very nice vehicle.

I have no problems at all with my vehicle at this time. I have only had my vehicle for 2 months as of now so I have nothing negative to say at all right now of my ford escape. It does get excellent gas mileage and it handles very well especially around curves. Nice stereo system as well.

Jeff W on June 10, 2021

Tough as nails, but a few subpar features.

Overall I really like that it is tough enough for Colorado winters. I like some of the standard features such as the heated seats. My least favorite part is the backup camera display. It is so small you cannot see much of anything. It also has an ongoing rattling noise I need to check on. That said, I do not regret my purchase.

Stephone W on June 8, 2021

You can see the number of miles instead of the little line.

I have a red ford escape hybrid and let me tell you. It is a great vehicle. It has lane control so if you start drifting into the other lane it will correct you and put you back in your lane. It also has sensors all over the as well as a camera. The camera is only a backup camera that maps out the angle that you have your tires at while in reverse. The headlights are also automatic.

James Ray Keltner on June 8, 2021

My escape has a random clump in the rear end when backing up or pulling out.

Can anyone tell me if they have had this problem.

Melissa I on June 7, 2021

Ford escape - small easy to drive SUV.

I love the roominess inside the vehicle but it is a smaller SUV making it easy to maneuver. It is able to accelerate at a good rate. It does excellent in winter conditions. I have had no problems driving it on snow or through rainstorms. All the controls are located in easy to use places for the driver. It is very user friendly.

Thomas F on June 7, 2021

Ford escape: an amazing vehicle!

Very comfortable to drive, very smooth on the freeway. Interior is relatively small. I enjoy how small the car is on the freeway, but it can be a bother when having other people in the car with me. I like the touchscreen in the car. It is not obnoxiously large, which I like about it.

caroline W on June 2, 2021

All around great design, I do wish there was cooling seats.

My vehicle is super comfortable and I love the inter and exterior color options. The steering wheel is kind of tight but the breaks allow for smooth stops. There is a huge sunroof which makes the car feel very open. There is also heated seats, living in the heat mostly during the year I wish cooling seats were an option.

Jamie W on May 27, 2021

Great family vehicle with plenty of space.

I haven't had any real issues with my vehicle. It has a very smooth and comfortable ride. There’s plenty of room for shopping, family vacation, and more. It gets great gas mileage and has an excellent cruise control feature. Two car seats fit easily and the rear seats fold down incredibly easy for additional storage.

Claudia Z on May 25, 2021

Gas efficient, comfortable and groceries trunk storage you will not believe!

My favorite thing about my vehicle is the amount of storage it has on the trunk-it’s huge and fits all the groceries I need and even 2 bikes! (my daughters’) when done strategically. My least favorite part is the space on the back row seats- it is very minimal and as my kids continue growing I believe we will need to get something bigger. Very efficient in gas too!

Jocelyn T on May 23, 2021

Ford escape is great! Only problems are the display.

This car is perfect for my 4 person family! I love how comfortable the seats are and how the headrest adjusts, forward and backwards. The only issue I have had with my ford escape is the display sometimes freaks out. It someone’s will not switch to the media/Bluetooth function. But other than that I love my 2018 ford escape! I also love how there is not really a “gas cap”. So when you get gas you just open the gas door then pump gas.

Ashley C on May 23, 2021

Safety features are great.

Has the greatest safety features for the price! Comfortable for long road trips. Lane assist is one of my favorite features. Heated seats are a nice tough during cold times. Enough space to sit 5 comfortably. Enough room in the very back for luggage, groceries or pets.

AJ H on May 19, 2021

Best experience ever it is truly amazing in every way.

The performance of my vehicle is truly amazing. I've had my ford escape for almost two years now and it still runs perfectly. I highly recommend getting one. It is easy on gas you will not truly encounter any problems as long as you take care of the vehicle as needed. It is so comfortable you can truly notice the comfort when taking long trips.

Jordan S on May 18, 2021

Overall my vehicle makes me feel good and I really enjoy my panoramic sunroof.

I thoroughly enjoy my ford escape. I went up from a small four door sedan to a SUV style car. The height it gives me on the road is perfect and I feel in control and safe. The features in the car are excellent as well. I feel like this is a car I could own for many years.

Araceli T on May 18, 2021

Great car, excellent for work, travel or personal use, great on gas.

No problems just yet with the vehicle, it is great for traveling for work or for pleasure, and definitely very reliable. Extremely comfortable and roomy with excellent back space. I would love the front to be a little different and not so big if so would have been nice to have a different style at least not so big with small screen.

Marybeth C on May 18, 2021

If something goes wrong with your car and you do not know much about car repair.

Jaclyn F on May 16, 2021

2018 ford escape has the best sync technology.

Vehicle handles excellently. Ford pass app makes it possible to not only start your car from anywhere, but gives you the option of unlocking/locking car doors which is great if you accidentally lock your keys inside. Gas mileage is very good for an SUV and vehicle has lots of safety features.

Jean W on May 16, 2021

Vehicle runs fine would recommend it to anyone interested in make and model.

My vehicle is basically fine, runs well has reasonable miles per gallon and have had no problems however it starts with a key which I do not care for and it does not tell you when another vehicle is too close. Neither of which we realized when we purchased it.

Jarrett J on May 15, 2021

Perfect for a family of three!

We as a family of 3 love the performance, tight fit for a family of 3. Only 1 car seat can fit into the back seat, I will have to drive if the car seat is on the drivers side so my husband would have the leg room. Otherwise the vehicle is reliable, great has miles! We personally like the ability to sync our phones to the vehicles.

Shad B on May 13, 2021

I love the 2018 ford escape.

Extremely reliable and comfortable to drive. Anyone who has a family would benefit for driving the ford escape series. This is our third escape in a row and this is the best one yet. The only challenges are with cleaning the interior. There are lots of nooks and crannies where dirt accumulates.

Marie S on May 11, 2021

I chose the red color because of its depth and shine.

Great car, good gas mileage. Durable interior. Room for average adult in back seats. Wish I had gotten auto close rear hatch. Would like to have had more charging ports for electronics. Also would have like to have a regular prong electric outlet. I had one in previous car and was able to use small electronics without cig plug in. Radio is good quality and sound is fair to good. Seats are easy to clean even though they are cloth. Pulls our 17 ft boat with no problem.

Shannen K on May 9, 2021

Sporty SUV that has plenty of room for all your outdoor needs.

I fell in love with my escape the second I sat in the driver's seat! The backup camera is large enough so you can see where you are backing up to but not so large that it takes up the entire dash. My son has plenty of legroom in the back seats and the back hold plenty of sports equipment to driving cross country. I am so happy that I went with the ford escape!

Janet S on May 6, 2021

Love my new ride and its features.

My SUV is easy on gas, very easy to drive, keeps track of all the important things for you. The seats are very comfortable and plenty of foot room. I love being able to put the seats down in back and make the trunk space larger. I like having the windows tinted already and I love the color.

Shanzsh K on May 5, 2021

Great for a first time SUV driver!

When you drive the car, it feels smooth, and it is a really nice compact SUV that can easily fit in parking spaces. The Bluetooth is easy to connect too and connects to your phone and manages your calls and text plus music. The gas mileage on this SUV is pretty good, I usually fill my glass up at the beginning of the week and drive far places and don't have to worry about filling up until the end of the week.

Terry F on May 5, 2021

The reliable ford escape.

I have had the vehicle for just over a year. To date no problems. The vehicle is serviced on a regular basis. I particularly enjoy the safety technology which includes reverse and lane change warnings. The information regarding engine performance messaging is also useful.

Stephanie M on May 4, 2021

Great family car and excellent gas mileage.

I absolutely love my car! It has plenty of space for my family, all 3 of my kids fit comfortably in the back seat, even with 2 car seats. The trunk has plenty of room for groceries, strollers and anything else you might need. It gets excellent gas mileage and I love that I can sync my phone to the car for hands free talking as well as playing music from my phone. Another plus is both sides of the car have their own temperature adjustments, which is great because me and my husband never agree on temperature so we can both control our own side of the car.

Morgan D on May 1, 2021

Great crossover! The perfect vehicle for those upgrading from a car.

There have been no problems with this car thus far. I love it so much! It is good looking, and drives like a car. There is one feature on the car that I am not a huge fan of and that is the fact that the car engine will turn off while the car is stopped. There is a button to turn this feature off and I use it every day.

Mark B on May 1, 2021

Review for 2018 ford escape-titanium.

Safe vehicle with lane keeping assist, \adaptive cruise control and adjustable distance keeping, car is all wheel drive for northeast winters. Comes with 6 months free Sirius radio,. The interior is a little cramped for large people like myself and while it gets good mileage it is not at the top of its class.

Dave C on April 28, 2021

Ford escape titanium great power and handling nice sleek experience.

No problems, has very good power and is efficient. Love all the feature of my titanium model. This is my second escape. Take a test drive and see how much you will like this SUV. This model has towing feature. Plus a larger radiator for better engine cooling. There are even more features so go to ford and explore this fun SUV.

Johnson R on April 22, 2021

The fuel consumption is very low.

Since I got my car, it has really served me well... The fuel consumption is very low and the maintenance of the vehicle is very cheap and there is no doubt that the vehicle will still take me till another 3 years... I am really enjoying the car and I would recommend it for anyone.

Nance F on April 20, 2021

The most interesting part to me is the hands free phone calls.

It is easy to drive, it gets great gas mileage. It has a lot room, enough for 5-6 people. You can answer your phone when driving using the steering wheel keeping your hands free to drive. The stereo system is excellent. Lastly, it is a good looking car.

Kelsey C on April 15, 2021

2018 ford escape sel review.

I have had my ford escape for two years and have really enjoyed it so far. It has great gas mileage, accelerates nicely and the breaks are sensitive but not too touchy. I have had some small issues with the interior lights not working correctly and the traction control will turn off on its own sometimes. The seats are comfortable and the middle console adds a nice armrest for the driver. The moonroof is a great touch although I would prefer if it opened all the way back.

Jordon G on April 15, 2021

I love the 2018 ford escape sel.

I have only had this car for barely over a month but it has been wonderful. It is for sure my favorite car of all time. I haven't had any problems out of it yet but I feel like it is very reliable. The comfort of this car is very well. I have got Bluetooth, apple carplay, seat warmers, the full nine yards. This vehicle is pretty awesome.

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.