The 2021 Ford Escape lasts around 200,000 miles with some relatively minor wind noise and windshield issues reported. At $21,450 to $31,375, it’s a decent value for a compact SUV with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
Is the 2021 Ford Escape a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Ford Escape since it’s very reliable and has the latest safety features. Owner reviews praise the affordable ownership costs, spacious cargo area, along with the nice cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a small SUV, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also great for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2021 Ford Escape. Stay away from models from 2016–2018 which have engine problems, while 2019–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – The base three-cylinder engine is decent, while the four-cylinder offers good power for a small SUV.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Escape is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include lane centering along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 30 MPG, giving 471 miles of range out of the 15.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $45 cheaper than average at $194 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Ford Escape is cheaper than many other compact SUVs on the market, making it a decent value for shoppers on a budget.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Escape?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Ford Escape offers a lot of new standard safety features, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 Escape at 3.9/5, praising the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the abrupt gear changes.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Escape a 4.3/5, enjoying the sliding second row of seats for greater legroom, but owners don’t like the lack of steering feel.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Ford Escape Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Ford Escape include wind noise from the driver’s side door, cracked windshields, along with some premature brake wear. Overall, most of these problems are relatively minor compared to other compact SUVs on the market from the same year, leading to low repair bills.
Wind noise from the driver’s side door is the most common complaint on the 2021 Ford Escape, showing up in the first 5,000 miles. Usually the problems are caused by a damaged door or window gasket. Reinstalling the gasket can fix the problem, costing around $100. If the gasket is torn then replacing it costs around $250.
Cracked windshields have also been reported on some Escape models. There sometimes are batches of glass which are more sensitive to cracking than others. Replacing the windshield if it cracks costs around $400, depending on local labor rates.
Premature brake wear is another issue that some Escape owners have experienced in the first 10,000 miles. Replacing the brake pads costs around $150, depending on local labor rates. There are longer-lasting aftermarket brake pads which are available and cost around $250.
There are seven recalls on the 2021 Ford Escape, which is worse than many other compact SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers a cracked fuel injector, which could lead to a potential fire. Other recalls cover the brakes, an oil leak, along with a battery failure.
How Long Will the 2021 Ford Escape Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Ford Escape can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $480 per year.
As a used 2021 Ford Escape reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt tensioner for $200, ignition switch costing $185, along with the transmission oil cooler which costs $600.
No problems other than the transmission shifts a little strange when cold. It seems a little bit hesitant in the morning.
Very reliable, haven't had any problems with it all. Purchased it in 2015 and now it is almost 2020 and have never had an issue with it.
I feel like it is reliable. I am the second owner and have had zero problems. No problems whatsoever. And maintenance is cost efficient.
Have not had any problems, I follow recommended service frequent oil changes etc. Tires rotated as called for filters changed as needed.
So far I haven't had any major problems, mostly all minor issues that didn't take much to fix or cost a lot.
One warranty issue so far but it was resolved via the dealership. The turbo module went bad but was replaced.
Yes, I have yet to have any issues with my car. I have been able to drive long distances without any issues.
None so far. Have not had to do anything more than routine maintenance, tires & brakes. Very reliable vehicle.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is basic, only offering a 4.2-inch central display screen. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Standard safety features are excellent including:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Rearview camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Traffic jam assist
- Lane centering
- Head-up display
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Evasive steering assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
Is the 2021 Ford Escape a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Escape is a good value for a compact SUV since it’s cheaper than a lot of the competition while also being reasonably reliable. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,450 to $31,375, making it less than a Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $25,555 to $36,455. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs losing about 8% 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 2021, from the base S all the way through to the more luxurious Titanium. The Escape comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 2-Inch Central Display Screen
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
SE is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Satellite Radio
- Two USB Ports
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
SEL is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Imitation Leather Upholstery
- Remote Engine Start
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Power Liftgate
- Rear armrest
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Heated Mirrors
- LED Headlights
- Roof Rails
Titanium is the flagship model which has:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- LED Fog Lights
- Ambient Lighting
- Leather Upholstery
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Digital Instrument Panel
- 10-Speaker B&O Premium Sound System
What Engines Come In the Ford Escape?
- The base engine is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers a combined fuel economy of 30 MPG.
- The next engine option is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine also features an eight-speed automatic transmission and has a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG.
What Colors Does the Ford Escape Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Escape?
The 2021 Ford Escape is designed with driver and passenger comfort in mind, making it a popular choice among families and individuals seeking a comfortable ride. The cabin is spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seating is well-cushioned and supportive, providing comfort during long drives or extended periods of sitting.
Additionally, the Escape comes with an array of standard and available features aimed at enhancing the overall driving experience. The suspension system is finely tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and quiet ride. Overall, the 2021 Ford Escape offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both drivers and passengers alike.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Escape Have?
The 2021 Ford Escape offers a versatile and spacious interior, making it an ideal choice for drivers who need plenty of room for cargo. The Escape boasts up to 65.4 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded down. With the rear seats in their upright position, the cargo area provides a generous 37.5 cubic feet of space.
This ample storage capacity allows you to easily fit a variety of items, such as luggage, camping gear, or even small pieces of furniture. Additionally, the Escape’s interior is designed with numerous compartments and pockets for storing smaller items.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Ford Escape was launched for the 2020 model year.
2015: No major changes.
2016: SYNC 3 stereo system available as an optional upgrade.
2017: Minor exterior styling changes, new engine choices, along with more safety tech.
2018: New SEL model added, upgraded 2.0L turbocharged engine only offered on Titanium models.
2019: Keyless entry and push button start standard on SE and SEL models, standard SYNC 3 on all models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new interior, exterior, and technology.
2021: Adaptive cruise control system upgraded with traffic sign recognition.
How Does the Ford Escape Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Ford Escape is a decent compact SUV, offering a good amount of passenger space with some of the latest driver safety technology on the market.
The Hyundai Tucson is another small SUV which is available for around $2,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Ford Escape handles better. We recommend the Hyundai Tucson since you get more luxury and a longer warranty for your money.
The Chevy Equinox is a popular competitor available in the same price range. Passenger room is slightly better in the Chevy Equinox, while the Ford Escape offers more powerful engine choices. We recommend the Ford Escape since it has lower ownership costs as it ages.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Escape?
Yes. It has lots of power as well as being roomy. Very comfortable to drive. I would not hesitate to purchase another.
Yes. I love this car. Have had it since 2015 and have never had any issues with it. It is really good on gas mileage and has held up really well. I would buy this car again!
Yes. I love it. Its reliable, comfortable and has all the amenities I want.It's a perfect size for my family for every day and I love to take it camping.
Yes, it runs like a dream, good gas mileage, low cost maintenance. I would definitely buy another escape.
Yes, it most definitely is, it is great in all types of weather, great on gas, and drives smoothly. Definitely recommend.
Yes, it is the first newer car that I have had in years. Good gas mileage for the size and very roomy inside. Good sound system and I love the sync to stream music and GPS.
Yes, in the 2 years that I have been driving it, I have had no issues. I like that it sits high up and has all the features of a newer model car.
Yes, I love it. Gets me around, is great on gas & I love being able to park in small spaces. Comfortable on long road trips, cabin is easily made comfortable with dual heat & air as well as dual heated seats! Sound system is great & so is Bluetooth feature for hands free calling.
