Ford
Ford Escape
A car-like compact crossover with strong hybrid options and a mixed record on its smaller turbo engines.
The fourth-generation Escape drives more like a tall hatchback than an SUV, which is the point. It is lighter and lower than most of its competition, steering is accurate, and the hybrid variants return economy that mainstream rivals cannot match without a plug.
The 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost is the engine that divides opinion. It uses cylinder deactivation on a three-cylinder — shutting down one cylinder under light load — and while it is smoother than that description suggests, it is the least refined option in the range and the one owners most often wish they had skipped. The 2.0L EcoBoost and the hybrid are both better cars.
Running costs are reasonable and independent shop access is good. The two areas worth attention are the cooling system on the small turbo engines, where coolant loss deserves immediate investigation rather than topping off, and the 8-speed automatic's fluid service, which is easy to defer and expensive to skip.
Generations
What changed, and which years share the same hardware.
Third generation (C520)
2013–2019
Moved to the global Focus platform with EcoBoost turbo fours. The 1.6L EcoBoost was subject to a coolant intrusion recall linked to cylinder head cracking and fire risk; the 2.0L EcoBoost is the stronger choice from this era.
Fourth generation (CX482)
2020–2022
Lower and more car-like, with the 1.5L three-cylinder EcoBoost as the base engine, the 2.0L EcoBoost above it, and a genuinely competitive full hybrid and plug-in hybrid using a power-split transaxle. Interior quality improved but remains plastic-heavy.
Fourth generation facelift
2023–present
Substantial front-end restyle, revised trim lineup including a sportier ST-Line range, and larger standard infotainment screens. Powertrains largely carried over.
Model years
Reliability, reported issues and annual running costs, year by year.