Ford Escape Model Years and History

The Ford Escape removes the all-wheel drive Platinum hybrid trim for 2026 but otherwise carries over with minimal changes.

The Ford Escape carries over with minimal changes for 2025.

The Ford Escape carries over with minimal changes for 2024.

The Ford Escape gets a refreshed exterior and new trim line up for 2023.

The Ford Escape carries over with minimal changes for 2022.

The Escape 2021 has expanded the hybrid option to the SE and SEL trims and made it standard on the Titanium. There are some changes to existing packages adding more features and the option of a class II Tow package with SEL and Titanium trims.

Ford has completely redesigned the Escape for 2020, replacing the third-generation vehicle that debuted in 2013. The latest version of the Escape has far sleeker and more aerodynamic styling, with softer edges and a sportier, lower looking stance. Despite the enhanced styling, the new Escape still has plenty of interior space, with Ford boasting about its best in class second-row legroom, welcome news for anyone who will ever have to sit in the back seat of the compact SUV. While the previous generation vehicle was already moving towards efficiency, Ford have really kicked it into high gear with the 2020 Escape, there are now not just one, but two different hybrid drivetrains available, along with a pair of highly efficient turbocharged engines.

The 2019 Ford Escape remains essentially unchanged from the prior year model.

The Ford Escape receives some minor updates for 2018 adding a new SEL trim that features amenities like leather seats, a power lift gate, and an 8-inch infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Titanium now comes exclusively with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine.

The Ford Escape gets a major facelift and refresh for the 2017 model year. Despite riding on the same platform as the 2016 version, the new 2017 Escape looks and feels quite different thanks to a new front fascia, a major reworking of the interior and a couple of new engines. The front end of the 2017 Escape has been redesigned to look less busy, sleeker, with a prominent grill and sharp, attractive headlights. Inside, the materials are virtually all new, with several features moved around a bit for better ergonomics. Also improving ergonomics is a new "media bin" that should fit phones and media devices, as well as provide them with a USB port to plug into. While the base 2.5L 4-cylinder engine carries over from last year, the two turbocharged uplevel engines are new for this year.

The Ford Escape carries over into 2016 mostly unaltered, though the big change is the addition of Sync 3, a new infotainment system that replaces the old MyFord Touch system of previous years. The system provides a new interface with a capacitive touchscreen. Elsewhere, a Chrome appearance package and a leather package are both available on the SE trim.

The Ford Escape carries over into 2015 mostly unaltered. A new color, dubbed "Magnetic Metallic" has been added to the lineup.

The Escape SEL model has been discontinued for 2014, leaving S, SE and Titanium trims. The 1.6L EcoBoost engine is now standard on the Titanium, while the Titanium gets some additional standard equipment, including new 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, silver roof rails, grille radiator shutter, the power liftgate and a power converter. SE models gain a new 10-way power driver seat and SYNC is now standard on the base S. The rear power outlet has been deleted from the Titanium, and the Parking Technology Package is no longer offered. Otherwise in options, Active Park Assist has been included with the Titanium Technology Package, which also includes HID headlamps, BLIS, and rain-sensing wipers and the SE Convenience Package now includes MyFord Touch and Rear Parking Aid Sensors.

The 2013 Ford Escape is a brand-new vehicle. Gone are the truck-like proportions and feel; now replaced by a modern functional and compact design hailing the new Escape as a truly global vehicle. Though still considered a small SUV, a much greater emphasis has been put on efficiency and clever design features than on previous models. The Escape is available with three engine choices and comes standard with front wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available with the more powerful engines.

Pending a complete redesign due in 2013, the Escape returns for 2012 with few changes.

Few changes have been made to the Escape lineup for 2011, pending a complete redesign scheduled for 2012.

The 2010 Ford Escape offers many of the new safety features that Ford is offering across its lineup for the model year. Options available include Active Park Assist, with sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle; Electric Power Assist Steering, to help guide into a parking space, and SYNC, which delivers up-to-date traffic, directions and information. Also new for 2010 are integrated spotter mirrors, which include a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner, aimed at the driver's blind spot. An available rear view camera system uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen, if equipped, to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when it is in reverse. MyKey, a programmable vehicle key exclusive to Ford, will be available on all trims. It allows parents to program the vehicle so that when a minor is driving, top speeds are limited to 80 mph, an alarm rings at speeds of 45, 55 or 65 mph, the audio system goes mute until the safety belt is buckled, and volume can be limited to 44 percent of maximum volume. It can also activate a persistent Belt-Minder chime and a traction control system that limits tire spin and cannot be deactivated.

Following a redesign last year, the Ford Escape gets a minor facelift for 2009, with subtle exterior revisions both front and rear. The Escape now benefits from a new capless fueling system and an 18.5-inch rear anti-roll bar. Ford's SYNC communications and entertainment system is available for the first time. Escape Hybrids will get standard stability control with roll control, and are now offered in both base and Limited trim. But the biggest changes are in the 2009 Escape's powertrain. The old 2.3L 4-cylinder has been replaced by a 2.5L 4-cylinder with intake variable cam timing (IVCT), which generates 170 horsepower--a 17-hp increase over 2008. The new 2.5L engine also makes its way into the Escape Hybrid. Meanwhile, 3.0L V6 Escapes get a 30 hp performance increase thanks to more efficient internal components. In both 4-cylinder and V6-powered Escapes, the 4-speed automatic transmission of old is replaced by a new 6-speed automatic. Ford claims a 1-mpg improvement in fuel economy for both 4-cylinder and V6 Escapes.

For 2008, the Ford Escape gets restyled inside and out, and also has a number of mechanical improvements. Design-wise, new blacked-out middle side pillars, integrated running boards, and available 17-inch wheels accent a higher beltline, while the hood has been raised and matched with a front fascia and grille that now bears more of a family resemblance to Ford's larger trucks and SUVs. In back, along with new taillamps there are also new step pads. The interior is also reconfigured, with a more upscale feel, redesigned radio and climate controls, and what Ford claims is an industry first: seating surfaces made of 100-percent recycled materials. Also, the emergency brake has been relocated as a floor pedal, and door panels have been resculpted for more space. There are also revised storage bins throughout, and instrument backlighting is in Ice Blue. Mechanically, the Escape gets larger stabilizer bars for crisper handling, a new braking system, and a new electric power assist steering system, along with various improvements to reduce noise and vibration. Safety content has also been increased. AdvanceTrac with roll stability control and anti-lock brakes are now standard across the line, as are full-length Safety Canopy side-curtain air bags and seat-mounted side air bags for front occupants.

Changes for Ford's small utility are relatively minor this year as the 2008 Escape is expected to receive a restyled interior and exterior and a smoother hybrid system. New for 2007 are the XLT Sport package that gives the Escape a monochromatic look with painted body-color bodyside cladding, bumpers, and wheel lip moldings. A Silver Appearance Package brings a silver metallic tone to those same items. Several new colors join the palette for 2007: Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dune Pearl, and Tungsten Grey Clearcoat Metallic, along with Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic on the Hybrid. Also, Ford's unique keypad entry system is now standard on some models. The Hybrid model has several new packages that are composed of a number of popular options.