2015 Ford Escape

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Rating7.9

Ranked #4 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$23,450 - $31,485
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Trim specific engine choices

Obtuse MyFord App

Minor shuffling in the features

Handsome and muscular exterior design

Insufficient secondary storage spaces

No major changes

Slouchy cabin with assorted features

Cramped cargo space

Delightful handling experience

Commendable performance and fuel efficiency

Specs & Features

$23,450

price

168 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

170 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Ford Escape has been in the market for quite a while now. Since its introduction, the Escape has been a husky option, when the question arises towards buying dinky SUVs that offer a good and reliable engine, handsome looks with a spacious and cozy cabin, assorted features, and safety. The 2015 Ford Escape is no different and carries forward the DNA of the Escape very well.

Buying Advice

We recommend you to go for the Escape SE, as it offers better features than the S and comes with a more efficient 1.6L turbo in-4 engine, and besides you can choose the other 2 engine options, according to your requirement. The SE is also compatible with a wide range of additional packages and options which can be further opted for customizing the SUV according to your taste.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Ford Escape for 2015 is offered in 3 trims: S, SE, and Titanium, all being powered by a different engine. The SUV comes decorated with an attractive chassis design language along with an airy, comfortable, and feature-packed cabin. The 2015 Ford Escape gets challenged by Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue.

Features
8.0/10

The 2015 Escape is offered in 3 trims: The S variant powered by a 2.4L inline-4 engine is priced at $23,450, SE with a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 engine at $25,650, and the Titanium powered by the 1.6L turbo 4-pot costs $29,735. Also, a 2.0L Turbo 4-pot is optional on the Titanium trim. 

The S is the base trim level that comes packed with 6/4-way manual driver/passenger cloth seats, 4.2” LCD with 6 speaker audio system, 17” steel wheels, halogen lamps, and many other standard attributes. Whereas, the SE features a more efficient engine, power driver seats with better clothing, SiriusXM, 17” wheel, automatic headlamps, and many others. The Titanium offers a better engine in terms of power and performance, larger and attractive wheels, leather seats, and many other practical embellishments.

Trim

S

SE

Titanium

MSRP (FWD)

$23,450

$25,650

$29,735

MSRP (4WD)

NA

$27,400

$31,485

Key Features

2.5L inline-4 engine

1.6L Turbocharged inline-4 engine

2L Turbocharged inline-4 engine

 

17" steel wheels with Sparkle Silver-painted wheel

Covers

17" Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels

18" Sparkle Nickel-painted aluminum wheels

 

P235/55R17 all-season BSW tires

Automatic headlamps

P235/50R18 all-season BSW tires

 

Quad-beam halogen headlamps

Fog lamps

Intelligent Access with push-button start

 

6-way manual driver’s seat and 4-way manual

front-passenger seat

10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar

10-way power, heated front bucket seats

with driver’s side memory feature

 

Black door handles, upper and lower grilles

and side-view mirrors

Rear seat with center armrest

Leather seats

 

Remote Keyless Entry System with integrated

keyed transmitter remotes

Unique cloth seats

Ambient lighting

 

AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with MP3 capability

and 6 speakers

SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 6-month

trial subscription

Sony Audio system with 10-speakers

 

Day/night rearview mirror

Silver skid plates

Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control

 

4.2” LCD instrument cluster

SecuriCode invisible keypad

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

   

Dual bright exhaust tips

Power windows with a one-touch-up/-down feature

   

Black upper grille with chrome bar

8” touch LCD with 2 USB ports, Aux and AV jacks, and SD card reader.

We Recommend

We recommend you to go for the Escape SE, as it offers better features than the S and comes with a more efficient 1.6L turbo in-4 engine, and besides you can choose the other 2 engine options, according to your requirement. The SE is also compatible with a wide range of additional packages and options which can be further opted for customizing the SUV according to your taste.

Engine and Performance
8.0/10

There are 3 engines on offer for the 2015 Ford Escape- 2.5L inline-4 which powers the base, fuel-efficient 1.6 turbocharged inline-4, and a performance-oriented 2L turbo inline-4. The S trim comes equipped with a 2.5L inline-4 engine coupled to a 6-Speed Automatic transmission. This duo generates 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque and sends all that power to the front wheels. 

The base model is priced very competitively but produces less power than most of its rivals. However, the power generated is adequate for daily life and the SUV can glide through basic needs effortlessly, making it a desirable and affordable option. The engine can help the SUV reach from 0 to 60 in just 9.2 seconds, and help cover a quarter-mile in 16.9 seconds.

Apart from this, the 1.6L turbo inline-4 engine produces slightly more power at 178 hp and 184 lb-ft but offers better efficiency. It covers 0 to 60mph in 9.1 seconds while reaching a quarter-mile in 16.2 seconds. The top of the line 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine generates 240 hp and 243 lb-ft. This engine covers 0 to 60mph in 7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds. All trims come with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission but the AWD drivetrain is available only in SE and Titanium trims.

Models

2015 Ford Escape

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

2015 Honda CR-V

2015 Nissan Rogue

MSRP

$23,450

$23,195

$23,445

$23,040

Engine 

2.5L NA Inline-4

2.4L NA Inline-4

2.4L NA Inline-4

2.5L NA Inline-4

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

FWD

FWD

Transmission

6-speed automatic 

CVT w/OD

CVT

CVT w/OD

Power 

168hp @ 6,000rpm

166hp @ 6,000rpm

185hp @ 6,400rpm

170hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque

170lb-ft @ 4,500rpm

162lb-ft @ 4,200rpm

181lb-ft @ 3,900rpm

175lb-ft @ 4,400rpm

0-60 MPH (sec)

9.2

9.2

9.4

8.9

Quarter mile (sec)

16.9

16.9

17.3

16.8

Top Speed (MPH)

123

124

122

123

In terms of pricing the Nissan Rogue comes at the lowest price, while the Honda CR-V stays at the costlier side. All vehicles come equipped with almost similar engine capacities with Ford being the only 6-speed automatic in a pack of CVTs. In terms of performance, all the SUVs are engaged in a dogfight. The CR-V is the slowest of the lot though covering 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds. 

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

There are 3 engine options: the 2.5L in-4, 1.6L turbo in-4, and 2L turbo in-4. The base engine returns an average of 22,31 and 25 mpg in the city, highway, and combined respectively. The 2.0L turbo 4 pot also returns 25 mpg combined with 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2015 Escape comes with a 15.1-gallon tank which aids it to run at a range of 332 and 468 miles in the city and highway respectively.

Models

2015 Ford Escape

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

2015 Honda CR-V

2015 Nissan Rogue

MPG (City)

22

25

27

26

MPG (Highway)

31

31

34

33

MPG (Combined)

25

27

29

28

Fuel Capacity (gallons)

15.1

16.6

15.3

14.5

Range (City/ Highway) (miles)

332/468

415/514

413/520

377/478

The Honda CR-V offers the best fuel economy at 29 mpg combined, while the Mitsubishi Outlander offers decent figures too. It also comes with the largest fuel tank at 16.6 gallons pushing its maximum driving range past the 500 miles mark. Ford Escape is the least fuel-efficient of the lot.

Interior
8.0/10

The 2015 Escape comes with a spacious cabin that looks pragmatic and is comfortable. The cabin can seat a total of 5 people with ample head and legroom bestowed in the front and the rear. In the base trim, the seats are covered in good-quality cloth. Moreover, the driver’s and passenger’s seats can be 6/4-way manually adjusted. The seats are wide, cushioned well, and upright, which merit an adjourned view of the driver. 

Other interior features include Air conditioning with particulate air filter, Tilt and telescoping steering with cruise and audio control, Compass, Seat-side storage trays for driver and front passenger, Power windows with one-touch-down driver’s side window, 12V power outlets, message center, and many others.

As you go up the trim ladder, you also get an eight-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seat, upgraded cloth or leather upholstery, a rear center armrest, and dual-zone climate control. The cargo space offered is on the liberal side. The SUV comes built with 34.3 cubic feet of standard cargo space, and the seats can be folded into a 60/40 split, to increase the cargo space to 67.8 cubic feet.

Models

2015 Ford Escape

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

2015 Honda CR-V

2015 Nissan Rogue

Seating Capacity

5

7

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.9/56/43.1

40.6/56.4/40.9

39.9/58.6/41.3

41.6/56.5/43

Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39/55.3/36.8

38.4/56.1/37.3

38.6/56.4/38.3

36.6/55.9/37.9

Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

NA

35.7/50.6/28.2

NA

NA

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

34.3

10.3

35.3

39.3

The Ford offers the best passenger head and legroom, and also offers a good amount of standard trunk space. Outlander is the only SUV offering 7 seating accommodations as standard in this comparison, and further offers good head and legroom in all three rows. In terms of trunk space, the Nissan offers the largest cargo space, which is well ahead of the other three by at least 4 cubic feet. Standout interior features:

  • 8-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seat
  • Upgraded cloth or leather upholstery
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Ambient lighting
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

How intuitive is the 2015 Ford Escape’s Infotainment Unit?

The 2015 Ford Escape comes fitted with a practical and functional Infotainment Unit which comprises a 4.2” touch display with AM/FM/CD and MP3 player. Higher trim levels come fitted with an 8” touch LCD with MyFord Infotainment system. Even though it feels un-optimized and sloppy, it comes with Voice-Activated Navigation, SiriusXM Radio, travel, and traffic link An additional 10-speaker Premium Audio system by Sony is available in the Titanium model which is very capable to take care of entertainment needs. Standout infotainment features:

  • AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speaker stereo
  • 4.2” touch LCD with Aux and input jacks
  • 6-month SiriusXM radio subscription
  • 8” high-resolution touch LCD with media hub
  • 10-Speaker Premium Audio System
  • 5-Year subscription of SiriusXM radio, traffic, and travel link

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2015 Escape is based on its smaller sibling the Ford Focus and shares a few attributes to an extent. The vehicle comes with a chiseled and handsome fascia with muscular sides. The Escape is one of the most appealing compact SUVs that you can bring home. You also get Quad-beam Auto headlamps and HIDs with the 2015 MY. 

The black grille with chrome accents that sits in between the headlamps makes the face look prepared and aggressive. The base trim comes fitted with a generic 17” steel with a sparkle wheel cover, however, the higher trims offer 18/19” chrome alloys which adds to its appeal. All these features make Escape, one of the smartest and manly looking SUVs out there.

Models

2015 Ford Escape

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

2015 Honda CR-V

2015 Nissan Rogue

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3515

3285

3358

3393

Length (in.)

178.1

183.3

179.4

182.3

Width (in.)

72.4

70.9

71.6

72.4

Height (in.)

66.3

66.1

64.7

66.3

Ground Clearance (in.)

7.9

8.5

6.4

7.4

Wheelbase (in.)

105.9

105.1

103.1

106.5

The Escape is the heaviest among the SUVs in the competition, it also is built with a large wheelbase and commendable ground clearance. In terms of dimensions, it feels balanced and is easily maneuverable. Among the others, the Outlander being a 7 seater SUV is the longest and also offers the largest ground clearance at 8.5”. Standout exterior features:

  • 18/19" Chrome Alloy wheels
  • P235/55R17 all-season BSW tires
  • Quad-beam automatic halogen headlamps
  • Fog lamps
  • Dual bright exhaust tips
  • Silver skid plates
  • Foot-activated hands-free power liftgate
  • Silver roof-rack side rails

Safety
8.0/10

Ford is a household name in the US and enjoys a reputation for strong, reliable, and VFM vehicles. The Ford Escape comes fitted with all the necessary safety features. The SUV is built in a rigid and sturdy base made up of steel while the main car frame is composed of aluminum alloys, with side impact beams and pillars for added strength. The 2015 Ford Escape received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA while IIHS rated it ‘Good’. Standout safety features:

  • Automatic headlights with HIDs
  • Blind-spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Forward Sensing System
  • Active Park Assist
  • Rear Camera with guidelines
  • Rear Collision Warning

Final Verdict

Priced at $23,450, the 2015 Ford Escape is one of the most loved SUVs for several reasons. The face looks handsome and athletic, with muscular side curves and wide headlights. Secondly, the airy, practical, and comfortable cabin features all the necessary attributes an SUV should come with, along with a good Infotainment system Lastly, the best in class build quality along with some advanced safety features make it one of the robust options.

Trims

    S
    $23,450 onwards
    • 17-inch steel Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    SE
    $25,650 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
    Titanium
    $29,735 onwards
    • 18-inch painted aluminum Wheels
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front passenger Lumbar support
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Heated mirrors
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Parking assist
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/HD/Satellite

Compare to similar cars

Price

$23,450- $31,485

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.92

Horsepower

240 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

270 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$24,065- $30,935

Gasoline

7.49

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,040- $26,530

Gasoline

7.47

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,120- $33,670

Gasoline

7.75

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,070- $37,240

Gasoline

8.07

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,650- $27,950

Gasoline

7.64

164 hp @ 6200 rpm

151 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,950- $36,000

Gasoline

7.88

190 hp @ 6300 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,995- $40,495

Gasoline

7.08

285 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

4

Read Review

$17,995- $26,795

Gasoline

7.96

160 hp @ 5500 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,895- $26,895

Gasoline

6.93

158 hp @ 6400 rpm

141 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

2015 Ford Escape vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9.2 sec16.9 sec112 mph
    6.5 sec--
    6.8 sec14.4 sec112 mph
    7.15 sec--
    7.2 sec15.4 sec-
    7.5 sec15.9 sec117 mph

    2015 Ford Escape vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg31 mpg25 mpg15.1 gal.341/480.5 mi.
      26 mpg35 mpg29 mpg14.8 gal.384.8/518 mi.
      26 mpg34 mpg29 mpg14 gal.364/476 mi.
      27 mpg34 mpg29 mpg15.3 gal.413.1/520.2 mi.
      25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg18.5 gal.455/600.6 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg28 mpg14.5 gal.377/478.5 mi.

      2015 Ford Escape vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        178.1 in.72.4 in.66.3 in.7.9 in.105.9 in.
        191.1 in.75.8 in.68.1 in.8 in.109.8 in.
        189.8 in.76.5 in.69.3 in.8.6 in.114.8 in.Jeep USA
        189.6 in.72.4 in.66.1 in.8.7 in.108.1 in.
        187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        185.3 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.

        2015 Ford Escape vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          34.3 cu.ft.98.1 cu.ft.67.8 cu.ft.
          36.3 cu.ft.144 cu.ft.65.7 cu.ft.
          18.5 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.140.6 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          23 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          13.8 cu.ft.145 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.
          34.4 cu.ft.108.3 cu.ft.74.7 cu.ft.

          2015 Ford Escape vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            83.1 cu.ft.34.3 cu.ft.67.8 cu.ft.-
            24.2 cu.ft.12.8 cu.ft.55 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            83.7 cu.ft.13.8 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.-
            74 cu.ft.24.8 cu.ft.54.9 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            146.4 cu.ft.36.3 cu.ft.65.7 cu.ft.-
            73.4 cu.ft.38.4 cu.ft.73.4 cu.ft.-

            2015 Ford Escape vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1500 lbs.922 lbs.3515 lbs.
              6200 lbs.2030 lbs.4545 lbs.Jeep USA
              5200 lbs.-2805 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1053 lbs.4148 lbs.
              4500 lbs.1000 lbs.3655 lbs.Jeep USA
              3500 lbs.1018 lbs.3237 lbs.

              2015 Ford Escape SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              7

              Recalls

              2

              Investigations

              892

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2015 Ford Escape User Reviews

              0.3

              [3 Reviews]

              1

              [33.0%] [1 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              SL

              Samantha Laskero

              2015 Ford Escape

              S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 1, 2024

              FORD ESCAPE

              Pros - ["The smooth ride", "The radio's bass"]

              Cons - ["Tinted windows", "No sunroof"]

              The ford escapes have always driven very smooth and doesn't jerk when accelerated like other cars do. The 2015 does not have a sunroof like the 2010 I use to have did. The car is really great on gas as well

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              MD

              Mike Dennis

              2014 Ford Escape

              S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 21, 2024

              2014 Ford Escape

              Pros - ["Fuel milage", "Ease of use"]

              Cons - ["Back up camera", "Tow package"]

              Very nice SUV That has excellent fuel milage and is perfect for long trips with the family. This car is made for people of all height's. It has the ability to use a regular transmission or to use the sport mode to get more power.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              JF

              Jessica Farias

              2014 Ford Escape

              S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

              1

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: May 9, 2024

              Best roller skate I have ever owned

              Pros - The panoramic sunroof, The black leather seats

              Cons - The outside shape is like a roller skate, The sync system wont let you connect to bluetooth if it is not updated and have to take it to dealer for updat

              This little roller skate looking vehicle is absolutely excellent on gas getting approximately 23 city miles to the gallon. If one is looking for an suv but dont want nothing to big then this is the car for them. Reason being it's very spacious if you have small kids it's easy to get them in and out of the vehicle. At first I was bummed out when I was told I had to get this car but with all of it'...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review