🔥 Write a review and Earn Upto $50 on PayPal

2017 Ford Escape

header-image
Rating6.7

Ranked #9 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$23,750 - $31,000
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 17, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Multitude of feature options

Base model gets only the 2.5-liter NA 4-cylinder engine

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard

Plenty of cargo space

Dismal acceleration figures

New standard driver-assistance features

Safety prowess is exemplary

Updated exterior and interior styling

1.5L turbo-four and 2.0L twin-turbo engine introduced

Specs & Features

$23,750

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

Amongst a multitude of great small crossovers in the compact SUV segment, there is one that stands out from the rest this year. The 2017 Ford Escape, priced at an MSRP of $23,750 gets a complete makeover on the outside along with two new powertrains on offer, which include turbo-powered 1.5L and 2.0L engines apart from the base 2.5L NA Inline-4 unit powering only the base variant for now.

Loaded up with creature comforts that now allow Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be standard, the 2017 Escape also gets a mild interior makeover. Having said that, with an updated design layout, Ford skimps a bit over outright practicality for a bit of sporty fun.

Buying Advice

Go with the Escape SE with the optional 2.0-liter engine as it delivers strong acceleration along with reasonable mileage. You can also opt for the various stand-alone packages and pick and choose features according to you need.

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

An instant hit amongst the masses after the makeover, the 2017 Ford Escape is known for its agility and sporty demeanor. The Escape takes on Ford's practical, economical, and reliable nature, with its mid-cycle update the brings in a host of new safety features that include an automatic parking system, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control amongst others. It also gets 2 new engine options to counterbalance the dearth of power from the 2.5L NA engine.

For a starting price of MSRP $23,750, the variety of engine options offered is no small feat. In fact, the twin-turbo 2.0L block is able to even thrust the 2017 Escape from 0-60 MPH in under seven seconds. Don't be fooled by the Escape's sleek and tapered exterior layout, as with one of the best wheelbases in the segment, the Escape's compact exterior does not necessarily reciprocate inside the cabin. Rivals of the Ford Escape include the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota RAV4.

Features
7.0/10

Ford offers the 2017 Escape in three trim levels, namely the S, Se, and the top-of-the-line Titanium. Prices for the same start from an MSRP of $23,750 for the base S trim, and go up to $29,250 for the fully-loaded Titanium trim. Further coming to the engine configurations at hand, the base trim is reserved to be offered with the 2.5L NA 4-cylinder engine only, while the other trims get to enjoy the turbocharged variants on offer too, wherein the 1.5L turbocharged unit is the standard one, and the 2.0L unit is the optional one.

Trim

S

SE

Titanium

MSRP (FWD)

$23,750

$25,250

$29,250

MSRP (AWD)

N/A

$27,000

$31,000

Key Features

SYNC Voice Recognition Communications and Entertainment System

Climate controls Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control

SYNC 3 infotainment system
 

Front 6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual passenger seat

Front 10-way power driver's seat including power lumbar

Front 10-way power, heated bucket seats with driver's side memory feature
 

Visors Adjustable driver and front-passenger with covered vanity mirrors

AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with MP3 capability and 6 speakers

Audio System from Sony with 10 speakers and HD Radio Technology
 

Climate controls Manual air conditioning

SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a 6-month trial subscription

Ignition Intelligent Access with push-button start

We Recommend

With all the trims in question, decked up to the brim with the flashiest features possible in the compact SUV segment, it turns out to be difficult for us to choose one. Nevertheless, having said that, the SE trim, at its best for an MSRP of $25,250, has particularly caught our attention, as apart from standard features on offer, especially on the creature comfort side, it also gets two optional turbocharged engines powering it through. Further, Ford also offers various stand-alone packages with the 2017 Escape, which makes it that much more worthy of the money you shell out.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The 2017 Ford Escape is able to deliver 21 MPG in the city and 29 miles to the gallon out on the highway with the base 2.5L engine block and the FWD setup. Even with the base engine setup, the 2017 Escape turns out to be the least fuel-efficient SUV of the lot. The turbocharged engine units aren't any better too. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine will deliver 23 and 30 MPG in the city and highway respectively, and 22 and 28 MPG with the AWD setup.

Model

2017 Ford Escape

2017 Toyota RAV4

2017 Honda CR-V

2017 Mazda CX-5

MPG (city)

21

23

26

24

MPG (highway)

29

30

32

31

MPG (combined)

24

26

28

27
Fuel Capacity(Gallons) 15.7 15.9 14.0 14.8

Then there is the 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine, which with the FWD setup delivers 22 MPG in the city and 29 miles to the gallon out on the highway, whereas with the AWD setup, those numbers go down by 2 MPG. It's 15.7-gallon fuel tank is also enough to take it out to 455 miles out on a stretch.

Interior
6.0/10

The 2018 Ford Escape features one of the more upscale interiors among compact SUVs. The design is attractive and there are quality materials throughout - Cars.usnews.com

2017 Ford Escape Interior Seating and Infotainment-

The 2017 Ford Escape's interior is plush and filled up to the brim with the latest creature comforts. Although having said that, it fails to match up to the interior layouts of some of its counterparts such as the 2017 CX-5. The Escape seats in 5 average-sized adults in power-adjustable seats upholstered in cloth for the base trims and even leather for the higher trims. It also receives a major plastic interior treatment, which is a letdown.

For everyday use, the Escape's interior space is right up there with the rest of the major SUV players. Ingress and egress have also been made easy by the big wide opening doors. In the cargo-space department, the 2017 Ford Escape can slide in enough suitcases for a weekend getaway, courtesy of the great 34.3 cu. ft cargo capacity. There is also a two-position load floor for a versatile cargo storing mechanism.

Model

2017 Ford Escape

2017 Toyota RAV4

2017 Honda CR-V

2017 Mazda CX-5

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

39.9/56.0/43.1

39.8/57.3/42.6

40.1/57.9/41.3

39.7/57.1/41.0

Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

39.0/55.3/36.8

38.9/55.4/37.2

39.2/55.6/40.4

39.0/54.8/39.6

Cargo Volume to rear seat up (ft.3)

34.3

38.4

39.2

30.9

Infotainment-wise, the 2017 Ford Escape gets the same 8-inch touchscreen system although now with the Ford's latest Sync 3 interface. It is one of the easiest and the most intuitive interfaces to use. The Sync-3 interface also provides internet connectivity with the Sync Connect app. For 2017, Ford has always made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Some of the interior features on offer are-

  • AM/FM/CD player with 6 speakers
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 110-volt power outlet
  • 10-way power front passenger seat
  • HD radio
  • Manually tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Exterior
6.0/10

It obviously takes its inspiration from hatchbacks, running shoes, and outdoor gear - The Car Connection

The 2017 Ford Escape gets a minor makeover from top to bottom. The best-selling crossover gains some more visual refinement in the front end with better-designed LED lights and a new grille. Bold and heavily styled, the 2017 Escape gets 17-inch alloys as standard, which can be also optioned for 19-inch ones available through packages in the higher trims.

Character lines are crisper and clean this time around flowing along the sides. On the downside, Kentucky-built Escape has close to nothing in terms to offer through the exterior design department when compared to the best looker in the segment-the Mazda CX-5. Nevertheless, the hexagonal grille structure and the front fenders do bring out the subtle Ford styling cues, that were missing in the previous iterations.

Model

2017 Ford Escape

2017 Toyota RAV4

2017 Honda CR-V

2017 Mazda CX-5

Curb weight (lbs.)

3552

3455

3307

3527

Length(in)

178.1

183.5

180.6

179.1

Width(in)

72.4

72.6

73.0

72.5

Height(in)

66.3

67.1

66.1

65.3

Ground clearance (in)

7.9

6.1

7.8

7.6

Wheelbase (in)

105.9

104.7

104.7

106.2

Track width (in) F/R

61.5/61.6

61.8/61.8

63.0/63.7

62.8/62.8

Dimension-wise the 2017 Escape is lowered by 0.1-inches in terms of ground clearance compared to the previous iteration, which makes no difference, as it is still the segment-best, which allows it to wade through small boulders and large bumps with relative ease. It also has one of the longest wheelbases in the segment, which allows it to have an above-average cabin space.

Safety
6.0/10

Ford never fails to offer its offerings with the latest in terms of active and passive safety features. Now for the 2017 MY, the compact SUV Escape is treated with an even better driver-assistance feature list, that now includes an updated automatic parking system, lane-keeping assist, and much more. Banking on those systems, the 2017 Escape gets a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and an honorable Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

Some of the safety features on offer are-

  • Forward Collision warning
  • Lane keep assist
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Rearview camera
  • AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and Curve Control
  • SOS Post-Crash Alert System
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Final Verdict

If you want a compact SUV that is an all-rounder in terms of performance, outright and upscale interiors, and a consumer-friendly price tag, then the 2017 Ford Escape is the way to go. Moreover, with numerous updates being given to the Escape, Ford has rightly delivered us an SUV that can easily take up on the veteran CR-V and RAV4 quite easily. It is totally worth it, for its value for money factor alone.

Trims

    S
    $23,750 onwards
    • 4.2-Inch central display
    • 60/40-Split folding and reclining rear seat
    • Air-Conditioning
    • Automatic headlights
    • Cruise control
    • Height-Adjustable driver seat
    • Led taillights
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    SE
    $25,250 onwards
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Eight-Way power-adjustable driver seat
    • Foglights
    • Keyless entry keypad
    • Rear air vents
    • Rear center armrest
    • Rear privacy glass
    Titanium
    $29,250 onwards
    • 10-Speaker Sony audio system
    • Ambient interior lighting
    • Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
    • Driver-Seat memory settings
    • Hd radio

Compare to similar cars

6.7
2017 Ford Escape

Price

$23,750- $31,000

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.65

Horsepower

245 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

7.2
2017 Buick Encore

$22,990- $31,965

Gasoline

7.2

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

6.9
2017 Buick Envision

$34,065- $44,960

Gasoline

6.87

197 hp @ 6300 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

7.1
2017 Chevrolet Equinox

$23,100- $31,790

Gasoline

7.11

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

7.0
2017 Chevrolet Traverse

$28,700- $44,045

Gasoline

7.01

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

6.4
2017 Chevrolet Trax

$21,000- $27,600

Gasoline

6.39

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

7.0
2017 Dodge Durango

$29,995- $47,690

Gasoline

7.02

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

6.0
2017 Dodge Journey

$21,195- $33,895

Gasoline

5.99

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

6.7
2017 Fiat 500X

$19,995- $27,050

Gasoline

6.68

160 hp @ 5500 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

7.4
2017 Ford Edge

$28,950- $40,900

Gasoline

7.43

245 hp @ 5500 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

2017 Ford Escape vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		9.1 sec16.8 sec116 mph
    		6.7 sec15.2 sec132 mph
    		6.9 sec--
    		7.2 sec15.4 sec-
    		7.3 sec15.7 sec118 mph
    		7.3 sec15.4 sec114 mph
    Read More

    2017 Ford Escape vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		21 mpg29 mpg24 mpg15.7 gal.329.7/455.3 mi.
      		52 mpg49 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.618.8/583.1 mi.
      		34 mpg30 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.503.2/444 mi.
      		29 mpg34 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/431.8 mi.
      		26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg14.5 gal.- -
      		26 mpg32 mpg28 mpg14 gal.364/448 mi.

      2017 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.
        		203.7 in.78.5 in.69.9 in.7.2 in.118.9 in.
        		201.2 in.75.8 in.70.9 in.8.1 in.119.8 in.
        		198.5 in.77.2 in.69.6 in.7 in.114.2 in.
        		194.5 in.78.6 in.69.8 in.7.3 in.111 in.
        		193.6 in.75.4 in.66 in.7.2 in.112.5 in.

        2017 Ford Escape vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          		34 cu.ft.98.1 cu.ft.68 cu.ft.
          		23 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          		10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          		26.9 cu.ft.75 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.
          		31 cu.ft.102.2 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.
          		13.8 cu.ft.144.9 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.

          2017 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 cu.ft.68 cu.ft.67 ft.
            		74 cu.ft.-74 cu.ft.-
            		83.7 cu.ft.13.8 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.-
            		62.7 cu.ft.22.7 cu.ft.62.7 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            		14.7 cu.ft.30.9 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.-
            		79.5 cu.ft.24.3 cu.ft.79.5 cu.ft.-

            2017 Ford Escape vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		1500 lbs.1068 lbs.3515 lbs.
              		9200 lbs.1310 lbs.2967 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.1180 lbs.4545 lbs.Jeep USA
              		6200 lbs.1330 lbs.4756 lbs.
              		6000 lbs.1693 lbs.4292 lbs.
              		5000 lbs.1113 lbs.2888 lbs.

              2017 Ford Escape SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              3

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              2457

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

              Top Ford Cars

              2017 Ford GT

              Horsepower : 647 hp @ 6250 rpm

              MPG Combined : 14 mpg

              0-60 : 2.9 sec

              #1

              2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

              Horsepower : 450 hp @ 5000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 16 mpg

              0-60 : 5 sec

              #2

              2017 Ford Expedition

              Horsepower : 365 hp @ 5000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 7.7 sec

              #3

              2017 Ford F-150

              Horsepower : 325 hp @ 5750 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.2 sec

              #4

              2017 Ford Mustang

              Horsepower : 300 hp @ 6500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 21 mpg

              0-60 : 5.4 sec

              #5

              2017 Ford Explorer

              Horsepower : 290 hp @ 6500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.1 sec

              #6

              2017 Ford Taurus

              Horsepower : 288 hp @ 6500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 21 mpg

              0-60 : 6.5 sec

              #7

              2017 Ford Flex

              Horsepower : 287 hp @ 6500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 19 mpg

              0-60 : 6.7 sec

              #8

              2017 Ford Transit

              Horsepower : 275 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 7.5 sec

              #9

              2017 Ford Edge

              Horsepower : 245 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 7.3 sec

              #10

              2017 Ford Escape User Reviews

              2.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [100.0%] [1 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              coolant
              damage
              action
              LB

              Lonnie Boswell

              2018 Ford Escape

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

              2

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: May 13, 2024

              Motor issues

              Pros - Size of car, Gas Mileage

              Cons - Bad motor problems, Coolant leaks

              Had to replace motor due to the motor having issues from ford, coolant leaking into cylinders causing damage and ended up replacing the motor. Ford declined to assist with any of it. So filed under class action suit

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

              1. Home
              2. Ford
              3. 2017 Escape

              Other Compact SUV

              2017 Chevrolet Equinox
              2017 Ford Escape
              2017 GMC Terrain
              2017 Honda HR-V
              2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
              2017 Hyundai Tucson
              2017 Jeep Cherokee
              2017 Jeep Compass
              2017 Jeep Wrangler
              2017 Kia Niro Hybrid