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2018 Ford Escape

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Rating6.9

Ranked #9 in 

Compact SUV
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$23,940 - $33,490
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Better Features in HIgh-end trims

Brake fails to impress

Horsepower of 255-hp in the base model

Great build quality and smart looks

Must have safety features comes at a cost even on higher trims

Specs & Features

$23,940

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 2018 Ford Escape offers two powertrains and two drivetrains across its lineup of four trims. With a value for money pricing, it ranges between $23,850-$33,490. The engines on offer get a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The two engines in place offer 168hp and 171 hp respectively, the higher output is delivered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine.

With a below-average acceleration performance and an average brake performance, the 2018 Ford Escape manages to deliver a decent fuel economy. It further has a best-in-class towing capacity. It gives tough competition to its competitors, the 2018 Honda CR-V, the 2018 Mazda CX-5, and the 2018 Kia Sportage.

Buying Advice

The Escape SEL is a great choice for its almost titanium level luxury. You get Power liftgate, Leather upholstery and SYNC 3 as standard among many others. Although you have to equip it with Ford's safe and smart package that gets advanced driver assistance systems like lane departure intervention and forward collision mitigation.

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2018 Ford Escape makes a pretty good crossover for 5 passengers along with a class-leading towing capacity and decent gas mileage to offer. Available in four trims with two powertrains on offer along with two drivetrains to choose from, the 2018 Escape is priced at an MSRP range of $23,855-$33,490. The two powertrains on offer are a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, capable of generating 179 HP, and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that generates 168 HP. Both the engines get a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

However, it must be taken note that the Ford Escape fails to deliver in terms of acceleration and brake performance. It has the best towing capacity of 3500 pounds, on the other hand, it also puts up a decent fuel economy that makes it an attractive offering. With comforting interiors and fine exterior dimensions, the Ford Escape offers an average safety offering too.

Features
8.0/10

"The 2018 Ford Escape ranks near the top of the compact SUV class, largely due to its great predicted reliability rating, dynamic handling, and premium interior." - Cars.USNews

The 2018 Ford Escape is offered with 4 trims, two drivetrains, and two powertrains, priced between an MSRP range of $23,850-$33,490. The engines on offer are a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine and a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. They generate as much as 168 HP for the 2.5-liter engine and 179 HP for the 1.5-liter turbo engine. Apart from the basic S trim, the remaining three terms on offer come equipped with two drivetrains to choose from.

The S trim is priced at $23,850 and is equipped with features such as a Sync infotainment system, a rearview camera, Advancetrac with RSC (roll stability control), and a lot more. As you climb the trim ladder the features inside keep improving and you get a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, a SYNC 3 infotainment system, a 10 speaker audio system from Sony, leather-trimmed heated seats, and more.

Trims S SE SEL Titanium
MSRP (FWD) $23,850 $25,605 $28,005 $32,045
MSRP (AWD) - $27,050 $29,450 $33,490
Features 2.5l evict engine with flex-fuel capability 1.5l EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology Power liftgate Leather-trimmed 10-way heated, power driver and front passenger seats
  Advance track with RSC (roll stability control) Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control Halogen projector headlamps with LED signature lighting Remote start system
  SYNC 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjust SYNC 3 A voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
  Rearview camera Dual chrome exhaust tips Reverse sensing system 10-speaker audio system from Sony

We recommend

At a price that ranges between $28,005-$29,450, we would recommend you go in for the SEL trim equipped, with a power liftgate, a halogen projector headlamp, a SYNC 3 infotainment system, reverse sensing system, and a lot more. It features the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates more power than the other engine option.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

“The engines are less about Eco and more about Boost, utilizing their turbochargers to increase power rather than stretch fuel.” – Car and Driver

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape offers an average EPA reading. Since it comes equipped with a heavy 2.5-liter engine, it manages to deliver only 22 miles to a gallon for city drives, 28 miles to a gallon for Highway cruises, and a combined reading of 24 miles to a gallon. The Ford Escape does have a smaller engine to offer and that obviously has a better fuel economy too.

Models 2018 Ford Escape 2018 Honda CR-V  2018 Kia Sportage  2018 Mazda CX-5
Mpg city mpg 22 26 21 24
Mpg highway mpg 28 32 25 30
Mpg combine mpg 24 28 22 26

In comparison with its competition, the 2018 Honda CR-V proves to be the most fuel-efficient offering, delivering as much as 32 miles per gallon for Highway drives; it further records a combined reading of 28 miles to a gallon. The next best fuel efficiency is offered by the 2018 Mazda CX-5, with the combined training of 26 miles to a gallon and a Highway rating of 30 mpg. The 2018 Ford Escape ranks third and is followed by the 2018 Kia Sportage which offers only 22 miles per gallon as its combined reading.

Interior
6.0/10

“Virtually every touch surface was revised to create a more premium look and feel, a move that should keep this 2-row/5-passenger compact-crossover SUV fresh in the years ahead." – Kelly Blue Book

Seating and Comfort of the 2018 Ford Escape

The interior offering of the 2018 Ford Escape comes with several amenities to comfort and soothe the occupants. With a provision to accommodate 5 individuals, the Ford Escape offers the least passenger room that measures 98.1 cubic feet. However, this does not mean that the seating is cramped. With adequate space to offer for each of the five occupants, the Ford Escape also offers several technological inserts and comforts. In fact, the high-end trims get power-adjustable seats that are heated and clad in leather, what else could one ask for.

Models 2018 Ford Escape 2018 Honda CR-V  2018 Kia Sportage  2018 Mazda CX-5
Passenger capacity 5 5 5 5
Passenger Volume(ft. cube) 98.1 105.9 98.6 103.6

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

 39.9/54.8/55.9/43.1 40.1/55.1/57.9/41.3 39.3/54.3/57.1/41.5 39.7/55.2/57.1/41

Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

 39/52.4/55.3/37.3 39.2/49.5/55.6/40.6 39.1/51.2/55.1/38.2 39/55.3/54.8/39.6

It is the 2018 Honda CR-V that offers the most passenger room measuring 105.9 cubic feet; it is followed by the Mazda CX-5 with an offering of 103.6 cubic feet. The Kia Sportage provides an interior passenger room that is extremely close to the offering of the Ford Escape, in fact, it is just 0.5 cubic feet larger.

Cargo space offering of the 2018 Ford Escape

In terms of cargo space, the Ford Escape has 68 cubic feet to offer as its maximum room and a modest 34 cubic feet as its standard offering, in comparison with its competition this offering is pretty much decent. Given below is a chart that clearly mentions the offerings of the competition.

Models 2018 Ford Escape 2018 Honda CR-V  2018 Kia Sportage  2018 Mazda CX-5
All Seats Up 68 cubic feet 75.8 cubic feet 60.1 cubic feet 59.6 cubic feet
The second Row Folded 34 cubic feet 39.2 cubic feet 30.7 cubic feet 30.9 cubic feet

The largest cargo space is provided by the 2018 Honda CR-V. It measures a standard cargo room of 39.2 cubic feet followed by a maximum offering of 75.8 cubic feet. The Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 have quite a similar offering, measuring 60.1 cubic feet and 59.6 cubic feet as their maximum cargo room. Even their standard cargo room size is identical with the difference of 0.2 cubic feet.

Interior Feature of the 2018 Ford Escape

  • Tilting and telescopic steering column
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Memory driver’s seat
  • Power driver’s seat
  • Heated Front Seats

Infotainment System of the 2018 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape comes with a SYNC infotainment system in lower trim while the higher trims get the latest SYNC-3 infotainment. Lower trims get the base 6-Speaker Audio system while the top-of-line Escape Titanium gets a 10-Speakers Sony audio system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available. Following table outline the availability of infotainment option trim-wise.

Exterior
6.0/10

"Yes, the 2018 Ford Escape is a great compact SUV, and it's fun to drive. " - Cars.USNews

Dimension and Weight of the 2018 Ford Escape

The 2018 Ford Escape gets a rather attractive exterior design, especially when compared with its competition. The 2018 Kia Sportage sure does keep up and offers an equally stylish body. In terms of dimension, the Ford Escape weighs quite a bit at 3678 pounds. It is the tallest vehicle and this adds to its advantage, giving it the best in class ground clearance. With a decent length, measuring 178.1 inches, it also gets a fine wheelbase of 105.9 inches.

Models 2018 Ford Escape 2018 Honda CR-V  2018 Kia Sportage  2018 Mazda CX-5
Curb Weight(lbs.) 3678 3307 3739 3693
Length(in) 178.1 180.6 176.4 179.1
Width(in) 72.4 73.0 73.0 72.5
Height(in) 66.3 66.1 64.4 65.3
Ground clearance(in) 7.8 - 6.8 7.5
Wheelbase(in) 105.9 104.7 105.1 106.3
Track width(in) F/R 61.5/61.6 63.0/63.7 63.5/65 62.8/6.2

Up against its competition, the 2018 Kia Sportage proves to be the heaviest at 3739 pounds, it is followed by the Mazda CX-5 that weighs 3693 pounds. In a close competition, it is the Honda CR-V that gets to be the longest, measuring 180-inches. Right behind it at 179-inches ranks the Mazda, followed by the Ford Escape at 178.1 inches. It basically proves that all the competitors have extremely similar dimensions with a difference of only a couple of inches.

Exterior Feature of the 2018 Ford Escape

  • LED taillights
  • Foot-operated liftgate
  • Power liftgate
  • Heated Rear View Mirror
  • Panoramic Sunroof

Safety
7.0/10

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave this SUV a five-star overall rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test." - Cars.USNews

Safety ratings of the 2018 Ford Escape

The 2018 Ford Escape scores a fabulous five out of five-star rating in the overall safety tests as conducted by the federal authority, NHTSA. It further goes ahead to get the same five out of five-star rating in several other safety tests. However, there is one aspect where it scores four out of five stars, in the aspect of rollover safety.

We further look into the safety ratings as given by IIHS and we find that the 2018 Ford Escape scores an "Acceptable" grade in a couple of aspects. It even scores a "Marginal" grade in one aspect and a "Poor" grade in two aspects, apart from which it gets graded "Good" for the remaining aspects of safety.

Safety Features of the 2018 Ford Escape

  • Advancetrac w/Roll Stability Control Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control
  • Side Impact Beams
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
  • Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
  • Safety Canopy System Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
  • Airbag Occupancy Sensor
  • Driver Knee Airbag
  • Mykey System-inc: Top Speed Limiter, Audio Volume Limiter, Early Low Fuel Warning, Programmable Sound Chimes and Beltminder w/Audio Mute
  • Rear Child Safety Locks
  • Back-up camera

Competition
6.0/10

2018 Honda CR-V Vs 2018 Ford Escape

In comparison with the Honda CR-V, the 2018 Ford Escape seriously faces a tough time. The Honda CR-V not only generates more power and torque but also puts up phenomenal acceleration performance, best-in-class brake performance, while also offering class-leading gas mileage. The Ford Escape no doubt offers a better towing capacity, but the Honda CR-V once again proves its potential with a class-leading cargo space offering and a fabulous passenger room on offer. Both the vehicles have extremely similar exterior dimensions, and overall it is safe to conclude that the Honda CR-V is a better offering.

2018 Kia Sportage Vs 2018 Ford Escape

When compared with the 2018 Kia Sportage, another potential competitor, one could actually go through the stats and find that both the vehicles are quite similar right from the pricing across all the other aspects. Hence, this decision should be based on your preference. The one aspect that we have to bring to your notice is that the gas mileage offered by the Kia Sportage is indeed subpar.

2018 Mazda CX-5 Vs2018 Ford Escape

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 makes a great offering and when compared with the Ford Escape we find that it has a better power output and hence better acceleration timings. It further proves to be better in terms of brake performance and offers better gas mileage. However, the Ford Escape has a better towing capacity and a better interior offering to provide.

Final Verdict

With four trims to offer, the 2018 Ford Escape makes a good buy even if you were to consider the basic trims. With two powertrains to offer, each of the four trims gets a drivetrain option too, except for the S trim that comes only as an FWD. Priced at an MSRP range that goes from $23,850-$33,490, 2018 Ford Escape has wonderful specifications to offer. It sure does make a value for money purchase, that should be considered.

Trims

    S
    $23,940 onwards
    • 4.2-Inch central display
    • 60/40-Split folding and reclining rear seat
    • Applink smartphone integration w/ Sync tech interface
    • Automatic headlights
    • Height-Adjustable driver seat
    • Mykey parental controls
    • Rearview camera
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    SE
    $25,700 onwards
    • Chrome exterior trim
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Eight-Way power-adjustable driver seat
    • Keyless entry keypad
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Satellite radio
    • Sound-Reducing window glass
    • Steering-Wheel-Mounted paddle shifters
    SEL
    $28,100 onwards
    • Leather upholstery
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Power liftgate
    • Power-Adjustable side mirrors w/ heating
    • Rear parking sensors
    Titanium
    $32,140 onwards
    • 110-Volt power outlet
    • Ambient interior lighting
    • Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
    • Driver-Seat memory settings
    • Hands-Free power liftgate
    • Heated and 10-way power-adjustable front seats
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Xenon headlights

Compare to similar cars

6.9
2018 Ford Escape

Price

$23,940- $33,490

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.87

Horsepower

245 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

7.0
2018 Buick Encore

$22,990- $32,100

Gasoline

6.97

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

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6.5
2018 Buick Envision

$33,995- $44,960

Gasoline

6.48

197 hp @ 6300 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

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6.8
2018 Chevrolet Equinox

$23,580- $37,230

Gasoline

6.79

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

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7.7
2018 Chevrolet Traverse

$29,930- $52,600

Gasoline

7.67

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

8

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6.5
2018 Chevrolet Trax

$21,000- $28,795

Gasoline

6.49

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

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7.0
2018 Dodge Durango

$29,995- $62,995

Gasoline

7.05

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

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5.5
2018 Dodge Journey

$22,995- $34,895

Gasoline

5.5

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

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6.8
2018 Fiat 500X

$19,995- $27,415

Gasoline

6.79

160 hp @ 5500 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

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6.4
2018 Ford EcoSport

$19,995- $27,330

Gasoline

6.36

123 hp @ 6000 rpm

125 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

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2018 Ford Escape vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		9.8 sec17.2 sec104 mph
    		6.3 sec14.9 sec130 mph
    		6.5 sec15.1 sec131 mph
    		6.7 sec15.2 sec132 mph
    		6.8 sec--
    		6.9 sec15.4 sec-
    Read More

    2018 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.
      		27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/435.6 mi.
      		27 mpg31 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/409.2 mi.

      2018 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.
        		204.3 in.78.6 in.70.7 in.8 in.120.9 in.
        		201.2 in.75.8 in.70.9 in.8.1 in.119.8 in.
        		199.4 in.77.5 in.69 in.8.8 in.115.3 in.
        		198.5 in.77.3 in.69.5 in.7 in.114.2 in.
        		198.3 in.78.9 in.70 in.7.8 in.112.8 in.

        2018 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.
          		10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          		16.5 cu.ft.152.9 cu.ft.83.9 cu.ft.
          		30.9 cu.ft.103.6 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.
          		24.6 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.100.7 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          		20.6 cu.ft.153.7 cu.ft.96.8 cu.ft.

          2018 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.-
            		73.4 cu.ft.38.4 cu.ft.73.4 cu.ft.-
            		81.5 cu.ft.35.4 cu.ft.71.5 cu.ft.-
            		68.3 cu.ft.39.6 cu.ft.67.6 cu.ft.-
            		73.3 cu.ft.35.5 cu.ft.73.3 cu.ft.-
            		64.8 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.79.5 cu.ft.73 ft.

            2018 Ford Escape vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		1500 lbs.1068 lbs.3542 lbs.
              		9300 lbs.1233 lbs.3056 lbs.Jeep USA
              		8600 lbs.1031 lbs.2809 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.1330 lbs.4680 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.835 lbs.3300 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.1180 lbs.4513 lbs.Jeep USA

              2018 Ford Escape SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              3

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              1442

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2018 Ford Escape User Reviews

              2.0

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              POPULAR TAGS

              coolant
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              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

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