| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
A range of engines to choose from | Build quality is not at par with rivals | Push-Button Start now available on Base Trim |
Smooth steering and exceptional handling | A noisy transfer case in 4WD models | New Sport Appearance Package |
Impressive tech and features for the price | Limited Options for Customization | No Mechanical Changes |
Ample passenger and cargo space |
$24,105
price168 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower170 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
torque6-Speed Shiftable Automatic
transmission2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A
engine-
basic warrantyAround the 1990’s, Ford noticed the rapid growth of the crossover SUV market and introduced the Escape in the year 2000. The iconic Ford Escape has been around for four generations and the crossover SUV has still maintained consistency in sales. With its decent power and high fuel efficiency along with all the necessary features, the 2019 Ford Escape is a vehicle that turns out to be an incredibly well-rounded vehicle.
As the 4WD models are slightly clunky, we recommend going for the FWD configuration. While there is not much difference in terms of price between the SE and SEL trims, we would recommend the SE trim, if you’re looking for the best value. The SEL will add just enough features to call it a comfortable, convenient, and updated form of the SE. With those sporty packages, both of them look really cool and in addition to this, going for optional wheels will make the SUV look even cooler.
The Ford Escape is a clever compact crossover SUV, which comes loaded with features and comes at a starting MSRP of $24,105. Being one of the best of its kind, some specific rivals like the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Kia Sportage act as worthy rivals to the 2019 Ford Escape. In this review of the 2019 Ford Escape, we walk you through the pros and cons of the SUV, and help you decide whether it's worth your money or not.
The American automaker has introduced all of its popular trims to the Escape lineup. Tallying to a total of four trims, the Escape family starts with the base S trim that offers decent features and performs very well for its price. This is followed by the popular SE trim, a bridge that fills the gap between value and advanced tech like none other. The SEL trim is next, which adds good comfort, ambiance, and a few more additional equipment. The top-of-the-line Titanium trim has updated looks, the best interiors, and a few advanced convenience features. Ford offers many optional packages for and above the SE trim while the S trim is its ace for the bargain-basement.
|
Trims |
S |
SE |
SEL |
Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$24,105 |
$26,500 |
$28,445 |
$32,620 |
|
MSRP (4WD) |
NA |
$28,000 |
$29,945 |
$34,120 |
|
Key Features |
Active front shutter grille |
Includes or replaces features from S trim- |
Includes or replaces features from S and SE trims- |
Includes or replaces features from S, SE, and SEL trims- |
|
Power side mirrors, one-touch power operating windows, and door locks |
Keyless entry with remote start, and push-button ignition |
LED headlights |
Windshield wiper de-icer and foot-activated liftgate |
|
|
Intermittent front wipers and tilt-telescopic steering column |
Heated and power-operating front seats |
Heated side mirrors and power liftgate |
Driver’s seat memory feature and ambient lighting |
|
|
SYNC infotainment system with 6-speaker audio system |
Optional adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning with brake support |
Dual-zone automatic temperature control |
10-speaker Sony sound system and voice-activated navigation |
|
|
Optional power panoramic roof; Ford safe and smart package |
SE sport appearance and sport appearance plus package |
SYNC 3 infotainment system |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob |
|
|
Class II trailer tow package and roof package |
Active park assist and Ford safe and smart titanium plus package |
We Recommend
As the 4WD models are slightly clunky, we recommend going for the FWD configuration. While there is not much difference in terms of price between the SE and SEL trims, we would recommend the SE trim, if you’re looking for the best value. The SEL will add just enough features to call it a comfortable, convenient, and updated form of the SE. With those sporty packages, both of them look really cool and in addition to this, going for optional wheels will make the SUV look even cooler.
With over four trims offered, Ford has offered with their compact crossover SUV a major choice of engines with all of them being in-line 4-cylinders but with different capacities. Moreover, the American automaker offers the new Escape in FWD as well as AWD. With all of these choices to make, the crossover SUV has a standard 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers power smoothly and instantly.
The base S trim is powered by a standard 2.5L Inline-4 engine that produces an adequate power of 168 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque. The mid-level trims of SE and SEL are offered with a turbocharged 1.5LInline-4 that boosts up the power to 179 HP and a 177 lb-ft of torque is put out and the high-end Titanium is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine with power stepping up to 245 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque.
|
Models |
2019 Ford Escape |
2019 Toyota RAV4 |
2019 Honda CR-V |
2019 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$24,105 |
$25,650 |
$24,450 |
$23,750 |
|
Engine |
2.5L in-line 4 |
2.5L in-line 4 |
2.4L in-line 4 |
2.4L in-line 4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
CVT-automatic |
6-speed automatic |
|
Power (HP@RPM) |
168@6000 |
203@6600 |
184@6400 |
181@6000 |
|
Torque (lb-ft@RPM) |
170@4500 |
184@5000 |
180@3900 |
175@4000 |
|
0-60 MPH* (seconds) |
9.1 |
8.2 |
8.9 |
9.1 |
|
Quarter-mile* (seconds) |
16.8 |
16.0 |
17.0 |
17.0 |
|
Top speed* (MPH) |
123 |
130 |
126 |
121 |
The Escape’s base engine is the least powerful but still has equally good acceleration and slightly better quarter-mile times than the competition. The Kia and the Honda have really tight specifications in terms of power as well as performance, but the CR-V has better top speed. The RAV4 dominates this section with the best power and torque figures as well as overall performance.
The compact SUV’s one strong point is its handling as the new Escape’s steering feels more like a sedan. The steering feels light-weighted for an SUV, but is pretty smooth and highly responsive to operate. With a rack-and-pinion steering mechanism, the 2019 Ford Escape steers by a power-assisted actuation system on all of its trims and achieves a turning radius of 38.8 feet.
The 2019 Ford Escape has a 4-wheel independent suspension with a pair of MacPherson struts on the front wheels and an independent rear suspension which are supported by gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bars on each axle. This helps the Escape in offering a compliant ride quality.
Ford has equipped the 2019 model year Escape with 4-wheel disc brakes along with some smart braking solutions like ABS, EBD, and a few more as standard, regardless of the trim. The front wheels carry brake rotors of 12.8-inch in diameter whereas the rear wheels measure 12.0 inches of it on each of them. The 2019 Ford Escape brakes from 70 to 0 mph in about 184 feet.
|
Models |
2019 Ford Escape* |
2019 Toyota RAV4* |
2019 Honda CR-V* |
2019 Kia Sportage* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brake rotor size - front (in) |
12.8 |
12.0 |
11.1 |
12.0 |
|
Brake rotor size - rear (in) |
12.0 |
11.1 |
10.2 |
11.9 |
|
Curb weight (lbs) |
3522 |
3370 |
3307 |
3305 |
|
Stopping distance (ft) |
184** |
161** |
129 |
114 |
*unofficial data **70-0 MPH
The Escape is the heaviest of all and though it bears the biggest brake rotors, the stopping distance is the farthest. On the other hand, the Sportage weighs almost the same as the other two Japanese SUVs but has big enough brakes to give it an impressive stopping distance whereas the braking efficiency for Toyota and Honda is nearly the same because of similar weight and comparable disc sizes.
The 2019 Ford Escape’s base engine has some appreciable MPG figures with it giving 21 miles to a gallon in the city while the number rises to 29 on highways. The turbocharged 1.5L’s are slightly more efficient as it gives 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway for the FWD model whereas, for the 4WD, it reduces down to 22 and 28 respectively. The performance-tuned 2.0L’s on the Titanium 4WD provides the least MPG figures with 21 in the city and 27 on the highway. The crossover SUV is equipped with a 15.7-gallon fuel tank giving it long-range and fewer stops at the gas station.
|
Models (FWD) |
2019 Ford Escape |
2019 Toyota RAV4 |
2019 Honda CR-V |
2019 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (city) |
21 |
26 |
23 |
26 |
|
MPG (highway) |
29 |
35 |
30 |
32 |
|
MPG (combined) |
23 |
30 |
25 |
28 |
|
Fuel tank capacity (gallons) |
15.7 |
14.5 |
16.4 |
14.0 |
|
Range in miles (city/ highway/ combined) |
329.7/ 455.3/ 361.1 |
377.0/ 507.5/ 435.0 |
377.2/ 492.0/ 410.0 |
364.0/ 448.0/ 392.0 |
Ford’s Escape has the least MPG figures while its competitors offer significantly more. However, thanks to a bigger fuel tank, the American SUV has an acceptable driving range. The Kia Sportage offers the second-best MPG but has the least fuel capacity, giving a better range. Meanwhile, the RAV4 is the most efficient in terms of fuel economy and so it does not need much fuel, while on the other hand, the CR-V has its MPG numbers slightly higher than that of the Ford, but its fuel tank is the largest and so it competes closely with the Toyota.
The 2019 Escape has a cabin that might feel outdated because of its overall appearance. Looking at the dashboard, this speculation turns out to be false as it has some truly modern design starting from a curve on top which smoothly slides down and encompasses the steering, infotainment, and AC vents really well. The center console lies at a shortened height but the buttons are placed well in reach for the front occupants. Most of the interiors are made of hard, durable plastics but chrome and piano black inserts can be seen on the doorknobs, handles, and AC knobs as well.
When it comes to the seating situation of the Ford Escape, the crossover has a passenger capacity of five and offers 98.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. All the trims get a 60/40 split-folding reclining bench seat in the rear but the base S trim gets a 6-way driver’s and a 4-way passenger’s manual-adjusting seats in the front row whereas the mid-level trims have a standard 10-way power driver’s seat with heating function. The seating surfaces are wrapped in long-lasting cloth as standard, but the SEL trim gets leatherette-covered seats while the Titanium trim has full-leather seats and these two top trims also have a choice between colors for the interior upholstery.
|
Models |
2019 Ford Escape |
2019 Toyota RAV4 |
2019 Honda CR-V |
2019 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front row in inches (headroom/ shoulder room/ legroom) |
39.9/ 56.0/ 43.1 |
39.5/ 57.8/ 41.0 |
40.1/ 57.9/ 41.3 |
39.3/ 57.1/ 41.5 |
|
Rear row in inches (headroom/ shoulder room/ legroom) |
39.9/ 55.3/ 37.3 |
39.5/ 56.4/ 37.8 |
39.2/ 55.6/ 40.4 |
39.1/ 55.1/ 38.2 |
|
Cargo capacity (ft3) (std/ max) |
34.0/ 68.0 |
37.6/ NA |
39.2/ 75.8 |
30.7/ 60.1 |
The Honda CR-V might not be as spacious as the Escape in the front but it has plenty of it in the rear, unlike any of its competitors. The Japanese SUV also has better cargo capacity than the rest. The Kia Sportage and Toyota’s RAV4 face a very close competition between its interior dimensions whereas the Escape’s front row is the most roomy, but has the least space in the rear. However, it has got better storage space than the Korean Kia Sportage. Some key Interior features offered with the 2019 Ford Escape include:
Ford offers in-house developed infotainment systems with the 2019 model year Escape’s lineup. The S trim is equipped with the basic SYNC system with a 4.2-inch LCD screen that is operated using all those buttons given on the dash. There is not much in terms of graphics but the screen is mounted a little higher than it should have been. However, the screen has a good resolution and it is just enough to get the job done.
The SE trim gets a high-resolution 8.0-inch touchscreen display with simple graphics and an easy-to-use overall interface along with shortcut buttons. Moreover, there are plenty of modern connectivity features that are standard on all trims above the SE trim. All trims other than the Titanium get a simple 6-speaker audio system, while the fancier Titanium trim gets a 10-speaker Sony premium audio system with HD Radio and provides rich audio quality for a fun drive. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2019 Ford Escape include:
Looking back in its timeline, the Escape has had one of the best evolutions in terms of exterior designs in the compact crossover segment. The 2019 Ford Escape has a simple exterior aesthetic, but showcases key design elements that were rather unexpected. The front grille is an elongated hexagon that looks fairly elegant, and is blacked out on the base trim. Higher trims get a fancier chrome surround on the grille, which certainly adds a premium touch to it. The front bumper has a simple shape and is fully finished in gloss-black for the S trim whereas the trims above get a chrome insert here as well.
Moving over to the sides, the SUV is equipped with 17-inch steel wheels as standard on the base trim but for other superior trims, alloy wheels bring a completely fresh look. The crossover’s smooth roofline is fully visible from the side view along with its straight character lines running down the SUV's length. Approaching the crossover’s rear, the compactness of this SUV is clearly seen from this view because everything here is just as minimalistic as it can get. The taillights are also compact but highly visible from far away whereas the trunk lid is pretty big and is manually operating on the base trims but the power liftgate starts from the SEL trim.
|
Models |
2019 Ford Escape |
2019 Toyota RAV4 |
2019 Honda CR-V |
2019 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Length (in) |
178.1 |
180.9 |
180.6 |
176.4 |
|
Width (in) |
72.4 |
73.0 |
73.0 |
73.0 |
|
Height (in) |
66.3 |
67.0 |
66.1 |
64.4 |
|
Ground clearance (in) |
7.9 |
8.4 |
7.8 |
6.4 |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
105.9 |
105.9 |
104.7 |
105.1 |
The 2019 Kia Sportage is the shortest and lowest in the crossover segment but it is also equally wider, just like the Japanese counterparts. On the other hand, the Escape has the least width with the second-most compact length and height which is preferred for city driving. Besides, it has the longest wheelbase while it rides higher than the Honda CR-V and the Kia Sportage. The RAV4 is the longest, tallest, and has the best ground clearance, making it more suitable for off-road or highway adventures. Honda’s CR-V seems to take a similar approach and so the dimensions are closely similar to that of the Toyota.
The 2019 model year Ford Escape is made out of a simple but strong unibody chassis along with plenty of passive safety features like dual-stage front airbags with Safety Canopy, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, traction control, and many such systems as standard while forward collision warning with emergency braking is optional on the S-trim. The NHTSA has rated the 2019 Ford Escape with an impressive 5-star rating, while the IIHS has acknowledged the Escape’s safety merit with a “Good” score. Some key safety features offered with the 2019 Ford Escape include:
The Toyota RAV4 has been dominating the segment recently, mostly because of its standard engine throughout the lineup offering great power and performance along with reliability. Moreover, it is also the most efficient engine for a compact crossover. Compared to a Ford Escape, the base trim might not interest as much as a Titanium which would definitely outperform the Japanese SUV.
In terms of interiors, both have long-lasting materials and high-tech equipment that is easy to use making it a comfortable place to be in. Talking about the overall design, Ford tries to impress with sharp cuts, defined lines, and a little functional equipment, both on the inside and outside whereas the RAV4 has the same interior room but with a boxy design, making it bulkier and not actually compact.
The Honda CR-V is another Japanese SUV that outperforms the base trim but will be dominated by the higher trim in the Escape lineup. The Honda CR-V has a better fuel economy but it lacks the exterior features that are provided in the American SUV. Unlike the Toyota, Honda’s CR-V has a few curves that could go against the Ford Escape but has a very ugly rear and is bulkier as well.
The interiors in the Honda are a little more convenient and have better build quality which makes it look prettier than the monotonous Ford, however, the layout seems to be designed in haste, unlike the Escape. The CR-V offers a balanced room for its passengers as well as for cargo and both of these SUVs are available with plenty of safety features.
The 2019 Kia Sportage has an equally cool and joyous design, making it Korea’s Ford Escape. However, it does not get as functional on the outside as the Escape while the visibility is not as much as that of the American crossover. In addition to this, the Sportage and Escape have equal performance, though the Kia offers more power and is lighter than the Ford.
Moving on to the cabin, both have an equally good and slightly matching cabin style. While the Ford offers a strong, curvy cabin design, the Kia gets a simple and more accessible cabin. The build quality is more or less the same in both of these SUVs but Ford offers a little more room for the front passengers and cargo area. Moreover, Ford also has taken good care and provides optional safety systems, unlike the Korean manufacturer.
The 2019 Ford Escape is a great family SUV that could suit the city roads for daily drives or could be a worthy companion to have in the suburbs to spend the weekend with nature. It certainly doesn’t come with the best of power, or incredible performance, but it offers an optimized price tag with a quality that can be relied upon.
Moreover, there are plenty of standard as well as optional features that make the compact SUV equipped with the latest tech and more features for a very affordable price. There’s a good deal of safety features on offer too, which rounds up the 2019 Ford Escape fairly well. If you’re looking for a smart, enthusiastic family SUV, the 2019 Ford Escape makes for a compelling choice.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Ford Escape Ranked #19 | 9.1 sec | 16.8 sec | 120 mph | |||
2019 Lamborghini Urus Ranked #1 | 3.2 sec | 11.4 sec | 190 mph | |||
2019 Lexus RC 350 Ranked #2 | 5.8 sec | 14.3 sec | - | |||
2019 Audi A3 Ranked #3 | 6.6 sec | 15.4 sec | 130 mph | |||
2019 Honda Pilot Ranked #4 | 6.9 sec | 15.3 sec | 115 mph | |||
2019 Ford Explorer Ranked #5 | 7 sec | 15.6 sec | 130 mph |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Ford Escape Ranked #8 | 21 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | 15.7 gal. | 329.7/455.3 mi. | |||
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Ranked #1 | 52 mpg | 49 mpg | 50 mpg | 11.9 gal. | 618.8/583.1 mi. | |||
2019 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #2 | 26 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 377/507.5 mi. | |||
2019 Honda HR-V Ranked #2 | 28 mpg | 34 mpg | 30 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/448.8 mi. | |||
2019 Nissan Rogue Ranked #3 | 26 mpg | 33 mpg | 29 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 377/478.5 mi. | |||
2019 Audi A3 Ranked #3 | 26 mpg | 35 mpg | 29 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 343.2/462 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Ford Escape Ranked #22 | 178.1 in. | 72.4 in. | 66.3 in. | 7.9 in. | 105.9 in. | |||
2019 Ford F-250 SuperDuty Ranked #1 | 231.8 in. | 80 in. | 77.9 in. | 8.5 in. | 141.6 in. | |||
2019 Lamborghini Urus Ranked #2 | 201.3 in. | 79.4 in. | 64.5 in. | 6.2 in. | 118.2 in. | |||
2019 Ford Explorer Ranked #3 | 198.3 in. | 78.9 in. | 70 in. | 7.8 in. | 112.8 in. | |||
2019 Honda Pilot Ranked #4 | 196.5 in. | 78.6 in. | 70.6 in. | 7.3 in. | 111 in. | |||
2019 Mazda 6 Ranked #5 | 192.7 in. | 72.4 in. | 57.1 in. | 6.5 in. | 111.4 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Ford Escape Ranked #5 | 34 cu.ft. | 98.7 cu.ft. | 68 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Mazda 6 Ranked #1 | 14.7 cu.ft. | 99.8 cu.ft. | 148.9 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #2 | 30.9 cu.ft. | 103.6 cu.ft. | 59.6 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Buick Encore Ranked #3 | 18.8 cu.ft. | 92.8 cu.ft. | 48.4 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Buick Envision Ranked #3 | 26.9 cu.ft. | 100.6 cu.ft. | 57.3 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #4 | 29.9 cu.ft. | 103.2 cu.ft. | 63.5 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Ford Escape Ranked #1 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 34 cu.ft. | 68 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid Ranked #2 | 54.5 cu.ft. | 19.4 cu.ft. | 54.5 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #3 | 115.9 cu.ft. | 30.9 cu.ft. | 59.6 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Jeep Renegade Ranked #4 | 55.8 cu.ft. | 18.5 cu.ft. | 50.8 cu.ft. | - | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Jeep Cherokee Ranked #5 | 66.3 cu.ft. | 24.6 cu.ft. | 54.9 cu.ft. | 77 ft. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Ford Explorer Ranked #6 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 21 cu.ft. | 81.7 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Ford Escape Ranked #11 | 1500 lbs. | 1098 lbs. | 3522 lbs. | |||
2019 Ford F-250 SuperDuty Ranked #1 | 18500 lbs. | 4270 lbs. | 5683 lbs. | |||
2019 Lamborghini Urus Ranked #2 | 7000 lbs. | - | 4844 lbs. | |||
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranked #3 | 6200 lbs. | 1180 lbs. | 4513 lbs. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Ford Explorer Ranked #4 | 5000 lbs. | 1717 lbs. | 4443 lbs. | |||
2019 Honda Pilot Ranked #5 | 3500 lbs. | 1509 lbs. | 4036 lbs. |
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User Overall Rating
Posted On: August 21, 2024
Offers great gas mileage. The vehicle offers an overall smooth ride. I would change the back seat to be flat and smoother material to allow for things to slide when hauling cargo inside. The foot sensor to open back door doesn't work well with back up camera.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: May 13, 2024
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
