Ford Escape

Name: 2006 Ford Escape
Brand: Ford

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This Ford Escape is quieter and more comfortable than the model we tested in 2001. IIHS crash-test results improved, as well. The Escape is agile, but had less tire grip than the 2001 version we tested. Because of this it had a relatively long braking distance and low maximum speed in our avoidance maneuver. Also, compared with many competing models, the Escape had slow acceleration times and so-so fuel economy.

2006 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Ford Escape

vs. Similar Cars

Honda CR-V

Honda Element

Hyundai Tucson

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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2006 Compact SUVs Ratings

2006 Ford Escape

$3,200 - $3,750

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet Equinox

$2,875 - $3,000

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid

$3,200 - $3,750

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda CR-V

$5,225 - $5,625

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Element

$4,825 - $6,375

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Hyundai Tucson

$3,325 - $3,850

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Jeep Liberty

$3,400 - $4,100

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Kia Sportage

$3,000 - $3,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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2006 Mazda Tribute

$3,275 - $3,750

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

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2006 Mercury Mariner

$3,225 - $3,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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2006 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,025 - $4,275

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2006 Nissan Xterra

$3,700 - $4,850

EPA MPG 18 mpg

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2006 Pontiac Aztek

$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2006 Pontiac Torrent

$3,500 - $3,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Saturn Vue

$3,075 - $3,650

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Subaru Forester

$4,125 - $5,325

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$4,075 - $4,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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2006 Toyota RAV4

$5,550 - $5,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Front

2.3-liter 4 hybrid (155 hp)
2.3-liter 4 (153 hp)
3-liter V6 (200 hp)

5-speed manual
CVT
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Escape has curvier styling compared to the previous version, as well as new drivetrains, and standard advanced safety features. The standard 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine returned 26 mpg overall in our tests. Although it provides sufficient oomph, the engine transmits an annoying vibration at low engine speeds. The optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is more powerful and smooth. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also available. The ride has an underlying firmness. Handling is quite nimble and secure. But the brake pedal is oversensitive. Controls, including the rotary gear selector, are easy to use. The front seats are a bit flat, but the rear seat is quite roomy when set to the rearmost position. Updates for 2021 include adaptive cruise control, a convenience feature, now available on the SE and SEL trim levels. A hands-free foot-activated liftgate is now included in the Technology package and standard on Titanium. For 2023, Ford refreshed the Escape with updated styling and a restructured trim lineup. Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims replaced the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium versions. The infotainment system was upgraded from Sync 3 to Sync 4, and a larger, 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen became optional. In 2024, the Base trim was dropped. There were no changes for 2025. All Escapes come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. 2026 will be the last year of production for the Escape.

2013-2019

2013 Redesign Year

The Escape's 2013 redesign brought many improvements. Genuinely qualifying as fun-to-drive, this version of the Escape delivers agile handling along with an impressively supple and composed ride. What's more, the cabin is quiet and feels substantial. Plus, a long list of high-tech options can make the compact crossover feel like a luxury-branded small SUV. This iteration of the Escape is not without its shortcomings however. Basic radio and climate controls could be simpler and better designed. This model year also brought the distracting MyFord Touch control interface's small fonts, tightly clustered touchscreen buttons and unintuitive functions. Ultimately though, a Poor performance in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small overlap test kept it from being recommended.

2008-2012

2008 Redesign Year

Electronic stability control became standard for non-hybrid Escapes for 2008, solving the tip-up problem noted in the 2005 ' 2007 models. ESC is standard on all versions from 2009 forward. The Escape's sensible size, roomy interior and good visibility remain intact. However, though it was improved with the 2008 freshening, the Escape's interior is still somewhat subpar. Fit and finish issues include uneven gaps and exposed screws. On the infotainment front, the optional SYNC system brought voice activation to the Escape, allowing hands-free control of digital music players and cell phones. This is a remarkable advancement for the class.

2001-2007

2001 Redesign Year

The Escape is a car-based small SUV launched in 2001. First-generation models had sound handling and braking, impressive cabin space, and adequate acceleration with the optional 3.0-liter V6. Downsides include a stiff ride and noisy interior. Other engine choices included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a Hybrid that arrived in 2005 to return 26 mpg in our tests. A tip-up in the government rollover test for 2005-2007 models is a concern. For 2008, electronic stability control became standard on the non-hybrid Escapes, rectifying the problem.