Ford Escape

Name: 2008 Ford Escape
Brand: Ford

EPA MPG: 19 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 19 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

Although the Escape was freshened for 2008, still more changes came for 2009. Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines received more power. Performance is adequate with the new 2.5-liter, 171-hp four-cylinder engine, which also returns 21 mpg overall. Stability control became standard across the line. Long stopping distances, a major shortcoming of the 2008 Escape we tested, were improved. The Escape's sensible size, roomy interior and good visibility remain. However, the engines are noisy and fit and finish is lackluster.

2008 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

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Ford Escape

vs. Similar Cars

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Honda Element

Subaru Forester

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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

See How All Brands Stack up

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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2008 Compact SUVs Ratings

2008 Ford Escape

$3,025 - $4,075

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Equinox

$2,850 - $3,325

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Dodge Nitro

$3,350 - $4,425

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

$3,025 - $4,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda CR-V

$5,700 - $6,125

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Element

$5,900 - $6,375

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Tucson

$2,775 - $3,875

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Infiniti EX

$4,750 - $5,250

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Compass

$2,925 - $3,075

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Liberty

$3,025 - $3,775

EPA MPG 17 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Patriot

$2,825 - $2,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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2008 Kia Sportage

$3,275 - $3,900

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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2008 Mazda Tribute

$2,875 - $3,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercury Mariner

$2,975 - $3,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

$2,975 - $4,075

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Rogue

$2,925 - $3,025

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Xterra

$3,575 - $5,100

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Torrent

$3,975 - $4,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Vue

$2,800 - $3,650

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Forester

$3,350 - $5,075

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$4,200 - $4,875

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

$9,975 - $11,475

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota RAV4

$5,650 - $6,500

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, 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.