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2012 Ford Escape review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Ford Escape highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Four-wheel-drive option
  • Hybrid powertrain available
  • Interface connects the phone to the car

Cons

  • Outdated boxy exterior design
  • Lacks a telescoping steering wheel
  • Handles like a truck

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 23 highway, 20 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

All Ford Escape years

What is new for the 2012 Ford Escape?

  • Escape trims have been upgraded with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.

5 reasons to buy the 2012 Ford Escape

1. It can take you off-road

You might think of crossover SUVs as city slickers, but the 2012 Ford Escape is ready to get off-road. All trims offer available four-wheel drive, which is appealing if you live in a snowy area or just like to camp in the woods. Both the standard 171-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine and the available 240-hp 3.0L V6 can be paired with four-wheel drive, while the standard four-wheel independent suspension contributes to a smooth ride whether you're driving to work in the city or navigating dirt roads.

2. Towing capacity

The 2012 Ford Escape can bring your boat to the lake or your camper to your favorite spot under the stars. With the available V6 engine and the tow package—available on XLT and Limited trims—the 2012 Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

This comes in handy, even if it's just to haul your hard waste to the dump!

3. High-tech parking assist

With the 2012 Ford Escape, you'll never have to worry about city parking again, thanks to the active park assist that's available on the Limited Trim. To use the system, you pull beside a parallel parking spot and take your hands off the wheel. The system prompts you when to touch the gas or brake, and the car steers itself into a perfect parking job. To get this feature, look for a 2012 Ford Escape Limited with the optional Limited Luxury Package.

4. Family friendly

The 2012 Ford Escape comes with seating for five and has plenty of space to fit your family. The 2012 Escape has more than 35 inches of rear legroom. That's plenty to accommodate lanky teens or rear-facing car seats. Does your family have trouble traveling light? Don't worry—you can utilize 31 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 67 cu-ft when they're folded flat.

5. Upscale interior options

The 2012 Ford Escape offers plenty of creature comforts, especially in the highest Limited Trim. With that trim, you'll find leather-trimmed seats that are heated in the front, perfect for chilly winter mornings. The Limited also comes standard with roof racks and offers an optional moonroof.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2012 Ford Escape is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Ford Escape an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Escape 14th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Escape

Ford Escape features and specs

XLS 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Manual Transmission
  • Running Boards
  • Sync System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

171

Torque (ft-lbs)

171

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

16.5

Wheelbase

103.1"

Overall length

174.7"

Width

71.1"

Height

67.9"

Leg room

F 41.6"/R 35.6"

Head room

F 40.4"/R 39.2"

Front tires

P235/70R16

Rear tires

P235/70R16

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

225/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Manual 5

2012 Ford Escape FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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