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2013 Ford Escape review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Ford Escape highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Optional hands-free power liftgate
  • Ample cargo space
  • Agile road handling

Cons

  • Small 4.2-inch central display
  • No hybrid option
  • Awkward steering feel

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 28 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

All Ford Escape years

What is new for the 2013 Ford Escape?

  • The Escape is available in a variety of new trims, including the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium.
  • The Limited, XLS, and XLT trims have been discontinued for 2013.
  • Escape trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors, Leather & Suede Seats, Memory Seat(s), Remote Start, Smart Key, Blind Spot Monitor, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, Rear Spoiler, Turbo Charged Engine, Sony Sound System, and SiriusXM Trial Available as standard equipment this year.
  • Panoramic Sunroof features are now available as options on select trims.

5 reasons to buy the 2013 Ford Escape

1. Go longer between fill-ups

This compact SUV won't cause sticker shock at the gas pump. So, go ahead and plan that weekend road trip or sign up for the kids' soccer carpool crew. The 2013 Ford Escape—equipped with a four-cylinder, 1.6L automatic engine, and front-wheel drive—gets a solid EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.

 If you're looking at an AWD option, you'll enjoy the EPA-estimated 29 mpg and 22 mpg, respectively.
 Those numbers aren't too shabby for a sports-utility vehicle that seats five and offers cargo space in the back for luggage or sports gear.

2. Fully redesigned in 2013

Looking for an SUV with modern upgrades? In 2013, Ford gave the Escape some major updates, including three new trim packages (S, SE, SEL, and Titanium). This means S base-trim buyers will enjoy heated front seats and a six-speaker sound system. Business travelers may want to bump up to the SE trim to gain a turbocharged engine, satellite radio, and an infotainment system complete with a 4.2-inch display (with the option to upgrade to an eight-inch screen). Have a new driver in the household? The top two trims offer park assist, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera.

3. Room for the family

Whether you've adopted a puppy, or are expecting a baby, the 2013 Ford Escape is ready for your family. In the backseat, you'll find two sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on the outboard seats. There's also an upper tether for the middle seat. If you have canine passengers, you can fold the rear seats down to offer up to 67.8 cu-ft for crates or dog beds. Or, you can fill that space with blankets and pillows for a tailgate party (while parked, of course) with the kiddos before the big game.

4. Ready for extra adventures

If you're a weekend camper, horse show fan, or snowmobile rider, the 2013 Ford Escape is ready to haul your toys with the optional tow hitch. This compact SUV (with 2L, FWD option) has an estimated towing capacity of 3500 lbs when properly equipped.

 That's enough power to also pull a utility trailer for construction work or a lightweight travel trailer. There's also a hands-free liftgate to make it easy to load and unload the interior cargo, such as coolers, a tent, or overnight bags.

5. Tackles various road conditions

If you need an SUV that can traverse everything from rural gravel roads to snowy side streets, the 2013 Ford Escape is one to look at more closely. Traction control comes standard. You can also choose between FWD and AWD options, but note the S trim only offers FWD.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2013 Ford Escape has a lot of safety features and is a good size vehicle for my daughter. I'm 6' 230 and I feel a little cramped in the vehicle. But overall this is a good reliable vehicle to this point. Had car for 2 weeks before the issues started. Carmax "fixed" the problem 5 separate times only to keep having the same issues. They offered to buy it back after 2 months for 4k less than what I had just paid them. I should have check this car out more I have owned this car for about 4 months, its been in the shop twice for a total of 5 weeks I am enjoying my 2013 Ford Escape! It is a nice feeling to have a new(er) car. The only thing I am not too happy with is ... My sales person told me the tires are new but the two front are NOT new. Will be having to spend more money now soon to purchares two new tires. Vehicle feels smaller than a sedan in terms of arm and leg space. Owned the car for less than 4 months and I already need to replace the starter. Wonderful surprise! The price was affordable, the SEL ecoboost package had everything that I wanted. I have never owned a Ford before, but The Escape had all the criteria that I required in my budget. It is the best car I have had in a few years
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

S 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Mirrors
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Sync System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

168

Torque (ft-lbs)

170

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

15.1

Wheelbase

105.9"

Overall length

178.1"

Width

72.4"

Height

66.3"

Leg room

F 40.4"/R 36.8"

Head room

F 39.9"/R 39"

Front tires

P235/55R17

Rear tires

P235/55R17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

225/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2013 Ford Escape FAQ

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