History of the Ford Escape

Ford began adding sport utility vehicles to its lineup when the SUV first became popular in the late 90s and early 2000s. The Ford Escape is a compact crossover that was first developed with Mazda. It has become one of the most popular models in the Ford lineup since making its debut.

First Generation

The Ford Escape debuted in 2000 as the 2001 model year. It was developed in a partnership with Mazda with Ford having the controlling interest. This model was the first of its kind for Ford to be built with a unibody rather than on a truck platform. While the Escape wasn’t intended to be a serious off-roading vehicle, it did come with all-wheel drive for more versatility.

Though hailed as a crossover, the first Ford Escape was marketed as a traditional SUV. It was larger than other crossovers and had the expected SUV styling. The original Escape offered several trims to appeal to a wide range of buyers. The basic trim offered ample amenities while the Limited trim at the top of the line provided a few luxuries. This first generation was updated for the 2005 model year with the addition of a new 2.3L engine.

Second Generation

The second generation of the Ford Escape was developed for the 2008 model year. This new model featured updated styling, such as larger headlamps, cleaner lines, a new grille, and a complete redesign of the interior.

Power for the second-generation Escape increased with the switch from the Duratec engine to the 2.4L Duratec 25. Interestingly enough, the engine increased power while also improving fuel economy slightly.

Third Generation

The third generation of the Ford Escape was developed for the 2013 model year. It was sold alongside the European Ford Kuga and was almost identical. Many of the markets that had both models renamed the Escape with the Kuga nameplate.

The American model saw major appearance changes, switching from the old box-style exterior to a smoother, more rounded silhouette. This new look showcased the crossover side of the Escape and also improved aerodynamics.

Fourth Generation

The fourth generation of the Ford Escape debuted in 2019 as the 2020 model year. Buyers can choose from five trims with hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine options. Major changes were made to performance with four engine–transmission partnerships new from the previous model. A turbocharged engine provides 250 horsepower while the plug-in version offers 209 horsepower. This model also boasted a plug-in gas-electric hybrid to showcase Ford’s commitment to electric vehicles.

Safety features are standard for the Ford Escape, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation. All models give buyers the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, except for the PHEV models.

To find out about the Ford Escape and a range of models, you can visit Premier Clearance Center Metairie. Check out the pre-owned Escape and see how well it fits into your life as you discover the ideal ride in Metairie, New Orleans, and Kenner.