• 2013 Ford Escape

• 2012 Ford Escape
• Used Ford Escape
• Repairs Ford Escape

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 Ford Escape U.S. News Best Cars 8.6
Critics' Rating:	9.5
Performance:	8.4
Interior:	7.6
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Awards

• 2013 Best Compact SUV for the Money

Notable for 2013

• Completely redesigned

Pros & Cons

• Small-car handling
• Good fuel economy, even with four-wheel drive
• Comfortable seating for five
• Strong safety score

• Confusing MyFord Touch infotainment system
• Uninspiring base engine
• Fickle motion-activated liftgate 

Research Other Years

• 2012 Ford Escape
• 2011 Ford Escape
• 2010 Ford Escape
• 2009 Ford Escape
• 2008 Ford Escape

The 2013 Ford Escape ranks 1 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 16 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Escape, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The redesigned 2013 Ford Escape impresses test drivers with its engaging performance and overall refinement. Some even say it’s the best compact crossover on the market because it does so many things well.

According to test drivers, the difference between the all-new 2013 Ford Escape and the previous generation is pretty dramatic. Gone is the boxy Escape, and in its place is a curvy crossover that many critics say is a top choice in the class for being practical, high-tech and fun to drive. Inside, the 2013 Escape has good cargo space, though it doesn’t have as much as family-focused rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Test drivers also say the cabin has a quality look and feel, and report that there’s comfortable seating for all but the tallest passengers.

The Ford Escape is the 2013 Best Compact SUV for the Money because it has the best combination of ownership costs and positive reviews in its class.

The 2013 Escape earns a strong safety score, and comes with a class-competitive list of technology and safety features. It can be equipped with interior tech like Ford Sync and Sync with MyFord Touch, as well as a class-exclusive, motion-activated liftgate. While these features make the Escape one of the most high-tech models in the class, more than one reviewer notes that they can be hard to use. The Escape’s standard safety features now bring it up to par with its classmates, and it also offers optional features like rear parking assist and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.  

After taking the 2013 Escape on the road, reviewers say it handles a lot like a small car, but that shoppers should skip the base engine and head straight for the optional Ecoboost engines, which are both powerful and fuel-efficient.

Overall, the automotive press likes the 2013 Ford Escape a lot because it’s so well-rounded. It has car-like handling, a quality interior, refined Ecoboost engines and high-tech offerings.

• "The redesigned 2013 Ford Escape is dramatically different than the vehicle it replaces. This compact sport utility is smooth, refined, and quite engaging to drive." -- Consumer Guide
• "The new Escape finally delivers a modern small crossover to the Ford family. It's certainly one of the sharpest looking vehicles in this price class, and when equipped with one of the EcoBoost engines, the Escape is a fun and practical ute." -- Popular Mechanics 
• "Pros: Slippery styling, zippy handling, bank-vault solidity. Cons: MyFord Touch infotainment hassles, and, um, that's about it." -- MSNBC

Other Cars to Consider

The Mazda CX-5, which is an all-new crossover for the 2013 model year, is one of the Ford Escape’s main competitors. One of the main differences between the CX-5 and Escape is that the CX-5 only comes with one engine, and some test drivers say it doesn’t have enough power for traveling uphill. Inside, the CX-5 has a quality interior, but its second-row seats are tighter than some competitors’, and it doesn’t offer as much interior tech. On the plus side, the CX-5 costs a few thousand dollars less than the Escape.

The Honda CR-V, which was redesigned for 2012, is one of the most family-friendly crossovers available. The CR-V has comfortable front and rear seats, a long center console and a larger cargo area than the Escape, though it doesn’t have an optional motion-activated liftgate. While the CR-V has an infotainment system that includes optional navigation, test drivers were disappointed that the system was out of date and hard to use.

Compare the Escape, CX-5 and CR-V »

Details: Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is completely redesigned for the 2013 model year. The Escape Hybrid has been discontinued. The 2013 Ford Escape comes in S, SE, SEL and Titanium trims. All but the base S model can be equipped with four-wheel drive. 

See the full 2013 Ford Escape specs »