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Ford Escape

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Ford Escape Australia

Launched in Australia 2001, the original Ford Escape shared its platform, most of its mechanical parts, and even its windscreen and roof with the equally new Mazda Tribute.

Initially powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and teamed with on-demand four-wheel drive, the mid-sized five-seat Escape would remain on the Ford books for more than a decade, before being replaced by the first generation Kuga in 2013.

Now, the name is back; Ford Australia rebadged the slow-selling Kuga as the Escape in 2017, in line with its other E-badged SUVs like the Everest and Ecosport. The Escape can be picked up for $37,990 for Escape (FWD) and ranges up to $54,940 for Escape ST-Line Phev (fwd).

Ford Escape Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Ford Escape here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • How do I remove the CD player from a 2008 ZD Ford Escape?

    This is a bit trickier than removing some stereo systems as the unit was designed specifically to fit in the centre-stack of the car, rather than the more conventional double or single-DIN units that are a bit more universal. Assuming you want to replace the standard Ford stereo with an aftermarket unit, you’ll need to purchase a double-DIN fascia panel that replaces the stock unit and allows for mounting the aftermarket head unit. It’s also extremely unlikely that you’ll be able to separate the CD player from the rest of the stereo, so replacing the whole assembly will be your best option.

    To remove the standard stereo, you have to disassemble a fair bit of the interior in terms of the plastic trims. This requires some specialised trim-clip removal tools and you need to be careful as these plastic trim pieces are easily damaged or broken.

    Be aware, too, that in some versions of the Escape, the wiring for the passenger’s air-bag runs behind the stereo panel, so unless you know exactly what you’re doing, this is a job best left to the experts. It also goes without saying that you should disconnect the car’s battery before attempting any of this. If you’re still keen, a workshop manual for your specific car will be able to walk you through the process in detail.

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  • How do I know if it's worth replacing the transmission in my 2008 Ford Escape?

    This is a bit of a perennial question when it comes to older second-hand cars that suddenly need expensive repairs. On current values, your Escape is probably worth almost exactly the same as the new transmission will cost you. The problem is that even if you do have the new transmission fitted, you won’t have doubled the value of the car. In fact, you’ll have done nothing for its resale value compared with any other working Escape. And right now, your Escape with a broken transmission is worth – roughly - $300 which is what a scrap merchant will pay for it to be crushed and turned into microwave ovens.

    However, balancing all that is the question of, if you do scrap the car, how much will you need to spend to get into something that will be reliable and safe? And the answer to that is probably more than $5000. At this point, you also need to assess the condition of the rest of your car. At 170,000km on the clock, it could well be ready for maintenance in other expensive areas.

    But assuming the rest of your car is in good condition and still works properly, here’s another option: Rather than a brand-new transmission, why not track down a good, second-hand unit from a vehicle recycler. Specialist recyclers have a range of components like these, and you should be able to find one that’s been tested and perhaps even carries a short warranty. It will still cost money to buy the transmission and have it fitted, but it shouldn’t be anything like $5000 and if it keeps your car on the road for another few years, then it’s recycling at its best. The greenest car is the one that’s already been built.

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  • Should I buy a plug-in hybrid or an electric car?

    The Ford Escape plug-in should be an interesting vehicle when it arrives, with 165kW of power and something like a 50km electric-only range. It will be here sometime this year, but the exact timing is still a trade secret.

    The Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, isn’t a plug-in hybrid, so it can’t be recharged form your home solar panels (which the plug-in Escape could be). Frankly, if you’re making four times the power your household needs with your solar array, you’re in the pound seats for owning a plug-in hybrid which could put that excess electricity generation to very good use. That’s especially true if most of your driving is around town within a 20km radius or so of home-base.

    That said, the new RAV4 Hybrid is gaining rave reviews as well as recording very sharp real-world fuel-economy figures. But a plug-in hybrid in a household with excess solar capacity could almost be run for free.

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  • Ford Escape: replacement key cost
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See All Ford Escape Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Ford Escape Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Ford Escape varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $37,990 and going to $54,940 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2024 SUV 2.0L, —, 8 SP AUTO $37,990 $54,940
2023 SUV 2.0L, —, 8 SP AUTO $33,330 $61,820
2022 SUV 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP AUTO $33,220 $59,950
2021 SUV 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP AUTO $31,350 $55,660
2020 SUV 1.5L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $20,900 $48,950
See All Ford Escape Pricing and Specs

Ford Escape Towing Capacity

The Ford Escape has maximum towing capacity of 1800kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2024 SUV 1200kg 1800kg
2023 SUV 1200kg 1800kg
2022 SUV 1200kg 1800kg
2021 SUV 1200kg 1800kg
2020 SUV 1200kg 1800kg
See All Towing Capacity for Ford Escape

Ford Escape Colours

The Ford Escape ST-Line FWD is offered in two no-cost paint colours - 'Frozen White' and 'Agate Black', with another six extra-cost shades available - 'Magnetic' (grey), 'Solar Silver', 'White Platinum', 'Blazer Blue', 'Blue Metallic', and 'Rapid Red'

  • Agate Black
  • Frozen White
  • Magnetic
  • Blazer Blue
  • Solar Silver
  • White Platinum
  • Blue Metallic
  • Rapid Red
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website. Shown above are the colours for the Ford Escape 2021.

Ford Escape Accessories

The Ford is packed with USB-A and C points for data-hungry modern motorists and Ford's SYNC3 system is excellent, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You also get multi-zone climate control, heated seats and 10 speakers.

Shown above are the accessory details for the Ford Escape 2021.

Ford Escape Dimensions

The dimensions of the Ford Escape SUV vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2024 SUV 1670x1883x4614 mm 191 mm
2023 SUV 1670x1883x4614 mm 191 mm
2022 SUV 1670x1883x4614 mm 191 mm
2021 SUV 1670x1883x4614 mm 191 mm
2020 SUV 1713x1838x4524 mm 163 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Ford Escape Dimensions

Ford Escape Interior

The spacious interior of the Escape Vignale has plenty of (fake) leather but it looks and feels very good, with nice materials and lots of light, especially with the sunroof open.

Shown above are interior details for the Ford Escape 2021.

Ford Escape Boot Space

The Ford Escape SUV has a boot space size of 412 Litres.
Ford Escape Boot space Ford Escape Boot space
Shown above are boot space details for the Ford Escape 2021.

Ford Escape Fuel Consumption

The Ford Escape is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by —, Hyb/PULP, PULP and Diesel fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 8.6L/100km for SUV /— for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2024 SUV 8.6L/100km 2.0L 8 SP AUTO
2023 SUV 1.5L/100km 2.5L Hyb/PULP CVT AUTO
2023 SUV 8.6L/100km 2.0L 8 SP AUTO
2023 SUV 8.6L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP AUTO
2022 SUV 1.5L/100km 2.5L Hyb/PULP CVT AUTO
2022 SUV 8.6L/100km 2.0L 8 SP AUTO
2022 SUV 8.6L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP AUTO
2021 SUV 1.5L/100km 2.5L Hyb/PULP CVT AUTO
2021 SUV 8.6L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP AUTO
2020 SUV 1.5L/100km 2.5L Hyb/PULP CVT AUTO
2020 SUV 5.5L/100km 2.0L Diesel 6 SP AUTO
2020 SUV 6.3L/100km 1.5L PULP 6 SP MAN
* Combined fuel consumption See All Ford Escape Pricing and Specs for 2024

Ford Escape Seats

The Escape's five seats are very comfortable front and rear and you can fit two baby or child seats with ISOFIX points and three with top-tether anchors.

Ford Escape Seats
Shown above are seat details for the Ford Escape 2021.

Ford Escape Wheel Size

The Ford Escape has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 225x60 R18 for SUV in 2024.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2024 SUV 225x60 R18 225x60 R18
2023 SUV 225x60 R18 225x60 R18
2022 SUV 225x60 R18 225x60 R18
2021 SUV 225x60 R18 225x60 R18
2020 SUV 235x55 R17 17x7.5 inches 235x55 R17 17x7.5 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Ford Escape Wheel Sizes

Ford Escape Speed

The Escape is very quick for the segment, cracking the 0-100km/h time in around six seconds.

Shown above are speed details for the Ford Escape 2021.