why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Ford Escape

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 5 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ford Escape

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2010 Ford Escape Review

By KBB.com Editors

Ford spent the last two years overhauling the Escape in an attempt to make it more competitive with its much newer rivals. The transformation started in 2008 when Ford gave its popular compact SUV a cosmetic makeover, with a new interior and exterior design, and improved sound insulation and seat comfort. Then, in 2009, Ford completed the two-year renewal process with a major overhaul of the Escape's engine, transmission, suspension and brakes – changes that also applied to the Escape Hybrid (reviewed separately). With over a million units sold, the Escape has proven itself to be an appealing vehicle, yet with the current economic downturn and increasingly tough competition, maintaining its strong sales presence is now the 2010 Escape's number one job.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for traditional SUV features, such as high ground clearance and a high seating position, but you want it in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package, the 2010 Ford Escape makes a good choice.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for sleek aerodynamic styling, the Escape's boxy exterior stands in stark contrast to the more elegant design of the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. Unlike the Toyota RAV4, the Escape does not offer a third-row seat option.

What's New for 2010

For 2010, Ford adds a bevy of new available features not found on any of the Escape's competition. Among the more notable is an integrated blind spot side view mirror, MyKey programmable system, Active Park Assist parallel parking aid, a rear view camera and the SYNC system with Traffic, Direction and Information.

Driving the Escape

Driving Impressions Last year's addition of an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine was a big improvement over previous four-cylinder Escapes, gaining a big boost in both horsepower and torque. The available six-speed...

automatic operates effortlessly and helps the Escape see improvements in both performance and fuel economy. Handling is best described as respectable, but not as tight or confident as experienced in more car-like utility vehicles, such as the Honda CR-V or Nissan Rouge. The electric-assist power steering system delivers good steering response and eliminates the need for a belt-driven pump, which draws power from the engine.

Favorite Features

Navigation System
Easy to use and loaded with helpful features, the Escape's on-board navigation unit can hunt down hotels, coffee kiosks and out-of-the-way gas stations in seconds.

Active Park Assist
A feature usually found only on super luxury cars, the Escape's Active Park Assist uses sonar and the electric power steering unit to automatically guide the Escape into an open parallel parking spot. Voice prompts tell the driver when to shift gears and apply power.

2010 Ford Escape Details

Interior

The Ford Escape's interior was recently overhauled, adding better quality plastics, "Ice Blue" dash lighting and a new "top-of-dash" information center. Ford moved the Escape's parking brake to the driver's-side footwell, permitting the creation of a wide center console storage space large enough to accept a laptop computer. A thicker headliner and carpeting, as well as laminated side glass, help quiet the interior, and the Escape's rear seat remains one of the roomiest in this class. Ford's standard Safety Canopy includes side-curtain airbags that deploy in the event of a side impact or impending rollover situation.

Exterior

The 2010 Escape shares a strong family resemblance with Ford's other truck and SUV models, giving it a rugged appearance worthy of a quasi-off-road warrior. The Escape's small dimensions make it easy to park and maneuver, while the large side-glass panels permit a nearly unobstructed view for both driver and passengers. Unlike more stylized crossovers, the Escape's squared-off roof line creates a tall hatch opening that permits maximum cargo cramming. Bling junkies can opt for the Limited trim, which adds reflective chrome trim to the grille, rear hatch and roof rails.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The most basic Escape is powered through its front wheels by an efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. Creature comforts include rear defroster, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a four-speaker CD player with auxiliary audio input jack. Standard safety features include traction control, stability control, front seat side-mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim and include a 3.0-liter V6 engine, four-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, the SYNC in-car communications and entertainment system (optional on XLT, standard on Limited), GPS navigation with 10GB hard drive storage and rear view camera, 17-inch chrome wheels, six-way power driver's seat, leather seats, ambient lighting, MyKey programmable key, Active Park Assist, heated front seats, power moonroof, fog lamps, keyless entry pad and the Reverse Sensing System. Also available are remote start and a rear seat entertainment system.

Under the Hood

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine employs variable valve timing for improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and maximum horsepower and torque. If you desire a manual transmission, this is your only engine choice. The larger 3.0-liter V6 was recently improved, gaining a higher compression ratio that added an additional 40 horsepower. The 3.0-liter provides better acceleration and the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds, but its city fuel economy ratings only reach the high teens. It is also E85 Flex-Fuel compatible.

2.5-liter in-line 4
171 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
171 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 (FWD), 20/26 (4WD)

3.0-liter V6, Flex-Fuel
240 horsepower @ 6550 rpm
223 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 (FWD, gasoline), 14/19 (FWD, E85), 18/23 (4WD, gasoline), 13/17 (4WD, E85)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Escape vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2010 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.2

Out of 10

Based on 401 Ratings for the 2008 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.7/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.6/10

Incredible gas mileage even when the AC is running

By BassoonLady (AZ) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excellent fuel efficiency"

Cons: "None!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my second Ford Escape Hybrid and I highly recommend it. During the summer in Phoenix, with the AC running constantly, I get in the mid-30's MPG driving to and from work on city streets (approximately 30 miles round trip). The rest of the year I average around 40 MPG and I love the fact that when I am sitting at a stop light, the engine turns off and I am not polluting."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Incredible gas mileage even when the AC is running

By BassoonLady (AZ) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excellent fuel efficiency"

Cons: "None!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Incredible gas mileage even when the AC is running

By BassoonLady (AZ) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excellent fuel efficiency"

Cons: "None!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Serves a double purpose...

By Bubba (OH) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "quick, large tow cap. good on long drives,good MPG"

Cons: "interior, FWD/4WD=only options, no manual trans."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"(3.0 FWD) for me it serves two great purposes, the first is the abselute raw power, flat ground its running similar 0-60 times as some of the s2000`s and 350Z`s (6.5- 7 seconds), it feels all around like a sports car (handles like one too) the only two things that limits its sportiness are the governer (set at 115 mph) and the fact that there is no manual transmission option, altogether makes for a decent sleeper car the second is the fact that it can handle a ton and a half of weight, and handling really isn't affected until you put about 800-1000 lbs on it. as far as styling the front end looks sharp and sporty, however, the side of the car is very box-like and too square, the interior, I do not like at all, everything is too stiff and feels cheap, the seats hurt my back after about an hour on the road, and all of the controls seem to be out of reach (ex. the turn signal switch= way too high, older fords had it nice and low so you didn't have to take your hands off of the steering wheel) I like the black color of it (although it gets very hot sitting in the summer sun) but the material is just plain rubbish. the only other spite I have with it is that there is no rear wheel drive option, only FWD and 4WD"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Wouldn't do it over again

By Chevynextime (MI) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Nice compact SUV, comfortable to drive."

Cons: "It's too soon for repairs."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"2.3 Ltr Engine of course has no get up and go. 2008 with 97,000 miles on it - mileage has dropped from 25-26 when I bought the car to 21-22 mpg now. I drive all interstate. (And has had tune up.)Constantly downshifts. Appearance, handling, and comfort wise, I do like the car. But already starting to drop money into repairs when I did not figure to do so til after 100k mark. Biggest interior irritation, even WATER will stain the seats. I would have tried something else if I had to do it again, but have seen worse."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Confusing KBB ratings and mileage figures

By Maximus Joe (NJ) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 7/10
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Good small SUV"

Cons: "Mileage, dealer support. Bench seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"I purchased a used vehicle as I like the retro looks and the KBB ratings. However the KBB does not clearly differentiate between the V6 and the 4 clyd engines. If you put in the V6 option you get a KBB mileage rating of 22 to 28. That is not correct as it gives not more than 20 and is rated 18 - 22. I fine the mileage too low for regular use and with today's gas prices and I think its irresponsible for a site like KBB to publish patently wrong information that impacts financial decisions."

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 401 reviews