2006 Ford Escape Reviews, Full Information & Pricing

Pricing

$19995 to $27295

ORIGINAL MSRP

$4531 to $5587

PRICE RANGE

$4740 to $4756

AVERAGE PRICE

$6224 to $4756

YOY PRICE CHANGE

Pros

The 2006 Ford Escape remains a reliable and versatile choice in the compact SUV segment. Here are five key advantages of this model, written in an SEO-optimized format.

1. Spacious Interior The 2006 Ford Escape offers a roomy cabin that comfortably seats up to five passengers. Its upright design provides ample headroom and legroom, making it an excellent choice for families or those needing extra space for passengers and cargo.

2. Versatile Cargo Capacity With the rear seats folded flat, the Escape delivers impressive cargo space, accommodating larger items with ease. This makes it ideal for weekend trips, outdoor adventures, or simply handling everyday errands.

3. Multiple Engine Options The 2006 Ford Escape provides three engine choices: a 2.3-liter inline-four, a 3.0-liter V6, and a hybrid option. The V6 offers a lively 200 horsepower, while the hybrid delivers enhanced fuel efficiency, catering to a range of driving needs.

4. User-Friendly Design The Escape features a straightforward and practical design with easily accessible controls and a comfortable driving position. Its simple layout ensures a hassle-free driving experience, particularly for first-time SUV owners.

5. All-Wheel Drive Availability The optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system enhances the Escape's capability, making it suitable for light off-roading and improved performance in adverse weather conditions. This adds versatility for buyers living in areas with challenging climates.

Cons

The 2006 Ford Escape is a popular compact SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its downsides. Below are five key disadvantages to consider, presented in a concise and SEO-optimized format.

1. Dated Interior Design The 2006 Ford Escape’s interior design feels outdated compared to its competitors. Hard plastics dominate the cabin, giving it a less premium feel. While functional, the overall design lacks modern aesthetics and features, which may deter tech-savvy buyers.

2. Average Fuel Efficiency Despite offering multiple engine options, including a hybrid, the fuel efficiency of the gas-powered models is mediocre. The standard 3.0-liter V6 engine delivers around 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, which lags behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

3. Limited Advanced Safety Features While it provides basic safety essentials like ABS and airbags, the 2006 Escape lacks advanced safety features such as stability control or side-curtain airbags, which are becoming standard in rival SUVs. This limitation could be a dealbreaker for safety-conscious buyers.

4. Noisy Cabin Road and wind noise are noticeable at highway speeds, diminishing the driving experience. The lack of sufficient sound insulation makes the cabin less serene compared to newer or similarly priced SUVs, affecting passenger comfort during long journeys.

5. Subpar Ride Comfort The suspension is tuned more for utility than comfort, leading to a stiff ride on rougher roads. Passengers may feel bumps and vibrations, especially when traveling on uneven terrain, making it less appealing for those prioritizing ride quality.

Ford Escape: America’s Best-Selling Compact SUV

The Ford Escape continues to dominate the compact SUV market in America, offering a perfect blend of comfort, versatility, and performance. With six years in its current form, a refresh might be due, but the Escape still impresses with its practicality and driving dynamics. Designed to comfortably accommodate four to five passengers and their gear, the Escape provides a spacious and user-friendly cabin experience.

Under the hood, the Escape delivers up to 200 horsepower with its available 3.0-liter V6 engine, ensuring a lively and responsive drive. For those seeking efficiency, options include a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a 155-horsepower hybrid variant. A five-speed manual transmission is available on select models, while most trims come with a four-speed automatic for a smooth ride. Despite its compact size, the Escape boasts impressive cargo capacity with rear seats folded down, making it a reliable partner for weekend getaways or daily errands.
Positioned in a competitive segment, the Ford Escape rivals popular models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Liberty, Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Forester. Sharing its platform and features with the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner, the Escape stands out with its superior handling and ride quality. Whether you're prioritizing space, performance, or a comfortable ride, the Escape offers a well-rounded package to meet your needs.

3.1

out of 5

EXPERT REVIEW

Look & feel

Performance

Form & function

Technology

Safety

Cost-effectiveness

Ford Escape: Updated Design and Practical Features

The Ford Escape received a refreshed bumper and several new features last year, giving it a modernized appearance despite the lack of a major overhaul in recent years. Its clean, simple front-end design embodies the rugged look expected of a small utility vehicle. Lower trims feature black bumpers and door handles, while higher trims add a touch of sophistication with body-colored finishes. Minimal chrome accents contribute to its streamlined and uncomplicated aesthetic.

Interior Comfort and Design

Inside, the Ford Escape offers spacious front seats, but taller drivers might find the seat bottoms shorter than ideal. While the padding adds some comfort, the center console’s placement can make finding a comfortable elbow position challenging. The high, narrow door armrest also leaves room for improvement. However, the center stack is thoughtfully designed, with well-organized controls easily accessible from the driver’s seat.

The rear seating consists of a flat bench with minimal padding, making long trips less comfortable for adults. Fortunately, generous legroom and headroom provide some relief, and children in car seats will fare better. Leather-trimmed models offer slightly improved comfort but still lack sufficient padding for extended journeys.

Impressive Cargo Space

Behind the rear seats, the Escape provides ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike. Folding down the rear seats significantly expands storage capacity, offering versatility for transporting larger items. While it doesn’t match the size of the Ford Explorer, the Escape’s affordability makes it a compelling option for those seeking value in a compact SUV.

Ford Escape: Performance, Efficiency, and On-Road Excellence

Exceptional On-Road Performance

The Ford Escape delivers a standout driving experience with brisk acceleration and responsive handling. Thanks to upgraded front shocks and a refined stabilizer system, the Escape maintains a balance of solid control and a smooth, comfortable ride. Body roll is minimal during turns, defying the expectations of a typical SUV.

The cabin remains quiet, even at higher speeds, while the suspension system absorbs rough roads with ease. The Escape's compact size and short wheelbase make it highly maneuverable in tight spaces, adding to its urban appeal.

Off-Road Capability and All-Weather Performance

While the Escape’s four-wheel-drive system performs admirably in snowy conditions, it struggles with more demanding off-road terrain like steep slopes or loose gravel. The suspension, optimized for road comfort, is less effective on rugged surfaces. The intelligent 4WD system, however, excels in poor weather, offering stability and confidence during snowy drives.

Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency

The Escape offers versatile engine choices to suit different needs. The 2.3-liter engine provides sufficient power for most buyers, delivering a smooth and responsive performance without feeling overworked. For those seeking more power, the 3.0-liter V6 pairs seamlessly with the four-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear shifts and reliable performance.

The Escape shines in fuel efficiency, particularly the hybrid variant. The 2.3-liter front-wheel-drive model with a manual transmission achieves up to 21/27/23 MPG (city/highway/combined), while the 3.0-liter V6 returns 18/23/20 MPG with front-wheel drive. The Escape Hybrid leads the pack, boasting an impressive 30/28/29 MPG with front-wheel drive and 28/26/27 MPG with 4WD.

Braking and Safety Features

The Escape’s braking system is smooth and predictable, aided by advanced features such as brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. These technologies ensure stable braking performance, even with rear drum brakes on most models.

Ford Escape: The Ultimate Compact SUV for Comfort and Efficiency

The Ford Escape stands out in the compact SUV market by offering ample space to comfortably seat four passengers on long journeys. While rear-seat passengers might notice slightly firmer seating compared to a park bench, the overall comfort remains impressive. With a wide range of models available, the Escape caters to nearly every type of buyer, ensuring there's a perfect fit for your needs.

Interior Comfort and Premium Features

At its base level, the Escape's interior is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, providing a clean and practical space for everyday use. As you move up through the trim levels, the interior transforms with luxurious enhancements such as leather upholstery and heated seats. These premium features elevate the Escape's ambiance, giving it a sophisticated feel that belies its affordable price tag.

Powertrain Options for Every Driver

The Ford Escape offers three refined powertrain options, each delivering sufficient power to meet diverse driving needs. Whether you prefer traditional gasoline engines or seek greater fuel efficiency, the Escape ensures you won't go wrong with any choice. Notably, the Escape Hybrid distinguishes itself in the compact SUV segment by delivering exceptional fuel economy and earning the prestigious North American Truck of the Year award. The hybrid model maintains the same sleek design and driving experience as the standard Escape, with the added benefit of fewer fuel stops.

Why Choose the Ford Escape?

Spacious and comfortable seating for four
Variety of models to suit different preferences
Premium interior upgrades available
Three versatile and efficient powertrain options
Award-winning Escape Hybrid for superior fuel efficiency

Whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on long road trips, the Ford Escape offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and efficiency. Explore the different models today and find the Escape that best fits your lifestyle.

Ford Escape Trims: XLS, XLT, and Limited with Advanced Entertainment & Tech Features

The Ford Escape XLS trim comes equipped with essential features such as power windows and door locks, an AM/FM radio with a six-CD changer, four high-quality speakers, and an 80-watt sound system, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Enhanced Features with the XLT Trim

Stepping up to the Ford Escape XLT adds significant enhancements, including an in-dash six-disc CD player. This trim level offers a superior audio experience, making every journey more entertaining and convenient for passengers.

Ultimate Luxury with the Limited Trim

For those seeking the pinnacle of comfort and technology, the Ford Escape Limited trim features a premium MACH audio system with automatic volume control. This top-tier system delivers crystal-clear sound quality, elevating your driving experience to new heights.

Customizable Entertainment and Tech Upgrades

The Ford Escape offers a wide range of optional upgrades to enhance its entertainment and technological conveniences. These options include a CD-based satellite navigation system, additional power outlets for your devices, and a state-of-the-art 320-watt Audiophile stereo system. The Audiophile system boasts six speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and an in-dash CD changer, providing an unparalleled audio experience tailored to your preferences.

Why Choose Ford Escape?

Variety of trims to suit different needs: XLS, XLT, Limited
Advanced audio systems for superior sound quality
Powerful and convenient tech features
Customizable entertainment options
Enhanced navigation and connectivity features

Whether you prioritize essential features or seek the ultimate in luxury and technology, the Ford Escape lineup offers a trim level that perfectly matches your lifestyle. Upgrade your driving experience with the Ford Escape's exceptional entertainment and tech features today.

Prospective buyers should consider the available safety packages to maximize protection. Investing in the $595 safety package can enhance the Escape's safety capabilities, making it a more secure choice within its class.

Conclusion: Is the 2006 Ford Escape Safe?

Overall, the 2006 Ford Escape offers a reasonable level of safety for a compact SUV, particularly when equipped with optional safety features. While it excels in certain crash test categories, some areas require attention to ensure maximum protection. Ensuring that your Escape is properly outfitted with available safety packages and maintained can significantly enhance its safety performance on the road.

When considering a used SUV, the Ford Escape remains a viable option, especially for those prioritizing side impact protection and overall crashworthiness with the right safety enhancements.

Ford Escape Pricing and Features: A Guide to Trims and Value

Affordable Entry-Level Options

Starting at just over $20,000, the Ford Escape offers an attractive price point for budget-conscious buyers. However, the base model comes with limited features, requiring drivers to manage with a manual transmission and fewer creature comforts. This trim is ideal for those seeking a practical and affordable entry into the SUV market.

Mid-Range Trims: Balancing Comfort and Technology

Mid-range trims of the Ford Escape strike a balance between affordability and enhanced features. These models include upgraded comfort and technology options, making them suitable for families and tech-savvy drivers. However, the price can increase significantly as you move up the trim levels, so careful consideration of your must-have features is essential.

Limited Trim: Luxury at a Premium

The top-tier Limited trim, which can exceed $27,000 with additional options, offers a suite of premium features and “goodies” for a more luxurious driving experience. However, at this price point, competitors such as Toyota and Honda provide comparable options that might better suit your preferences. That said, the Escape stands out with its impressive fuel efficiency, particularly in the Escape Hybrid.

Fuel Efficiency: Where the Escape Excels

One of the key advantages of the Ford Escape is its fuel economy. The Escape Hybrid leads the pack, offering excellent gas mileage compared to other SUVs in its class. This makes it a smart choice for those prioritizing long-term savings at the pump and environmentally friendly driving.

Conclusion: Is the Ford Escape Right for You?

The Ford Escape delivers value across its trim levels, from its budget-friendly base model to its feature-packed Limited trim. While competitors may offer compelling alternatives at higher price points, the Escape’s standout fuel efficiency, especially in the hybrid model, makes it a strong contender in the compact SUV market. Whether you prioritize affordability or fuel economy, the Escape has a trim to suit your needs.

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Last Updated On Jan, 18-2025

The Ford Escape is America’s best-selling compact SUV, but it’s more than overdue for a refresh after six years in its current form. The Ford Escape is a comfortable and usable compact crossover CUV that offers plenty of room for four to five passengers and all of their gear. It’s not a sports car, but with up to 200 horsepower from an available V6, the Escape feels lively and quick. Handling and ride quality are both better than expected for a sport-utility. Though it’s small in stature, the Escape can carry more than its fair share of cargo with the seats folded down.