The History of the Ford Escape

The compact design of the Ford Escape has made it one of Ford’s best-selling vehicles. As an SUV that offers outdoor performance and the family carrying capacity of Sedans, the Ford Escape remains a popular Ford model. With the 2023 Ford Escape ushering in another year of adventuring, let’s take a look at the history of this popular SUV.

Humble Beginnings: 2001-2007

Ford released the first Escape in 2001 and it was essentially the twin of Mazda’s Tribute. They both carried four-cylinder and V6 drivetrains, and even the exterior design was similar. Mazda actually had a hand in designing the Ford Escape, making this SUV stand out from Ford’s other offerings.

The Escape came with two trims, XLS and XLT. The XLS was the standard package and included features like power windows, a CD player, and remote keyless entry. The XLT was a step up and came with antilock brakes, a premium speaker system, and a sunroof.

Next Generation: 2008-2012

The Ford Escape experienced its first evolution in 2008 with its second generation. The interior systems were much the same, but the exterior and visual design saw improvements. It had a modern refresh with new headlights, a tough-looking shell, and a chrome grille.

Third Time’s the Charm: 2013-2019

2013 introduced a brand-new start for Ford Escape. The tough box-like design fell out of favor and was replaced by a smooth-flowing exterior. The MyFord Touch system was introduced into the Escape and featured a color screen with premium Sony sound. Mazda was hands-off in this third generation, so the sleek new look was completely Ford.

Looking To the Future: 2019-Present

The fourth generation of Escape has become the perfect companion for urban driving and weekend getaways. The new 2023 Ford Escape comes packed with accessibility features and the newest tech.

Explore the 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape continues a long legacy of convenient and compact SUVs. Head over to Woodhouse Ford of Omaha to get behind the wheel our newest model.