Used Ford Escape for Sale nearElm City, NC

How much does the Ford Escape cost in today's market?

Used Ford Escape prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Ford Escape's current nationwide average price is $16,949, and its lowest point over the past year was $16,490. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Ford Escape a good car?

Yes — the Ford Escape is a strong pick if you want a compact SUV with broad appeal and a well-rounded ownership experience. The all-generations owner rating is 4.5/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Escape for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and strong performance. They also frequently highlight the smooth handling and advanced technology available in many trims.

Expert reviews rate the 2020 and 2017 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs show up in interior materials, cabin noise, and value, especially in recent years with expert coverage. Some versions also lean heavily into tech and features, which can push prices up quickly.

31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Escape models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Ford Escape for comfort, smooth handling, and practical everyday usability. Across the model years in the data, it also earns strong marks for performance and technology, which helps it feel like a dependable choice for daily driving.

• Owners rate the Ford Escape between 4 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by checking service history carefully, especially on older examples where owner feedback points to more mixed experiences.

What should I look for when buying a used Ford Escape?

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot360 collection of driving assistance systems
• Infotainment: 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Which Ford Escape trim should I buy?

The 2024 Ford Escape offers these trims:

• Active: This is the entry point for the 2024 lineup and gives you the updated Escape design with the current trim structure.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim if you want the hybrid powertrain, and it adds a sportier appearance while keeping the Escape’s everyday comfort and tech focus.
• ST-Line Select: This trim adds the more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and AWD, along with a more upscale feature set.
• ST-Line Elite: This trim builds on ST-Line Select with more premium equipment, including the larger tech display and available upscale cabin touches.
• Platinum: This trim sits near the top of the lineup and adds a more premium presentation with the stronger turbo powertrain.
• Plug-in Hybrid: This trim adds plug-in hybrid capability and more than 35 miles of electric-only driving range, making it the efficiency-focused choice.

What Ford Escape do most buyers choose?

The Ford Escape years with the most listings are 2024, 2023, and 2025.

These higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because they offer a strong mix of newer features, broad availability, and plenty of deal opportunities. More listings also give you more room to compare trims, colors, and prices before you buy.

What is the Ford Escape's resale value?

Most model years in the Escape lineup are down year over year, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. The steepest drops are concentrated in the newer and mid-cycle years, while a few recent models are falling more slowly.

The 2024, 2023, and 2015 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Ford Escape safe?

• 2024: 8/10
• 2023: 8/10
• 2021: 8/10
• 2020: 9/10
• 2017: 8/10
• 2016: 6/10
• 2015: 8/10

Ford Co-Pilot360 collection of driving assistance systems is standard on the 2024 Escape.

For the safest used buy, the 2020 model posts the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Ford Escape now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −16.24% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −4.64%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 32.8% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 32.7%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $22,730. The Ford Escape offers a comfortable cabin and a practical, easygoing character that works well for daily driving.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The 2024 Escape offers a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain expected to get 39 mpg in combined driving, or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque, and 26 mpg in combined driving.
• Tech: Lower trims feature an 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and FordPass Connect services, while the larger 13.2-inch touchscreen adds Amazon Alexa and a complimentary three-year subscription to connected navigation.
• Safety: The 2024 Escape has a standard Ford Co-Pilot360 collection of driving assistance systems with forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights.
• Starting price: The 2024 Escape lineup ranges from $29,345 to $40,500, not including the $1,495 destination charge.

If you're buying used today, the 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

How does the 2023 Ford Escape compare to the 2023 Honda CR-V?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Ford Escape:

• Pros: Comfortable, Powerful engine available, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Interior materials feel cheap, Too much wind noise, Poor value for money.

2023 Honda CR-V:

• Pros: Comfortable, Plenty of cargo space, Great ride and handling.
• Cons: Irritating transmission, Uninspired styling, Lacks technological innovation.

Our experts score the 2023 Ford Escape 7.2/10 and the 2023 Honda CR-V 7.8/10. The Escape leans into tech and available power, while the CR-V counters with more cargo space and a stronger ride-and-handling reputation. If you care most about features and a more upscale feel, the Escape has appeal; if you want the better-rounded overall package, the CR-V edges ahead.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Ford Escape Trims

The 2026 Ford Escape offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more feature-rich models, all with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $23,751
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Most Popular: ST-Line AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Active FWD — "Who It's For"

The Active FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $25,218 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 1,289 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Active FWD listings

ST-Line FWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded vehicle with modern tech at an accessible price.

• Avg. market price: $23,751 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 1,232 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line FWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

The Active AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty performance and all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $30,150 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 2,584 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish, feature-rich vehicle with all-wheel drive at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $27,079 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 2,625 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line AWD listings

ST-Line Select AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line Select AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a balance of luxury and performance without going to the top tier.

• Avg. market price: $29,891 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 1,103 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line Select AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features and performance in a compact SUV.

• Avg. market price: $41,139 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 972 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST-Line Elite AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line Elite AWD is the pick for shoppers who want advanced technology and luxury features in a compact SUV.

• Avg. market price: $34,628 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 188 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line Elite AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST-Line AWD

With 2,625 active listings, the ST-Line AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST-Line AWD listings

Best Budget Option — ST-Line FWD

At $23,751 avg market price — below the lineup median of $29,891 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse ST-Line FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active FWD

The Active FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 27/34 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Active FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.