Used Ford Escape for Sale nearPalm Desert, CA

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 $16,790, and that figure reached a low of $16,492 over the past year.

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 used SUV choice if you want comfort, useful technology, and a practical cabin. The all-generations owner rating is 4.5/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Escape for its spacious interiors, smooth handling, and fuel efficiency. Across the model range, you also see repeated praise for comfort, performance, and the available technology features.

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

The main trade-offs show up in interior materials, wind noise, and value, especially in recent expert-reviewed years. Some versions also bring a cabin that feels less polished than the rest of the package.

33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Escape models reliable?

Owners consistently give the Ford Escape strong marks for comfort, performance, and everyday usability. Expert and owner feedback also points to a practical, well-equipped SUV that works well for commuting and family use.

• 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 looks manageable overall, but older model years deserve extra attention to history and condition.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 78.8% — 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 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.
• Infotainment: Sync 4 infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and FordPass Connect services, including access to a Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Fuel efficiency: 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain expected to get 39 mpg in combined driving; turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder averages 26 mpg in combined driving; 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine rated for 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque.

Which Ford Escape trim should I buy?

The 2024 Ford Escape offers these trims:

• Active: The entry point in the 2024 lineup, with the updated look and the core Escape formula.
• ST-Line: A strong value choice if you want the hybrid powertrain and a sportier appearance.
• ST-Line Select: Adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter setup and more equipment, but the expert review suggests the hybrid or a lower-tier Escape may make more sense for many shoppers.
• ST-Line Elite: Brings the loaded test-vehicle setup with the larger touchscreen, premium audio, and available tech upgrades.
• Platinum: Sits near the top of the lineup with the more powerful turbocharged setup.
• Plug-in Hybrid: Adds electric-only driving range and lots of standard equipment for shoppers focused on efficiency.

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 the most shoppers because they offer the broadest selection and the newest features. They also give you more chances to compare prices and find a listing that fits your budget.

What is the Ford Escape's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which creates better opportunities for used buyers. The steepest drops are concentrated in newer and mid-cycle years, while a few older examples show smaller declines. That pattern suggests you can find meaningful value across much of the lineup if you shop carefully.

The 2024, 2023, and 2016 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 is standard on the 2024 Escape, bringing a broad suite of driver-assistance features across the lineup.

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 −16.23% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −4.47%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 36.1% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 35.8%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $22,586. The Ford Escape offers a comfortable ride, practical space, and a well-rounded cabin that make it easy to live with every day.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest model offers a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain expected to get 39 mpg in combined driving, plus a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque that averages 26 mpg in combined driving.
• Tech: The latest model includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, FordPass Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and a complimentary three-year subscription to connected navigation.
• Safety: The latest model adds Ford Co-Pilot360 with forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, predictive speed assist, evasive steering assist, lane-centering assist, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.
• Starting price: The manufacturer’s suggested retail price rises to nearly $35,000 for a front-drive hybrid model.

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 CR-V edges ahead on overall score, cargo space, and ride quality, while the Escape counters with stronger available performance and more impressive technology. If you want the better value proposition and a roomier feel, the CR-V has the advantage; if you care more about tech and available power, the Escape stays competitive.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 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 sportier AWD models, catering to various preferences and needs.

• Starting at $22,773
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Most Popular: Active 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: $25,084 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 1,282 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 stylish trim with modern tech without stepping up to AWD.

• Avg. market price: $22,773 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 1,193 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 a sporty feel with all-wheel drive capability. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup by a wide margin.

• Avg. market price: $27,981 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 2,740 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 sporty features with the added benefit of all-wheel drive at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $26,041 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 2,617 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 sporty trim with premium features and all-wheel drive capability.

• Avg. market price: $29,384 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 1,155 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 luxury features and all-wheel drive without going for the highest trim.

• Avg. market price: $25,324 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 952 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 the most advanced features and performance in the Escape lineup.

• Avg. market price: $34,329 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 178 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line Elite AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Active AWD

With 2,740 active listings, the Active AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Active AWD listings

Best Budget Option — ST-Line FWD

At $22,773 avg market price — below the lineup median of $26,041 — 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 efficiency in the lineup with 27/34 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Active FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.