2011 Ford Escape Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,240 to $27,920

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(41 reviews)
2011 Ford Escape Preview summaryImage

Slated for a significant upgrade in 2012, possibly to the point of being re-named, the 2011 Ford Escape still offers a lot of midsize SUV for the money. First introduced for the 2001 model year, this five-passenger pre-crossover Sport Ute became a big hit, and steady, albeit fiscally careful, improvements to standard features and performance keep the Escape a reasonably popular seller. The conventionally powered Escape is offered in three trim levels, the base XLS, midlevel XLT and top-notch Limited, each available in either a front-wheel-drive (FWD) or full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. Cargo capacity tops out at 66 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while a choice of two engines ought to satisfy both those with a need for economy and those who want a little more oomph in their Ute. Major competition in this popular segment includes the Toyota RAV4, Chevy Equinox, Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V. All are worth a test drive before settling on the Escape.

A 171-hp, 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine is the standard powerplant for the 2011 Escape lineup. While the FWD XLS comes with a standard five-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic is optional for this base trim, and standard in the rest of the lineup, including the XLS AWD. The I4 is good for 171 lb-ft of torque and can tow 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, with mileage estimated at 22/28 mpg for FWD trims, 20/26 for AWD versions. Optional in the XLT and Limited is a 3.0-liter E85-capable Flex Fuel V6 that uses the six-speed automatic to put out 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque. Good to tow 3,500 pounds of trailer when equipped with the optional Class II towing package, mileage suffers noticeably with the V6 at 19/25 for FWD configurations, 18/23 for AWD trims. Though not recommended for off-road use, a center-mounted, limited-slip mechanical differential gives AWD trims plenty of go in the snow.

Well-heeled with standard appearance, comfort, and convenience amenities, the 2011 Escape begins to show its age in true cabin ambiance and aesthetics. Stodginess aside, however, standard 16-inch alloy wheels complement such interior goodies as cloth upholstery, power door locks, windows, and mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted cruise controls, air conditioning, and a single-CD player with four speakers and MP3 input in the base XLS trim. The XLT adds to the list with a standard roof rack, premium cloth upholstery, power driver’s seat, tilt-wheel steering, digital keypad power door locks, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Sirius satellite radio. Meanwhile, the top-shelf Limited tosses 16-inch polished alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated mirrors, hard-drive-based navigation, Bluetooth communications, and a USB connection into the mix.

Most of the standard features of the higher trim levels are available for the lower trims, with the SYNC infotainment/communications system being a popular option throughout the lineup. Additionally, 17-inch chrome-clad wheels, side step bars, voice-activated navigation, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power moonroof are available for the XLT and Limited trims, with available Active Parking assist taking much of the challenge out of parallel parking in the Limited trim level.

An anachronistic front-disc, rear-drum brake arrangement somewhat mitigates the 2011 Escape’s standard four-wheel ABS. Traction and stability control, however, as well as front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and a post-collision safety system make up a bit for this minor safety deficiency. The XLT and Limited trims, furthermore, are delivered with standard front fog/driving lights.

An overwhelming majority of owners of the 2010 Escape complain about its antiquated cabin design, calling on those considering this midsize Ute to wait for the redesigned 2012 version – whatever it’s called. Some efficiency issues with the V6, as well as some grousing about build quality and cost-cutting also have a few owners wondering if they jumped a bit too early. Overwhelmingly, however, owners cite the Escape’s masculine look – like exactly what it is, an SUV – as a dealmaker when it comes time for cash on the table. Additionally, value, a peppy yet miserly I4 and, as always, the available SYNC technology also score high on the list of owner plaudits.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2011 Ford Escape

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User rating:
by James G
Oct 25, 2024
I love the escape I had one years ago it perfect I hope it get itOct 25, 2024
by Anonymous
Sep 20, 2024
It was very clean ran very well and was in relatively well conditioned inside and out Im very happy with this purchaseSep 20, 2024
by Astrid W
Jun 20, 2024
It has water damage from sunroof leak or who knows. Jun 20, 2024

2011 Ford Escape Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,240 to $27,920
Price range
$6,228 to $6,712
Average price on CG
$6,228
YoY price change
$6,617 to $6,228

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · SYNC System: voice activated communication and entertainment system · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.13

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · SYNC System: voice activated communication and entertainment system · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.51

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Headphones: rear · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · SYNC System: voice activated communication and entertainment system · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.51

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class II · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 40GB · Headphones: rear · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.51

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class II · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Headphones: rear · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · SYNC System: voice activated communication and entertainment system · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.51

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class II · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 40GB · Headphones: rear · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.51

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front and rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class II · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (6)