2017 Ford Escape
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,552–3,677 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints2,702 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 321 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Ford Escape is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,677 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 7% better than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2702 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- Engine added: 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Escape →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 178.7 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 105.9 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,677 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 178.7 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 105.9 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,552 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Escape FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 357 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -1% | $2,800 | 369 |
| Escape FWD FFV FFV | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -1% | $2,800 | 369 |
| Escape AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +5% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Escape AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +1% | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Ford Escape.
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Escape (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V374000 · 18,124 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Risk
- A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 116,672 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Risk
- A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Electrical System › Software · Aug 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V617000 · 17,985 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Risk
- If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.
Not every 2017 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Ford Escape buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 1,583 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 490 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 374 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Escape years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2025 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2024 Escape | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 88 |
| 2023 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 138 |
| 2022 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 386 |
| 2021 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 498 |
| 2020 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 25 | 1,908 |
| 2019 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 597 |
| 2018 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,822 |
| 2016 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,170 |
| 2015 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,131 |
| 2014 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 16 | 2,023 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →