Ford Escape MPG
Its best-rated version reaches 41 MPG combined in 2020–2022, the hybrid Escape FWD HEV. Its weakest year peaked at 22 MPG (2002–2004).
a year at 15,000 miles for the best 2026 version, the Escape FWD PHEV. Put it next to its 2001 predecessor, at your own mileage.
Compare in gallonsThe Ford Escape has EPA ratings for 26 model years, 2001–2026, most often among small SUVs. Its best version had the highest combined rating among SUVs in 2005–2012 and among small SUVs in 2020–2022, and it placed in its class top five in 19 model years. In 2009 it shared first place among 97 SUVs with the Mazda Tribute and the Mercury Mariner. The peak rating of the Escape is the fourth highest of the 208 SUV nameplates with MPG ratings on this site.
In 2005 it became the first SUV with a hybrid version in EPA data. From 2001 to 2026 its best rating went from 23 to 40 MPG, the fifth largest gain among 122 SUVs rated for eight or more years.
Among 69 small SUVs, 2026
The Escape placed fifth (tied). The class leader was the Kia Niro at 53 MPG. The next higher rating, 42 MPG, is shared by two nameplates.
The Escape, five years at a time
Average rating of its best version per span, placed in the class it sat in most often.
Where the engine list turned over
- 2005
New: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder hybrid. Best rating 22 → 29 MPG.
- 2009
New: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid. Best rating 32 → 32 MPG.
- 2013
New: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Best rating 32 → 26 MPG.
- 2020
New: 1.5-liter 3-cylinder, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Best rating 26 → 41 MPG.
Powertrains under the name
- Gasoline
Rated in 2001–2026.
- Hybrid
Rated in 2005–2012 and 2020–2026.
- Flex-fuel
Rated in 2010–2012 and 2017–2019.
- Plug-in hybrid
Rated in 2020–2023 and 2025–2026.
All 26 model years, best and lowest version
| Model years | Best version | Combined | City / hwy | Lowest version | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Escape FWD PHEV plug-in hybrid | 40 | 42 / 37 | 26 | 5 |
| 2025 | Escape FWD PHEV plug-in hybrid | 40 | 42 / 37 | 26 | 6 |
| 2024 | Escape AWD HEV hybrid | 39 | 42 / 36 | 26 | 5 |
| 2023 | Escape FWD PHEV plug-in hybrid | 40 | 42 / 37 | 26 | 6 |
| 2020–2022 | Escape FWD HEV hybrid | 41 | 44 / 38 | 26 | 6 |
| 2017–2019 | Escape FWD | 26 | 23 / 30 | 23 | 6 |
| 2015–2016 | Escape FWD | 26 | 23 / 31 | 23 | 5 |
| 2014 | Escape FWD | 26 | 23 / 31 | 24 | 5 |
| 2013 | Escape FWD | 26 | 23 / 32 | 24 | 5 |
| 2011–2012 | Escape Hybrid FWD hybrid | 32 | 34 / 30 | 20 | 7 |
| 2009–2010 | Escape Hybrid FWD hybrid | 32 | 34 / 31 | 20 | 7 |
| 2008 | Escape Hybrid FWD hybrid | 32 | 34 / 30 | 19 | 7 |
| 2007 | Escape Hybrid FWD hybrid | 30 | 31 / 29 | 19 | 8 |
| 2006 | Escape Hybrid FWD hybrid | 29 | 30 / 28 | 19 | 8 |
| 2005 | Escape Hybrid 2WD hybrid | 29 | 30 / 28 | 17 | 8 |
| 2004 | Escape 2WD | 22 | 20 / 25 | 18 | 3 |
| 2002–2003 | Escape 2WD | 22 | 20 / 25 | 18 | 4 |
| 2001 | Escape 2WD | 23 | 21 / 26 | 18 | 4 |
Version names in the EPA list: Escape 2WD, Escape 4WD, Escape 4WD FFV, Escape AWD, Escape AWD FFV, Escape AWD HEV, Escape FWD, Escape FWD FFV, Escape FWD HEV, Escape FWD PHEV, Escape Hybrid 2WD, Escape Hybrid 4WD, Escape Hybrid AWD, Escape Hybrid FWD.
Same class, 2026
Read next: SUVs with the best EPA ratings by year · How to read this page