Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2015 Ford Escape
Our scoring places the 2015 Ford Escape at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Performance at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.2/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,115–$29,240, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Escape sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 11 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2015 Ford Escape is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2015 Ford Escape ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $22,115 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 39%.
Across the Escape model years we've scored, the 2015 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2015 Ford Escape (9 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Seat belts 25/07/2017 · 17V472000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing…
Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel 24/06/2015 · 15V406000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the…
Electrical system / Ignition 08/07/2015 · 15V436000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled…
Showing 5 of 9 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Common Questions — 2015 Ford Escape
Is the 2015 Ford Escape reliable?
We rate the 2015 Ford Escape's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Escape have?
9 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2015 Ford Escape worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #2010 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2015 Ford Escape cost?
The 2015 Ford Escape starts at $22,115 and ranges up to $29,240 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Owner Essentials — Ford Escape
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More Ford Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year