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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $28,567â$36,353 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 Ford Escape S is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.1/10 â rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv â 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 comes in at 7.0/10 â above average, with owner data showing fewer issues than the segment mean. It's not flawless, but it's a dependable choice for most buyers. Safety lands at 8.2/10 â solid scores across crash testing with a reasonable standard safety package, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard.
Performance at 6.1/10 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 â don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.0/10 â functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $28,567â$36,353, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Escape S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.3/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 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 2018 Ford Escape S is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in 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 built from NHTSA crash-test results, EPA fuel-economy figures, manufacturer-published specifications, and long-term owner reliability data. Every score is reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology â
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo â ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.