Why the Ford Escape Being Discontinued Is Good News for Used Vehicle Shoppers

While the rumors aren’t completely confirmed, drivers, experts, and auto enthusiasts have seen the writing on the wall for several years: the Ford Escape is in danger of being discontinued. But while we await news from Ford regarding the last days of the Escape and the named successor, it might be time for those who are SUV shopping to consider a used Ford Escape for sale.

The Ford Escape is a wildly popular vehicle, so why is it being discontinued? Not only is Ford moving towards an electric/hybrid lineup of vehicles, but the automaker has also been paring down its overall offerings. In 2018, Ford announced they would be discontinuing all passenger cars except the Mustang- a mission they completed just in time for the 2021 model year. Recently, the Ford Edge, Explorer Hybrid, and Transit Connect found themselves on the chopping block.

For Ford drivers and dealerships alike, the end of a favorite model is always bittersweet. However, in the case of the Ford Escape, we have a little bit of an extra-bright silver lining: due to its amazing popularity over the years, the Ford Escape, as you know it, will continue to live a long life on the used lots. In fact, there are plenty of reasons why owning a Ford Escape is actually a fantastic idea!

Is a Used Ford Escape a Good Investment?

One of the main questions folks have when purchasing a used vehicle is, “Will this car last me as long as I need it to?” Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict the answer to that question, even with thorough inspections and careful maintenance. Accidents can happen, after all. However, the Ford Escape has one of the longer lifespans of SUVs in its class, with 200,000 miles being a good average life. There are plenty of reports of models staying on the road for over 300,000 miles, though, especially those from model year 2013 or earlier.

Of course, that all depends on how the vehicle was driven, what it was used for, and the quality of maintenance done over the years. As a popular vehicle among drivers of all ages and experience levels, some used Escapes will show their age more than others. Over the years, the Ford Escape has earned many awards from prestigious experts such as JD Powers, Wards, and even Popular Mechanics for being an easy-to-maintain, fun-to-drive, all-around reliable vehicle. So, while buying a used vehicle from a trusted source is always a good idea, many drivers continue to enjoy their used Ford Escape for hundreds of thousands of miles.

The Latest Generation Ford Escape

Drivers who want a used car that’s as close to new as possible often look to the latest generation. The good news for Ford Escape shoppers is that the current generation was introduced in 2020. That means a lot of the technology is not only relevant but fully up-to-date. In fact, many drivers feel the 2020 Ford Escape is just as great today as when it first rolled off the production line. Not only were there four powertrains to choose from– including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid version, which we’ll discuss in a moment— but this was also the year the Escape also received a full suite of standard Co-Pilot360 features.

We tend to take driver assistance technology for granted these days, but just a few years ago, these were still very novel. The Ford Escape made a splash in 2020 with Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and a Lane-Keeping System. However, by the 2023 model year, a Blind Spot Information System and Auto High Beam Headlamps were added to the standard driver assistance features. Some used Ford Escape models may include additional driver assistance features that were offered as options for its model year, such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (which became standard in 2021) and Evasive Steering Assist.

Other standard features include a sliding second-row seat that allows rear-seat passengers to recline and actually get comfortable, making the Escape an instant favorite for lengthy road trips. Furthermore, all-wheel drive is an option for Ford Escape drivers. In an age in which SUVs either have standard all-wheel drive or none at all, Ford has continually ensured that drivers have all the options they need to choose their ideal vehicle.

Choose Your Escape

Perhaps it is this ability to truly have the vehicle of your dreams that has made the Ford Escape one of the most beloved compact SUVs in the nation. The range of trims introduced in the most recent 2024 model year is tremendous, including the Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid. Prior to 2023, however, the trim lineup looked a little different, with choices between the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trims. The Escape’s non-plug-in hybrid trims have continued to model after the all-gasoline-powered models in name and features, providing drivers with an equal choice between the powertrain options.

Furthermore, it is not unusual for Ford drivers to select one or more of the many optional packages offered for their SUVs. The Escape has had some pretty enjoyable add-on packages through the years, too. The Ford Escape has been offered with appearance packages like the 2022 SEL Stealth Package, which added blackout accents. It has also been offered with packages that improve the functionality of the Escape for drivers, such as the Cold Weather packages, which add heating capability to areas like the front seats, steering wheel, and side mirrors, a favorite in New York state.

While purchasing a used Escape means you won’t be able to customize it directly, the availability and desirability of these packages, along with the well-equipped trims themselves, means that it isn’t just possible but likely that you’ll find a used Escape with plenty of the features you’ve been hoping for in your next big purchase.

Finding the Right Used Ford Escape for Your Unique Needs

Searching for your ideal used car can require a bit of research, but taking the time to learn about your options can pay off in a huge way. When looking for a new-to-you Ford Escape, there are a few key factors to consider. The first, of course, is mileage and condition. Since the Escape can live for many miles, higher mileage may not necessarily be a deal breaker– but a vehicle in poor condition might be. You’ll also want to consider the model year that best meets your needs. An older Escape might have a lower price tag, but if it doesn’t have the features you need, such as driver assistance technology, it may not be a good fit for your driving needs and lifestyle.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream big, though. With a large range of trims, powertrains, and optional packages, it is possible to find a wide array of features on a used Ford Escape. Take a close look at each option’s sticker details, and look up different model years online to determine if their specs are right for your needs. Though the Ford Escape may no longer be in production in the near future, it will never be far away. With so many models on the road today, it’s fair to say that a used Ford Escape will be the vehicle of choice for many drivers in the near future.