Forum Discussion

Lessmore's avatar
Lessmore
Explorer II
Apr 14, 2014

2011-12 Ford Escape ...opinions

My son is looking at trading in his 2008 Chevy Colorado Z 71, with the 5 cylinder engine, AT. It's been a good truck, has about 130kms (about 80,000 miles or so) on it, no major troubles....will need brakes and tires soon...but that's about it.

The Chevy has been maintained by the book, since new.

He's looking at the 2011-12 4 X 4, Ford Escapes.

I don't know much about them, think they came with a 4 cylinder or a V6.

Doubt if he would tow anymore than about 3000 lb.....trailer, more likely 1500-2000 lbs. trailer...would be max.

Anyone know anything about Ford Escape insofar as reliability, durability, trouble areas, comfort, noise, etc. ?

Are they good or bad vehicles ?

Any big recalls ?

How is good is Ford when it comes to backing up warranty ?

Any other issues ?

What would you check out with this or any used vehicle ? We've never had a 4 WD vehicle before and that concerns me in a used vehicle.

How would you check out the 4WD system...what common issues would there be to check out on the 4WD system ?

How much maintenance/cost is there with a 4WD system ? I don't know what kind of 4WD system a 2011/12 Escape has ?

Thanks in advance.
Tow Vehicles

7 Replies

  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2014
    the max towing amount for a properly equipped Escape(even the Ecoboost version)is 3500lbs.
    and that's rated with only a 150lb. driver in it.

    but any full height hybrid or travel trailer's frontal area, exceeds Ford's maximum amount.
    i believe the max frontal area for the v-6 Escape with the factory tow package, is only 30 sq. ft., which any TT/HTT will exceed.

    so, only popups, teardrops or something like the egg-shaped Escape.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2014
    We have one also, one of the very first. It drives great, but the newer ones have a 6 speed transmission vs the 4 speed and an extra 40 HP from the V6, so it scoots. I would not hesitate to tow at its 3500-lb tow rating. Only problem has been a loose rear door seal (replaced under warranty) and broken rubber PCV elbow which I did in the driveway.

    I had one customer with a newer Escape Hybrid. She towed a 19' tandem axle full-width TT. She was about 5x over the tow rating (5k trailer vs 1k tow rating on the Hybrid) and as of 80,000 miles she had zero issues with it.
  • Fordlover's avatar
    Fordlover
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2014
    I believe around 2005 the 4x4 versions became AWD (no buttons to control) so it's seemless.


    My grandmother has a 2003 model 4x4 with V6 and has been very pleased with it. It's been extremely reliable and gets her around in Northern Colorado snow country just fine.

    *Edited to add that I wouldn't tow anything with it beyond a jet ski or tiny utility trailer, it's a compact SUV, not a robust towing machine.
  • jujububbajr's avatar
    jujububbajr
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2014
    My wife is on her 3rd one . She loves them. We never towed anything but a pair of jet skis.
  • rav's avatar
    rav
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2014
    we really like ours- 2012, FWD w/ 4 cylinder. gets good gas mileage. I don't know the tow ratings- you need to look at the owners manuals and see what each drive/engine/model combo could tow. search for Ford Escape owners manuals that should help you finding info.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2014
    We have an 11 at work.

    Everybody loves to drive it including me. It's a hybrid and gets great mileage for a small SUV.

    I don't know if I would tow much more than a small popup with it though.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,044 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 29, 2025