Consumer Reports considers the Ford Escape a compact SUV with good fuel economy. After more than 20 years on the market, what are the best used Ford Escape SUV years to look for? Buyers who want a reliable sport utility vehicle should read on.

2015 is one of the best used Ford Escape SUV years to search for

When Consumer Reports rates vehicles like the Ford Escape, the reliability and owner satisfaction scores are greatly weighted. For the 2015 Ford Escape SUV, the reliability score was above average. The owner satisfaction score did not see the same positive response. The Escape received above-average scores in the reliability trouble spots areas such as engine cooling, drive system, and engine minor. The owner reported fuel economy was 24 mpg.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2015 Ford SUV mostly “good” scores on its crashworthiness tests. This was before safety groups like the IIHS put many current safety tests into place, so the 2015 version doesn’t have as many scores. However, the best used Ford Escape SUV years to look for include 2015.

Average Retail Price: $12,350 – $15,150

2021 is another option for the best used Ford Escape years

Modern vehicles tend to be more reliable, which seems to be the case for the 2021 Escape. The reliability verdict was above average, as was the owner satisfaction score. Owners reported 36 mpg, which means this Ford SUV gets solid fuel economy.

The same reliability trouble spots like engine, transmission, and drive system were all in working order. Safety features such as forward collision warning (FCW), lane departure warning (LDW), blind-spot warning (BSW), and rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW) are standard. The IIHS gave the 2021 Escape SUV the Top Safety Pick award. All of these reasons are why the best used Ford Escape SUV years to look for include 2021.

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Avoid the 2018 year for this Ford sport utility vehicle

In the grand scheme of things, the 2018 Escape is a pretty modern SUV worth avoiding. With rock bottom reliability and owner satisfaction scores and only 24 mpg, this year of the sport utility vehicle doesn’t have much to offer. Ford did not offer automatic emergency braking on any trim level, which seems like an oversight.

The 2018 SUV doesn’t have FCW, LDW, BSW, or RCTW standard, but these are optional safety features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave this Ford four and five-star ratings on its crashworthiness tests. The best used Ford Escape SUV years do not include 2018.

Average Retail Price: $17,775 – $23,675

Ford designed the Escape SUV to be practical and affordable for many buyers. While some people might not put as much weight on the reliability score, it is important to consider. Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is always an option. CPO vehicles usually have a warranty, a thorough inspection, and other helpful benefits normal used cars might not have.