Archived model-year dossier
2021 Ford Escape
The 2021 Ford Escape has no major changes a year after its redesign, but a host of small trim and equipment updates and four new exterior colors, and used prices start at $13,700 at Kelley Blue Book. NHTSA lists 21 recalls, including high-voltage battery, fuel injector and engine fire risks, and 376 complaints. EPA rates it 26 to 41 mpg combined.
Configurations6
Model/option labels5
Combined efficiency26–41 MPG/MPGe
Electric range37 mi
Decision answers4
What changed on the 2021 Ford Escape
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) says the Escape, completely redesigned for 2020, plows into 2021 with no major changes but a host of small trim and equipment changes, and that pricing starts at $13,700 used for the S against a starting MSRP of $26,130 when new. Akins Ford (opens in a new tab) lists four new exterior colors, Antimatter Blue, Bronze Fire, Carbonized Gray and Iconic Silver. Auto Influence (opens in a new tab) says there are lots of new features and additions for 2021.
EPA rates the 2021 Escape at 26 to 41 mpg combined and $1,500 to $2,400 a year in fuel, with front- or all-wheel drive and 37 miles of electric range on the plug-in hybrid.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 21 recall campaigns for the 2021 Escape. Several concern the hybrid and plug-in versions: 21V869000, 22V149000 and 24V954000 cover high-voltage batteries that may fail or short circuit and cause a sudden loss of drive power, and 22V484000 and 23V380000 cover an engine failure that may release oil and fuel vapor near ignition sources. 21V625000 covers a fuel delivery module that may leak and stall the engine, 21V922000 covers rear brake linings manufactured incorrectly, and 22V859000 and 25V165000 cover a fuel injector that may crack and leak inside the engine compartment.
Owners have filed 376 complaints with NHTSA: structure with 95, unknown or other with 61, engine with 53, service brakes with 51, power train with 49 and fuel system with 44. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) counts 19 recalls and 346 complaints on the model name and scores the year 3.4 out of 10, and Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a common-problems page for it.
2021 Escape against the CR-V, RAV4 and CX-5
EPA rates the 2021 Escape at 26 to 41 mpg combined and $1,500 to $2,400 a year in fuel. The Honda CR-V lists 29 to 38 at $1,650 to $2,150, the Toyota RAV4 28 to 40 at $1,550 to $2,250, and the Mazda CX-5 24 to 28 at $2,250 to $2,600. The Escape's hybrid gives it the highest top figure of the four.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Ford Escape: 7 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 181 | 190 | 28 / 34 / 30 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SE | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | FWD | 181 | 190 | 28 / 34 / 30 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SE Hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, eCVT | FWD | 163 | 155 | 44 / 37 / 41 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Titanium | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 250 | 280 | 23 / 31 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SEL | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 250 | 280 | 23 / 31 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SEL Hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, eCVT | FWD | 163 | 155 | 44 / 37 / 41 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Titanium Hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, eCVT | FWD | 163 | 155 | 44 / 37 / 41 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 3,302 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 14.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 2,000 lb | P225/65HR17 |
| SE | 3,302 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 14.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 2,000 lb | P225/65HR17 |
| SE Hybrid | 3,550 lb | 180.5 in | 65.9 in | 106.7 in | 6.8 in | 38.4 ft | 14.2 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 1,500 lb | P225/65HR17 |
| Titanium | 3,607 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 15.8 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 3,500 lb | P225/55R19 |
| SEL | 3,607 lb | 180.5 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 7.3 in | 38.4 ft | 15.8 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 3,500 lb | P225/60R18 |
| SEL Hybrid | 3,550 lb | 180.5 in | 65.9 in | 106.7 in | 6.8 in | 38.4 ft | 14.2 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 1,500 lb | P225/60R18 |
| Titanium Hybrid | 3,550 lb | 180.5 in | 65.9 in | 106.7 in | 6.8 in | 38.4 ft | 14.2 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 1,500 lb | P225/55R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Ford Escape trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | S | SE | SE Hybrid | Titanium | SEL | SEL Hybrid | Titanium Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||||
| Text-message reader | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | Std | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Heated front seats | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | Opt | – | – | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | – | Opt | – | – | Opt |
| Front and rear climate zones | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||
| Alloy wheels | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std | – |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Std |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43650Escape AWD | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 26 | 31 | 28 | N/A |
| 43651Escape AWD | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 23 | 31 | 26 | N/A |
| 43649Escape AWD HEV | 2.5L 4-cyl HybridHybrid | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 43 | 37 | 40 | N/A |
| 43645Escape FWD | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 28 | 34 | 30 | N/A |
| 43644Escape FWD HEV | 2.5L 4-cyl HybridHybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 44 | 37 | 41 | N/A |
| 43912Escape FWD PHEV | 2.5L 4-cyl PHEVPlug-in Hybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular Gas and Electricity | 43 | 38 | 40 | 37 mi |
Model-specific answer center
4 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 Ford Escape versus the 2020 Ford Escape?
Model year
Against the 2020 Ford Escape: Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic (S8). Federal recall campaigns on file went from 23 for the 2020 to 19 for the 2021.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02What size wheels does the 2021 Ford Escape have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Ford Escape's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the S, SE and SE Hybrid, 18 inches on the SEL and SEL Hybrid and 19 inches on the Titanium and Titanium Hybrid. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03How do the 2021 Ford Escape trims differ from one another?
Trims
The SE has alloy wheels, a text-message reader, privacy glass and 5 more as standard equipment over the S. The SE Hybrid has 163 hp against 181 and front and rear climate zones as standard equipment over the SE. The Titanium has 250 hp against 163 and AWD instead of FWD and an anti-theft alarm, power front seats for driver and passenger, fog lights and 14 more as standard equipment over the SE Hybrid. The SEL has cruise control as standard equipment over the Titanium. The SEL Hybrid has 163 hp against 250 and FWD instead of AWD over the SEL.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What octane gasoline does the 2021 Ford Escape call for?
Fuel
The 2021 Ford Escape owner's manual gives 87 octane as the minimum gasoline rating. Source: 2021 Ford Escape owner's manual. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Ford Escape.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Ford Escape across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Diesel ownershipWhite smoke from a diesel on cold startDepends →Body, water and noisePower liftgate reverses or will not closeSoon →Seasonal and storageStarting and inspecting a vehicle after long storageRoutine →Warning lightsCheck-engine light: steady versus flashingDepends →Warning lightsTire-pressure light flashing, then staying onSoon →Engine and coolingEngine overheats at idle but cools while movingStop driving →