Reliability is often the first thing buyers think about when choosing an SUV, and for decades, Japanese-built crossovers have dominated that conversation. Yet one American SUV has quietly edged past many of its Japanese rivals in dependability scores, surprising shoppers who assume domestic models can’t compete on long-term reliability. In 2025, its track record makes it a compelling choice for anyone who wants peace of mind without sacrificing practicality or everyday usability.
What sets this SUV apart is how consistently it performs over the long haul. Owners report fewer mechanical issues, lower repair frequency, and predictable maintenance costs, metrics that rival or even outweigh many mainstream alternatives. That strength, paired with a comfortable ride, efficient powertrain options, and a versatile interior, makes it one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market.
For buyers who prioritize reliability above all else, this American-built offering flips conventional expectations and proves that dependable performance isn’t limited to import badges. It’s a standout in its class, offering strong long-term confidence alongside the practicality that today’s SUV shoppers demand.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, J.D. Power, and CarEdge. This article focuses on the ICE version of the Ford Escape, excluding the hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
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Beating rivals from Japan with proven reliability
Credit: Ford
Ford does not have the best reputation when it comes to reliability. People still expect the American automaker to rank near the bottom of the stack when it comes to durability. However, they have come a long way in the last couple of years and a lot of their modern vehicles actually rank much higher than you’d expect. The Ford Escape is a great example of this, with modern model years beating some big-name rivals.
2026 Ford Escape reliability and owner testimonials
Ford’s compact SUV goes up against some heavy hitters, many of which have a much better reputation for reliability. Despite the tough competition, the Escape actually gets a higher score from sources like J.D. Power when it comes to reliability. The authority awards the 2025 model year 86 out of 100 for quality and reliability. The 2026 model year is likely to deliver similar results considering there have been no changes made.
Was looking for a reliable car to last me a few years I love it so far! Such a beautiful car the speakers sound similar to a small bass box. They are cheap reliable and the best ford has to offer for a long term car.
The current generation of the Ford Escape has been running since 2019. On Cars.com, owners rank every model year other than the 2022 model year as being particularly reliable. Most models have been scored four stars or higher for reliability. The 2022 model year was given 3.5 stars.
Its Japanese rivals score lower
Model (2025)
Reliability score
Toyota RAV4
77/100
Mazda CX-5
82/100
Honda CR-V
83/100
Nissan Rogue
84/100
The compact SUV segment has quite a few Japanese crossovers that are known for being reliable. Obviously, the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V are the most notorious. While they both feature pretty good scores, they both fall short of the Ford Escape’s 86 out of 100. Other strong competitors, the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan Rogue, are also close.
There is one big caveat
While its reliability makes the Ford Escape a pretty desirable option, there is something that you have to consider. The 2026 model is the final model year of the SUV. In some cases, this should be a big deterrent for buying a vehicle. However, due to the fact that the Escape doesn’t use very many unique parts, with it sharing components with a lot of other vehicles in Ford’s lineup, you should be fine.
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The Ford is also a little more affordable than other small SUVs
Undercutting rivals and saving you some extra cash
The compact SUV is the perfect segment to shop in if you’re looking for a practical SUV without having to invest too much money. The fact that the Ford Escape is a little bit more affordable than its rivals means that it has even more of an edge. It is practical, comfortable, and comes with a generous list of standard equipment.
2026 Ford Escape trims and pricing
Model
Starting MSRP
Active
$30,350
ST-Line
$31,195
ST-Line Select
$35,015
Platinum
$37,940
ST-Line Elite
$38,935
While the margin is pretty slim, the Ford Escape does technically start a bit cheaper than its rivals. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan, among others, all feature higher starting prices. Despite this, we feel that the Ford comes pretty well-equipped, and you aren’t going to miss out on any features by opting for the Escape.
Of the trims on offer, we would opt for the ST-Line Select trim, as we feel that it offers the best bang-for-your-buck. It adds some very desirable features without inflating the price by a ridiculous amount. Firstly, it gets a more powerful engine under the hood, one with a better track record for reliability than the base powertrain. It also gets standard all-wheel drive, and upgraded infotainment system, and better driver assist features.
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You choose between the base three-cylinder or the perky four-pot
Quick, efficient, and smooth
Credit: Ford
Ford gives you an option between two distinct powertrains. The Active and the base ST-Line models get a three-cylinder engine under the hood while the rest of the lineup gets a much more powerful turbocharged inline-four. Both are reasonably powerful, but the latter has the better reputation for reliability. It also gives the Escape much more personality.
2026 Ford Escape performance
Engine
1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Transmission
8-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Horsepower
181 HP
250 HP
Torque
190 LB-FT
280 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD or AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
7.7 seconds
5.8 seconds
Top speed
122 MPH
127 MPH
Max towing
2,000 LBS
3,500 LBS
The base powertrain in the 2026 Ford Escape is a pretty humble three-cylinder engine. It may be down a cylinder compared to some of its rivals, but power is on par, and it’s actually quicker up to 60 miles per hour. The turbocharged four-pot in more expensive models is downright quick, with quite a bit of power on tap. Both models come standard with a traditional eight-speed automatic. Three-cylinder models feature front-wheel drive as standard with the option of all-wheel drive. Four-cylinder models come standard with all-wheel drive.
The three-cylinder engine is a little gruff when you put your foot down, but it is still quicker than a lot of its Japanese rivals when it comes to acceleration. The four-cylinder model is much more exciting. Either way, the Escape is more of a comfortable cruiser than something you’d want to cut up backroads with.
Fuel economy
Model
City
Highway
Combined
Three-cylinder FWD
27 MPG
34 MPG
30 MPG
Three-cylinder AWD
26 MPG
32 MPG
28 MPG
Four-cylinder AWD
23 MPG
31 MPG
26 MPG
The three-cylinder models are obviously the most efficient. Front-wheel drive models match the efficiency of top, non-hybrid players in this segment. All-wheel drive models lose around two miles per gallon in most scenarios. The turbo-four models are obviously a little heavier on fuel, but we think they do reasonably well given how much more powerful they are.
For those looking for even more efficiency, Ford does offer a hybrid model. We cover that in another article, though.
AloJapan.com