2011 Ford Escape: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Ford Escape is mostly a carryover, with standard MyKey programmable-key settings as its main change. The trim lineup, gas engines, and hybrid system otherwise remain largely the same as in 2010.
About the 2011 Ford Escape
Second generation (2008-2012), fourth year of the 2008 redesign and the year before the final 2012 run-out.
Ford positions the 2011 Escape as a compact SUV for active, everyday use: easy to park, useful for cargo, available with extra traction, and offered in both regular gas and fuel-saving hybrid forms. The brochure leans on versatility, smart technology, and approachable size rather than rugged-truck image. What sets Escape apart in this period is the unusually strong hybrid option, plus features like SYNC, MyKey, and available parking help in a smaller SUV body.
The 2011 Escape lineup ranges from the basic XLS and more comfortable XLT to the leather-lined Limited. The Hybrid focuses on fuel efficiency, while the Limited Hybrid combines the hybrid system with heated leather seats, a moonroof, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors.
What changed, by category
2011 Ford Escape specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Hybrid | Gas / Flexible Fuel / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 19–21 mpg | 34 mpg | 18–34 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 25–28 mpg | 31 mpg | 23–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 171 hp | 171–240 hp | 177 hp | 171–240 hp |
| Torque | 171 lb-ft | 171–223 lb-ft | 136 lb-ft | 136–223 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 66.3 cu-ft | 66.3 cu-ft | 66.1 cu-ft | 66.1–66.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Chrome Interior Trim | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Ford Escape compared with the 2010 model?
Standard MyKey programmable-key settings are the main change for the 2011 Ford Escape. Otherwise, the trims, gas engines, and hybrid system largely carry over from 2010.
Is the 2011 Ford Escape a redesign?
No, the 2011 Ford Escape is not a redesign. It is part of the second generation introduced for 2008 and receives only a small equipment update for 2011.
Did the 2011 Ford Escape get a new engine or hybrid system?
No, the 2011 Ford Escape carries over its gas engines and hybrid system. The year’s notable lineup-wide update is standard MyKey programmable-key settings.
Which 2011 Ford Escape trims have MyKey?
Every 2011 Ford Escape trim has MyKey as standard equipment. That includes the gas-powered XLS, XLT, and Limited, plus the Hybrid and Limited Hybrid.