2012 Ford Escape: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Ford Escape had no major changes from 2011. It was the final carryover year of this body style before the complete 2013 redesign.
About the 2012 Ford Escape
2nd generation (2008-2012), final year before the full 2013 redesign.
The 2012 Escape is a compact SUV built around familiar controls, upright seating, useful cargo space, and a broad choice of personalities. Ford marketed it as road-trip ready and tech-forward for its time, with available 4WD, voice-controlled SYNC, and even self-parking on upper trims. The big differentiator versus many rivals was choice: a simple gas model, a stronger V6 option for towing, and one of the few hybrid SUVs on the market.
The 2012 Escape ranged from the simple, utility-focused XLS to the more comfortable Limited with leather and heated front seats. The Hybrid focused on fuel-efficient commuting without plugging in, while the Limited Hybrid added upscale touches such as a moonroof, rearview camera, and parking sensors.
2012 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 | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 6-Spd / 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 2012 Ford Escape compared with the 2011 model?
Nothing significant changed for 2012. The gas and hybrid trims, engines, styling, safety equipment, and general feature set carried over from 2011.
Was the 2012 Ford Escape redesigned?
No, the 2012 Ford Escape was not redesigned. It used the same second-generation body and chassis and marked the final year of that generation.
Did the 2012 Ford Escape’s engine lineup change?
No, the engine lineup carried over unchanged. Gas models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, XLT and Limited also had a 3.0-liter V6 version, and the hybrids retained their 2.5-liter hybrid system.
Did the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid need to be plugged in?
No, the 2012 Escape Hybrid did not need to be plugged in. It used a self-charging 2.5-liter hybrid system with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
Did the 2012 Ford Escape receive new styling, safety, or technology features?
No, there were no notable lineup-wide updates to styling, safety, or technology for 2012. Features such as Ford’s SYNC connectivity system and higher-end convenience equipment remained dependent on trim.