“I love the reliability of the Ford Escape. Plenty of room to haul stuff and the Escape is very comfortable to drive.”
2018 Ford Escape: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Ford Escape is the new SEL trim, which slots between SE and Titanium with more comfort and technology. The Escape was not redesigned, but SE and Titanium also gained added standard equipment.
About the 2018 Ford Escape
3rd generation (2013-2019), second year after the 2017 refresh.
Ford positions the Escape as a compact SUV for everyday life with enough flexibility for weekend use. Its core appeal is a roomy cargo area with a split-fold rear seat, available turbo power, available 4WD, and easy-to-use tech in a size that still feels manageable around town. Compared with many compact SUV rivals, Ford leans into a more responsive driving feel and stronger towing capability on upper trims while keeping the Escape centered on family-friendly practicality.
The 2018 Escape ranges from the basic S with a 2.5-liter engine to the turbocharged SE, which serves as the everyday middle trim. The new SEL adds leather-trimmed seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a power liftgate. Titanium sits at the top with a stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine, navigation, self-parking help, and a hands-free liftgate.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Titanium made the stronger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine standard.
Styling
SE made roof rails standard, the new SEL brought LED signature lighting, and Titanium made HID headlamps standard.
Safety
SE gained a standard perimeter alarm, while blind-spot sensors on Titanium moved from standard to optional.
Tech and comfort
SE made heated front seats standard. The new SEL added an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather-trimmed seats, rear parking sensors, and a power liftgate as standard. Titanium made navigation, enhanced self-parking help, and a heated steering wheel standard.
2018 Ford Escape specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | 4WD / FWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21–23 mpg | 20–23 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 28–30 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 168 hp | 179–245 hp | 179–245 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 177–275 lb-ft | 177–275 lb-ft | 275 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 68 cu-ft | 68 cu-ft | 68 cu-ft | 68 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Ford Escape redesigned?
No. The 2018 Escape is the second model year after the 2017 refresh, so its overall design largely carries over. Its main updates are the new SEL trim and revised standard equipment on SE and Titanium.
What is the biggest difference between the 2018 and 2017 Ford Escape?
The biggest difference is the addition of the SEL trim for 2018. It fills the gap between SE and Titanium with leather-trimmed seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, rear parking sensors, and a power liftgate.
What became standard on the 2018 Ford Escape SE?
Heated front seats, roof rails, and a perimeter alarm became standard on the 2018 Escape SE. It also has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, a power driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
What changed on the 2018 Ford Escape Titanium?
The 2018 Escape Titanium made the 2.0-liter turbo engine, navigation, enhanced self-parking help, HID headlamps, and a heated steering wheel standard. Its blind-spot sensors moved from standard equipment to optional equipment.
Is the 2018 Ford Escape worth considering over the 2017 model?
Yes, if the revised equipment better matches your needs. The 2018 adds the comfort-focused SEL trim, gives SE more standard convenience features, and equips Titanium with its stronger engine and several premium features as standard; otherwise, it is closely related to the refreshed 2017 model.
2018 Ford Escape Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Ford Escape.
4.1
2018 Ford Escape
(992 reviews)
“This is our second Ford Escape and we have thoroughly enjoyed both vehicles. It's big enough to meet our needs without being overly large and bulky. It's very comfortable, even for someone like me who's 6' 3"" tall.”
“We wanted a vehicle that you can get a lot in, folding the back seat down allows that. You can also tow things. Nice compromise if wanting a truck, but not able to afford one. The handling and gas mileage are good too. Also a lot of room and comfortable. We love ours. Would buy again.”