DecodedCars2006 Ford Escape
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Xls, 4dr SUV FWD Xlt, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 30 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,177–3,627 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 58% better than the average 2006 SUV - (18.3 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints261 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 38 for similar models — most often about the service brakes.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Ford Escape is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,464 lb (4dr SUV AWD Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (30 city / 28 highway), 58% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 261 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Escape — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Escape →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Limited | 174.8 in | 70.1 in | 69.7 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,464 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Xls | 174.8 in | 70.1 in | 69.7 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,177 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Xlt | 174.8 in | 70.1 in | 69.7 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,298 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD | 174.8 in | 70.1 in | 70.5 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,627 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 28 / 29 | +58% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Escape Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 26 / 27 | +59% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Escape FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +26% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Escape FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Escape 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +24% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Escape FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +9% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Escape 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +18% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Escape 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +12% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Ford Escape under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Ford Escape (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2006 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2006 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Highlander | 27 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (2)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Sep 29, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V606000 · 57 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
- Risk
- If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 3, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V526000 · 70,209 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
- Risk
- If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Not every 2006 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Ford Escape buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 65 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Suspension — 41 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Structure › Body — 40 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 121,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Escape years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2025 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2024 Escape | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 88 |
| 2023 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 138 |
| 2022 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 386 |
| 2021 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 498 |
| 2020 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 25 | 1,908 |
| 2019 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 597 |
| 2018 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,822 |
| 2017 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 2,702 |
| 2016 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,170 |
| 2015 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,131 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →