Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 45 recorded runs

Ford Escape 0–60 Times

The Ford Escape 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 45 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested Ford Escape is the 2020 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.70 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 14.30 seconds at 96.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

The slowest tested Ford Escape is the 2002 Ford Escape XLS Sport, which took 11.00 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 17.90 seconds at 79.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

Out of all the Ford Escape tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 8.36 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.36 seconds at 85.59 mph.

Fastest 0–60 5.70sec 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost · stock

Average 0–60 8.36sec Across 45 runs

Avg ¼ Mile 16.36sec @ 85.6 mph trap

Slowest 0–60 11.00sec 2002 XLS Sport

Across 45 verified runs, the Ford Escape ranges from 5.70 to 11.00 seconds 0–60, with a 8.36-second average.

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Ford Escape Performance Overview

Ford Escape performance spans 45 verified tests across 2001 to 2023, tracing the model from compact SUV basics to a broader mix of turbocharged and electrified drivetrains. The first generation (2001–2007) launched with naturally aspirated four-cylinder and V6 power, plus an early hybrid option, ranging from 130 to 200 hp. Early results stretched from the 2002 XLS Sport at 11.0 seconds to 60 mph to the 2001 XLT V6 and 2006 XLT V6 at 8.5 seconds, establishing the Escape’s initial performance baseline.

The second generation (2008–2012) stayed with gasoline V6 power in tested examples, with the 2008 XLT V6 posting 9.0 seconds to 60 mph. A larger shift came with the third generation (2013–2019), when turbocharged gasoline power arrived and output expanded to as much as 245 hp. That era produced a clear step forward: the 2013 Titanium EcoBoost cut the benchmark to 6.8 seconds.

In the fourth generation (2020–present), the Escape broadened again to gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations, with 181 to 250 hp in tested trims. The quickest result on record is the 5.7-second 0-60 time from the 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost, which also ran the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 96 mph. That places today’s Escape at its quickest yet while maintaining the model’s widest powertrain spread.

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Ford Escape 0–60 Times by Generation: First Generation to Fourth Generation

4 generations

Generation	Years	Avg 0–60	Fastest 0–60	Tests	Notes
Fourth Generation	2020–present	7.52s	5.70s — 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost	16	The Fourth Generation generation (2020–present) averaged 7.52 seconds to 60 mph across 16 tests, led by the 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost at 5.70 seconds. Output ranged from 181 to 250 hp across 1.5L Turbo I-3, 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.5L I-4, 2.5L I-4 + Elec, 2.5L I-4 + Elec 14.4-kWh, 2.5L I-4 + Elec 88-Kw 1.1-kWh configurations.
Third Generation	2013–2019	8.24s	6.80s — 2013 Titanium EcoBoost	14	The Third Generation generation (2013–2019) averaged 8.24 seconds to 60 mph across 14 tests, led by the 2013 Titanium EcoBoost at 6.80 seconds. Output ranged from 168 to 245 hp across 1.5L Turbo I-4, 1.6L Turbo I-4, 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.5L I-4 configurations.
Second Generation	2008–2012	9.25s	9.00s — 2008 XLT V6	2	The Second Generation generation (2008–2012) averaged 9.25 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 2008 XLT V6 at 9.00 seconds. Output was 200 hp across 3.0L V6 configurations.
First Generation	2001–2007	9.39s	8.50s — 2006 XLT V6	13	The First Generation generation (2001–2007) averaged 9.39 seconds to 60 mph across 13 tests, led by the 2006 XLT V6 at 8.50 seconds. Output ranged from 130 to 200 hp across 2.0L I-4, 2.3L I-4 + Elec 70-kW, 3.0L V6 configurations.

Fourth Generation 2020–present

Avg 0–60 7.52s

Fastest 5.70s

Tests 16

2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost

The Fourth Generation generation (2020–present) averaged 7.52 seconds to 60 mph across 16 tests, led by the 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost at 5.70 seconds. Output ranged from 181 to 250 hp across 1.5L Turbo I-3, 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.5L I-4, 2.5L I-4 + Elec, 2.5L I-4 + Elec 14.4-kWh, 2.5L I-4 + Elec 88-Kw 1.1-kWh configurations.

Third Generation 2013–2019

Avg 0–60 8.24s

Fastest 6.80s

Tests 14

2013 Titanium EcoBoost

The Third Generation generation (2013–2019) averaged 8.24 seconds to 60 mph across 14 tests, led by the 2013 Titanium EcoBoost at 6.80 seconds. Output ranged from 168 to 245 hp across 1.5L Turbo I-4, 1.6L Turbo I-4, 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.5L I-4 configurations.

Second Generation 2008–2012

Avg 0–60 9.25s

Fastest 9.00s

Tests 2

2008 XLT V6

The Second Generation generation (2008–2012) averaged 9.25 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 2008 XLT V6 at 9.00 seconds. Output was 200 hp across 3.0L V6 configurations.

First Generation 2001–2007

Avg 0–60 9.39s

Fastest 8.50s

Tests 13

2006 XLT V6

The First Generation generation (2001–2007) averaged 9.39 seconds to 60 mph across 13 tests, led by the 2006 XLT V6 at 8.50 seconds. Output ranged from 130 to 200 hp across 2.0L I-4, 2.3L I-4 + Elec 70-kW, 3.0L V6 configurations.

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Ford Escape 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

45 tests · 12 years

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Model Year 12

2023 Ford Escape

6 verified runs

Avg 0–60 7.30 sec

Avg ¼ Mile 15.60 sec

Recorded Tests 6

#02

2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite

5.80sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

14.40s ¼ mi @ 97.0 mph

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0–60 mph: 5.80 sec
¼ Mile ET: 14.40 sec
Trap Speed: 97.0 mph
Engine: 2.0L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: 8A
Horsepower: 250 hp
Torque: 280 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 3,668 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 14.7 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 23 C / 31 H / 28 Obs
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Gasoline
Test Source: Car and Driver
Overall Rank: #2 of 45

#03

2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite

6.60sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

15.10s ¼ mi @ 91.2 mph

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0–60 mph: 6.60 sec
¼ Mile ET: 15.10 sec
Trap Speed: 91.2 mph
Engine: 2.0L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: 8A
Horsepower: 250 hp
Torque: 280 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 3,668 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 14.7 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 23 C / 31 H
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Gasoline
Test Source: Motor Trend
Overall Rank: #3 of 45

#11

2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

7.70sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

16.00s ¼ mi @ 91.0 mph

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0–60 mph: 7.70 sec
¼ Mile ET: 16.00 sec
Trap Speed: 91.0 mph
Engine: 2.5L I-4 + Elec 14.4-kWh
Drivetrain: FWD
Transmission: CVT
Horsepower: 210 hp
Curb Weight: 3,844 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 18.3 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 42 C / 37 H
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Plug in hybrid
Test Source: Car and Driver
Overall Rank: #11 of 45

#16

2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

7.80sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

16.00s ¼ mi @ 91.1 mph

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0–60 mph: 7.80 sec
¼ Mile ET: 16.00 sec
Trap Speed: 91.1 mph
Engine: 2.5L I-4 + Elec 14.4-kWh
Drivetrain: FWD
Transmission: CVT
Horsepower: 210 hp
Curb Weight: 3,844 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 18.3 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 42 C / 37 H
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Plug in hybrid
Test Source: Motor Trend
Overall Rank: #16 of 45

#17

2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

7.80sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

15.90s ¼ mi @ 91.0 mph

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0–60 mph: 7.80 sec
¼ Mile ET: 15.90 sec
Trap Speed: 91.0 mph
Engine: 2.5L I-4 + Elec 14.4-kWh
Drivetrain: FWD
Transmission: CVT
Horsepower: 210 hp
Curb Weight: 3,844 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 18.3 lbs/hp
MPGe EPA: 42 C / 37 H / 71.5 Obs
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Plug in hybrid
Test Source: Motor Week
Overall Rank: #17 of 45

#20

2023 Ford Escape Hybrid ST Line Elite

8.10sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

16.20s ¼ mi @ 88.7 mph

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0–60 mph: 8.10 sec
¼ Mile ET: 16.20 sec
Trap Speed: 88.7 mph
Engine: 2.5L I-4 + Elec
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: CVT
Horsepower: 192 hp
Torque: 155 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 3,791 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 19.7 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 42 C / 36 H
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Hybrid
Test Source: Motor Trend
Overall Rank: #20 of 45

How we verify Ford Escape performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Ford Escape trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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Ford Escape 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster

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Ford Escape performance FAQs

11 questions

The quickest 2023 Ford Escape on record is the ST-Line Elite, which runs 0-60 mph in as little as 5.8 seconds. Other 2023 versions are slower: the Plug-In Hybrid has recorded 7.7-7.8 seconds, while the Hybrid ST-Line Elite posted 8.1 seconds. Across all 45 Escape tests, the average 0-60 time is 8.36 seconds.

The fastest Ford Escape on record is the 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. It also owns the quickest quarter-mile result for the model at 14.3 seconds at 96 mph. That makes it slightly quicker than the best 2023 Escape ST-Line Elite, which has run 5.8 seconds to 60 mph.

The fastest stock Ford Escape is the 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost at 5.7 seconds from 0-60 mph. There are no modified runs in the record here, so the fastest overall Escape and the fastest stock Escape are the same vehicle. Its 14.3-second quarter-mile at 96 mph is also the quickest Ford Escape quarter-mile result on record.

The 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite has recorded 0-60 mph times of 5.8 seconds and 6.6 seconds across verified tests. Both runs came from the 250-hp, 280-lb-ft turbocharged AWD model. Its quarter-mile times are 14.4 seconds at 97 mph and 15.1 seconds at 91.2 mph, making it the quickest current-year Escape trim.

The 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid reaches 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.8 seconds across three recorded tests. Quarter-mile results range from 15.9 to 16.0 seconds, with trap speeds of 91.0 to 91.1 mph. It uses a 210-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain and sits notably behind the quickest 2023 ST-Line Elite in straight-line acceleration.

The 2023 Escape ST-Line Elite is quicker. Its best recorded 0-60 mph time is 5.8 seconds, versus 7.7 seconds for the Plug-In Hybrid. In the quarter-mile, the ST-Line Elite has run as quick as 14.4 seconds at 97 mph, while the Plug-In Hybrid's best is 15.9 seconds at 91 mph.

The Fourth Generation Ford Escape, covering 2020 and newer models, averages 7.52 seconds from 0-60 mph across 16 tests. The quickest Fourth Generation version is the 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost at 5.7 seconds. This generation spans hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and turbocharged gasoline powertrains, with output ranging from 181 to 250 hp.

The Third Generation Ford Escape, sold from 2013 to 2019, averages 8.24 seconds from 0-60 mph across 14 tests. The fastest example is the 2013 Titanium EcoBoost at 6.8 seconds. Third Generation Escapes offered naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines, with horsepower ranging from 168 to 245.

The First Generation Ford Escape, sold from 2001 to 2007, averages 9.39 seconds from 0-60 mph across 13 tests. The quickest First Generation model is the 2006 XLT V6 at 8.5 seconds. This generation covered both hybrid and naturally aspirated gasoline versions, with horsepower spanning 130 to 200.

Among the most-tested Escape trims, the quickest is the Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost, with a best 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and a 6.57-second average across three tests. The 2023 ST-Line Elite is close behind with a 5.8-second best and a 6.2-second average across two tests. Plug-In Hybrid models average 7.77 seconds.

Across all 45 Ford Escape tests, the average quarter-mile time is 16.36 seconds at 85.6 mph. The quickest Ford Escape quarter-mile on record is the 2020 Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost at 14.3 seconds and 96 mph. For 2023 models, the fastest quarter-mile belongs to the ST-Line Elite at 14.4 seconds and 97 mph.

Sources

Car and Driver

Motor Trend

Motor Week

Road & Track

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Ford Escape can do, not a single marketing claim.

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