2016 Ford Escape MPG
23–26 mpg combined across 5 EPA-rated versions. Best: Escape FWD (FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 23 city / 31 hwy / 26 combined; lowest: Escape AWD (2.0L 4-cyl, A6) at 23.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Escape AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | A6 | AWD | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Escape FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Escape AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | A6 | AWD | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
How it compares
- 2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD: class average 24.9 mpg over 84 versions; best Escape +1.1 (#20).
- 2015: 26 mpg best (no change).
- 2017: 26 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,600–$2,900 a year ($300 difference).
- Available as FWD, AWD.
- 2026 model: 40 mpg best (+14).
Safety
| Crash test | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 18.5% risk |
| Ford Escape SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 19.1% risk |
1,152 owner complaints: Power Train 320, Back Over Prevention 237, Engine 200, Unknown Or Other 156. Crashes 37, fires 10, injuries 19.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 320 | 28% |
| Back Over Prevention | 237 | 21% |
| Engine | 200 | 17% |
| Unknown Or Other | 156 | 14% |
| Electrical System | 95 | 8% |
| Steering | 71 | 6% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 62 | 5% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 57 | 5% |
Recent owner reports: Power Train
“On July 7, 2026, at approximately 113,080 miles, my 2016 Ford Escape displayed a “Transmission Fault – Service Now” warning. The exact failed component is currently UNKNOWN, but the issue appears to involve the transmission/powertrain and possibly an electrical fault.”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and intermittently lost motive power. The message "Transmission Fault" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive to her sister's residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with burnt transmission fluid, and the transmission was”
“I was driving home on se stark to go to 60 uh then turn into burnside I was going 30 Mph per speed limit then all the sudden it jerked and slowed down very unsafe when the transmission just went slow and I had no warning or light never came on to say need transmission service.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2026 | Equipment › electrical › engine Block Heater | 26V011000 |
| Oct 13, 2025 | Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera | 25V695000 |
| Jun 10, 2022 | Power Train › automatic Transmission › gear Position Indication (prndl) | 22V413000 |
| Jun 26, 2017 | Air Bags › knee Bolster | 17V398000 |