2012 Ford Escape — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Ford Escape is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) / 25 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.5L 4-cyl), returning around 38 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Ford Escape workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Ford Escape: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 30 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 3★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 30 combined / 28 urban / 34 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 25 combined / 23 city / 28 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 221 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,700 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 7 configurations for the 2012 Ford Escape across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 32 mpg (US), or 24 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (30/27) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (34/30) | 173 | $2,100 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/26) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/28) | 221 | $2,700 |
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/23) | 276 | $3,350 |
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/25) | 263 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Ford Escape
Running Costs: 2012 Ford Escape
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Ford Escape at 30 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,212 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,700 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Ford Escape Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Ford Escape (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Suspension (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 16V777000, reported 26 October 2016. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Suspension — campaign 15E045000, reported 3 June 2015. Risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 617 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Escape. The most-reported areas are Steering (141), Fuel/propulsion system (139), Engine (75). Complaints include 40 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 28 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 1105 complaints across the 17 Ford Escape model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Ford Escape
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 139 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Steering (141 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Engine (75 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Body structure (70 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Ford Escape compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 30 mpg figure is 3 mpg better than that average. Its 221 g/km CO₂ figure is 32 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Ford models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Ford Escape's 30 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 221 g/km CO₂ figure is 34 g/km lower than the 255 g/km Ford average.
Of the 17 Ford Escape model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 15th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (30 mpg UK combined, against a high of 36 mpg). See every Ford Escape year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Ford Escape
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Ford Escape have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Ford Escape: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a manual 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Ford Escape?
The most efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, or 25 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 38 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2012 Ford Escape cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,700 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Ford Escape have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 3 stars, with 3 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Ford Escape have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Ford Escape (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Suspension (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Ford Escape?
Among the 617 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Steering (141 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (139 complaints), Engine (75 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Ford Escape's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.