2016 Ford Escape — Full Specifications
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The 2016 Ford Escape is an SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Ford Escape workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Ford Escape: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 31 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 28 urban / 37 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 23 city / 31 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 210 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2016 Ford Escape across 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 26 mpg (US), or 28 to 31 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/29) | 223 | $2,700 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/31) | 210 | $2,600 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/28) | 237 | $2,900 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/29) | 227 | $2,800 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/30) | 222 | $2,700 |
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 2016 Ford Escape
Running Costs: 2016 Ford Escape
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Ford Escape at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 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.
2016 Ford Escape Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Ford Escape (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Equipment (1), Back over prevention (1), Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Equipment — campaign 26V011000, reported 15 January 2026. Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Back over prevention — campaign 25V695000, reported 13 October 2025. Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 22V413000, reported 10 June 2022. Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects…
- Air bags — campaign 17V398000, reported 26 June 2017. Risk: In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury.
Owners have filed 1137 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Escape. The most-reported areas are Power train (320), Back over prevention (225), Engine (200). Complaints include 36 reported crashes, 10 reported fires, 19 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 1105 complaints across the 17 Ford Escape model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Ford Escape
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 320 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (200 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 31 mpg figure is 4 mpg better than that average. Its 210 g/km CO₂ figure is 43 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 2016 Ford Escape's 31 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 210 g/km CO₂ figure is 45 g/km lower than the 255 g/km Ford average.
Of the 17 Ford Escape model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 8th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 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 2016 Ford Escape
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Ford Escape have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2016 Ford Escape: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.6L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Ford Escape?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Ford Escape cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 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 2016 Ford Escape have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Ford Escape have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Ford Escape (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Equipment (1), Back over prevention (1), Power train (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 2016 Ford Escape?
Among the 1,137 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (320 complaints), Back over prevention (225 complaints), Engine (200 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 31 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.