Top Safety Pick

2021 Ford Escape

small SUV / 4-door SUV

Award applies only to vehicles with specific headlights

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side
Small overlap front: passenger-side
Moderate overlap front: original test
Moderate overlap front: updated test
Side: original test
Side: updated test
Roof strength
Head restraints & seats

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights (varies by trim/option)
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Standard system	Superior
Optional system	Superior
Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day)
Standard system	Superior
Optional system	Advanced

Seat belts & child restraints

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Seat belt reminders
LATCH ease of use	+

Other available safety features

Standard blind spot detection
Standard lane departure warning & prevention

Key

G
Good
A
Acceptable
M
Marginal
P
Poor

Superior
Advanced
Basic

Some ratings use a scale of Poor to Good. Others range from Basic to Superior.

Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2020-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape SE 4-door 4wd

The Ford Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, and the Lincoln Corsair was introduced in the same model year. The Corsair replaces the Lincoln MKC.

Evaluation criteria	Rating

Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

The driver's space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1910
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	2
Footrest (cm)	2
Left toepan (cm)	1
Brake pedal (cm)	1
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	1
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	1
Upper dash (cm)	1
Lower instrument panel (cm)	1

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1910
Head
HIC-15	80
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.0
Extension bending moment (Nm)	15
Maximum Nij	0.23
Chest maximum compression (mm)	24
Femur (kN)
Left	0.1
Right	0.0
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	2
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.42
Right	0.33
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	1.1
Right	0.1
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	43
Right	19

About the small overlap front test

Small overlap front: passenger-side

Rating applies to 2020-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape SE 4-door 4wd

The Ford Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, and the Lincoln Corsair was introduced in the same model year. The Corsair replaces the Lincoln MKC. Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Ford.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1931
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	7
Footrest (cm)	4
Right toepan (cm)	8
Center toepan (cm)	1
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	0
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm)	6
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	9
Upper dash (cm)	9
Right lower dash (cm)	8

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1931
Head
HIC-15	78
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	11
Maximum Nij	0.20
Chest maximum compression (mm)	21
Femur (kN)
Left	1.0
Right	4.8
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	2
Right	4
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	3
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.29
Right	0.39
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	0.9
Right	0.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	75
Right	52

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1931
Head
HIC-15	72
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	7
Maximum Nij	0.16
Chest maximum compression (mm)	25
Femur (kN)
Left	0.0
Right	0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	1
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.44
Right	0.21
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	0.2
Right	0.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	19
Right	36

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2020-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape SE 4-door 4wd

The Ford Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, and the Lincoln Corsair was introduced in the same model year. The Corsair replaces the Lincoln MKC. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Ford.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1921
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	3
Left (cm)	6
Center (cm)	5
Right (cm)	4
Brake pedal (cm)	7
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	-1
Right (cm)	0
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-1
Rearward (cm)	-1
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1921
Head
HIC-15	276
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	8
Maximum Nij	0.23
Chest maximum compression (mm)	25
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	0.4
Femur force - right (kN)	0.5
Knee displacement - left (mm)	1
Knee displacement - right (mm)	1
Maximum tibia index - left	0.25
Maximum tibia index - right	0.34
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	1.9
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	2.5
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	57
Right	67

About the original moderate overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: updated test

Rating applies to 2021-22 models built before June 2022

Tested vehicle: 2021 Ford Escape S 4-door 4wd

The Ford Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Thigh/hip
Leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Thigh
Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics

View of the vehicle after the crash showing the airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.

The rear passenger dummy's head approached the front seatback, which increases the risk of head injuries.

Rear passenger dummy injury values indicate a low risk of injury to the head or neck and chest. During the crash, the shoulder belt remained in an ideal position on the dummy’s chest.

The rear passenger dummy's lap belt moved from the ideal position on the pelvis into the abdomen, increasing the risk of abdominal injuries.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEF2114
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	1
Left (cm)	2
Center (cm)	4
Right (cm)	4
Brake pedal (cm)	3
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	0
Right (cm)	0
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-1
Rearward (cm)	-3
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEF2114
Head
HIC-15	116
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	9
Maximum Nij	0.22
Chest maximum compression (mm)	29
Femur (kN)
Left	0.6
Right	0.3
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	1
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.25
Right	0.38
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	1.9
Right	1.5
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	45
Right	44

Test ID	CEF2114
Head
HIC-15 for head contact during forward excursion	no contact
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.7
Compression (kN)	0.6
Maximum Nij for head contact during forward excursion	no contact
Chest
Chest index	33
Shoulder belt tension (kN)	4.2
Thigh (kN)
Left femur compression	0.3
Right femur compression	0.1

About the moderate overlap front test

February 2024 adjustment to rating criteria

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2020-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape SE 4-door 4wd

The Ford Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, and the Lincoln Corsair was introduced in the same model year. The Corsair replaces the Lincoln MKC. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Ford.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS1922
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-22.5
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1922
Head HIC-15	193
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.8
Compression (kN)	0.5
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	45
Lateral force (kN)	1.7
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	38
Average deflection (mm)	34
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	4.06
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.78
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	1.0
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.6
Combined force (kN)	2.6
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.2
L-M moment (Nm)	71
A-P moment (Nm)	26

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1922
Head HIC-15	108
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.4
Compression (kN)	0.1
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	37
Lateral force (kN)	1.2
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	32
Average deflection (mm)	27
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	1.89
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.27
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.5
Acetabulum force (kN)	2.4
Combined force (kN)	2.4
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.1
L-M moment (Nm)	80
A-P moment (Nm)	17

About the original side crash test

Side: updated test

Rating applies to 2020-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2021 Ford Escape S 4-door 4wd

The Ford Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, and the Lincoln Corsair was introduced in the same model year. The Corsair replaces the Lincoln MKC.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis
Driver head protection The dummy's head moved downward past the side curtain airbag and struck the window sill of the driver door hard, while the head was in proximity to the intruding barrier. Although the barrier did not hit the dummy's head in this test, this near miss indicates that only slightly different crash circumstances could produce a direct hit to a person's head. The head protection is inadequate.
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis
Rear passenger head protection

View of the vehicle just after the crash test.

View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.

Smeared greasepaint shows that the driver dummy's head moved downward, past the side curtain airbag, and contacted the window sill (inset).

Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbags.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CES2105
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-17.0
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CES2105
Head
HIC-15	391
Peak gs at hard contact	93
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.7
Compression (kN)	0.1
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	28
Lateral force (kN)	1.0
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	45
Average deflection (mm)	39
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	3.66
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.64
Pelvis
Combined force (kN)	5.2

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CES2105
Head
HIC-15	168
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.9
Compression (kN)	0.2
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	39
Lateral force (kN)	1.7
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	38
Average deflection (mm)	35
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.34
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.41
Pelvis
Combined force (kN)	4.9

About the side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2020-23 models

Tested vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape SE 4-door 4wd

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	3,480 lbs
Peak force	19,700 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	5.66

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power cloth seat

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power cloth seat
Geometry
Backset (mm)	8
Distance below top of head (mm)	6
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	10.0
Head contact time (ms)	53
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	0
Max neck tension (N)	294

About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Ratings are given for 2 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

Titanium trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED reflector
High-beam headlight type	LED reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair in all 4 tests.

The low beams created some glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair in all 4 tests.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on both left curves and on both right curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	Titanium trim
Low-beam headlight type	LED reflector
High-beam headlight type	LED reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2020-22 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	105.1 m	34.8%
Straightaway left edge	61.1 m	34.8%
250m radius right curve, right edge	63.0 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	59.1 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	53.0 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	52.4 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	171.3 m
Straightaway left edge	139.3 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	72.1 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	73.5 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	55.2 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	57.1 m

Trim level(s)

S trim
SE trim
SE Sport Hybrid trim
SEL trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right and gradual left curves and inadequate on the sharp right and sharp left curves.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and all 4 curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	S trim SE trim SE Sport Hybrid trim SEL trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2020-22 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	76.8 m	None
Straightaway left edge	43.7 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	51.1 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	41.4 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	43.4 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	37.6 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	173.6 m
Straightaway left edge	145.0 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	73.4 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	66.0 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	53.2 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	49.5 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

Ratings are given for 2 different trim variations available on this vehicle.

System details

Standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2020-22 models

Superior

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

System details

Optional Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

Package name

Optional Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist on SE, SE Sport Hybrid, and SEL
standard on Titanium with Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2020-22 models

Superior

with optional equipment

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

About the original front crash prevention test

Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day)

Ratings are given for 2 different systems available on this vehicle.

System details

standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

Overall evaluation

This rating applies to all 2020-22 models

Superior

Crossing child

In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 22 mph.

Crossing adult

In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Parallel adult

In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 37 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 34 mph. A warning was issued 1.9 seconds before impact.

System details

optional Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

Overall evaluation

This rating applies to 2020-22 models of the following trim lines: SE trim equipped with Ford Co-Pilot Assist package, SE Sport Hybrid trim equipped with Ford Co-Pilot Assist package, SEL trim equipped with Ford Co-Pilot Assist package, Titanium trim

Advanced

with optional equipment

Crossing child

In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 17 mph.

Crossing adult

In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Parallel adult

In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 37 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 20 mph. A warning was issued 1.9 seconds before impact.

About the pedestrian front crash prevention test

Seat belt reminders

Rating applies to 2021-22 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Front row
Unbelted occupant alert (audible & visual)
Initiation time
Duration	Negligible (under 8 seconds)
Volume
Audio frequency
Second row
Startup status alert (visual)
Initiation time
Duration at least 60 seconds
Belt disengaged alert (audible & visual)
Initiation time
Duration at least 30 seconds
Volume
Audio frequency

Technical measurements for this test

About the seat belt reminder evaluation

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2020-25 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	+ extra LATCH positions
Vehicle trim	SE
Seat type	cloth

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor and the ability to borrow lower anchors from the other seating positions.

Note: When anchors are borrowed, they aren't available to use in their designated positions.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	+ extra LATCH positions
Vehicle trim	SE
Seat type	cloth

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	not too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	Can be borrowed from 1 and 3
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	not too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	74
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	74
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Lower latch is shared for this seat position
Lower anchor B
Lower latch is shared for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	1
Clearance angle (degrees)	63
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	1
Clearance angle (degrees)	75
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation

Background cabin sound pressure level at 24 km/h	55 dB
Audible signal sound pressure level at 24 km/h	70 dB
Difference between background and signal	15.2 dB
Background cabin sound pressure level at 40 km/h	57 dB
Audible signal sound pressure level at 40 km/h	70 dB
Difference between background and signal	13.0 dB
Dominant audio frequency	744 Hz