Ford Escape Ground Clearance
With a ground clearance of 6.8 inches, the 2022 Ford Escape can handle some decent off-roading—but look to earlier models for the best off-road capabilities.
Written by Matt Nightingale
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Ground clearance for the 2022
Ford
Escape ranges from 6.8 inches for the SE Hybrid model to 7.3 inches for the base model Ford Escape S. The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Escape models sit a little lower than their traditional combustion engine siblings.If you do most of your driving in the city on paved roads, ground clearance isn’t usually something you have to worry much about. But, if you like to take your SUV off the beaten path, ground clearance is just as important a consideration as engine performance, drive train, or tires.
If you’re curious to know how high your Ford Escape sits off the ground, you’re in the right place.We've gathered all the data on Ford Escape ground clearance specs. In this article, you’ll learn which Escape model rests highest from the ground, which Escape model is best for off-roading, and how you can save hundreds on car insurance for your Ford Escape.
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2022 Ford Escape ground clearance
You’d think that all Ford Escapes are built equal, but not so. Ground clearance on the Escape actually varies from
trim
to trim. Here’s a breakdown of the ground clearances for each trim level for the 2022 Ford Escape.As you can see, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions of the Ford Escape rest considerably lower than the traditional gas engine models. Hybrids are often engineered to sit lower in order to improve fuel efficiency and offset the weight of the extra machinery and materials they carry.
Ford Escape ground clearance over the years
Ford has tinkered with the ground clearance of the Escape over the 20 years it's been in production. Here’s a look at how the Escape’s ground clearance has fluctuated over the generations.
- 1st generation (2001–2008): 8.2 inches–8.4 inches
- 2nd generation (2009–2012): 8.1 inches–8.4 inches
- 3rd generation (2013–2019): 7.8 inches
It’s important to know that ground clearance will vary from trim to trim in each of these generations, but the general trend has been a consistent lowering of the Ford Escape’s ground clearance. The overall range through the various generations is 6.8 inches on the low end and 8.4 inches on the high end.
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Start earning nowWhat is ground clearance—and why does it matter?
Ground clearance is the measure of the distance between the road and the lowest point of a vehicle’s chassis. Ground clearance becomes an important factor when you want to take your vehicle off-road where you are more likely to encounter rocks and uneven ground that could damage your vehicle's undercarriage.
When it comes to off-roading, the more ground clearance the better. Every off-road situation is different and requires more or less clearance, but most experts suggest having a ground clearance of at least 6.6inches for gravel tracks and a minimum clearance of 8.8inches for over-landing. For more extreme driving, like rock crawling, a minimum clearance of 10.8inches is highly recommended.
All of the 2022 Ford Escape models meet the minimum clearance suggestion for moderate offroading on gravel tracks.
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Is the Ford Escape a good off-road vehicle?
As far as ground clearance goes, the Ford Escape is decent for moderate off-road situations. But, you’ll want to proceed with caution in overland situations and avoid any 4x4 rock crawling.
Ground clearance isn’t the only thing you need to consider when you’re thinking of taking your vehicle off-road. The 2022 Ford Escape comes with an optional 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a standard suite of driver-assistance features including emergency braking, auto high beam lighting, and a rear backup camera. So this vehicle can certainly handle a camping excursion or two.
If you’re not looking to discover any untouched parts of the Earth, the Ford Escape should suit your needs just fine, and at $28,255 the base model Ford Escape S can be had for less than off-roading legends like the
Jeep Wrangler
or the Ford Bronco
. If you are looking for an overland adventure, however, you may want to consider upgrading to the Jeep’s 9.7-inch minimum clearance.Guard against accidents with the best Ford Escape insurance
Whether you’re setting out on an off-road camping adventure or just navigating the urban jungle, the best way to protect yourself and your vehicle is with a great
car insurance
policy. And with Jerry
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