This summer marks a major milestone in Ford’s storied history—25 years since the debut of the Ford Escape, one of the most successful compact SUVs ever made. First launched in 2000 as a joint venture with Mazda, the Ford Escape has gone on to sell over 4.5 million units and become a symbol of versatility, innovation, and everyday adventure. While Ford has announced the Escape will be phased out after the 2026 model year, its legacy is well secured.

Originally developed alongside the Mazda Tribute, the Ford Escape carved its own identity early on. Although both vehicles shared the same platform, Ford intentionally gave the Escape a tougher, more rugged character compared to Mazda’s more refined approach. From the start, the Escape was designed for active lifestyles, offering SUV capability in a size perfect for city driving. And that formula struck gold—in its very first year, the Escape outsold competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in the U.S.

Over the years, the Ford Escape continued to lead the segment in innovation. In 2005, it became the world’s first hybrid SUV and the first hybrid vehicle produced by a North American automaker. It also earned the prestigious North American Truck of the Year award and, at one point, was Ford’s second best-selling vehicle after the F-Series. Production moved to the Louisville Assembly Plant in 2012, where it continues today as the nameplate enters its final chapters.

Despite its upcoming retirement and limited availability in certain U.S. states due to new emissions regulations, the Ford Escape’s 25-year journey remains one of the most influential in Ford’s lineup. Its blend of efficiency, adaptability, and tech-forward features helped shape the compact SUV market we know today. Whether you owned an original model or drive one now, there’s no denying the Ford Escape’s impact—and its place in the history books.