<P> The Ford Escape is a compact crossover vehicle sold by Ford since 2000 over three generations . Ford released the original model in 2000 for the 2001 model year -- a model jointly developed and released with Mazda of Japan -- who took a lead in the engineering of the two models and sold their version as the Mazda Tribute . Although the Escape and Tribute share the same underpinnings constructed from the Ford CD2 platform ( based on Mazda GF underpinnings ) , the only panels common to the two vehicles are the roof and floor pressings . Powertrains were supplied by Mazda with respect to the base inline - four engine , with Ford providing the optional V6 . At first , the twinned models were assembled by Ford in the US for North American consumption , with Mazda in Japan supplying cars for other markets . This followed a long history of Mazda - derived Fords , starting with the Ford Courier in the 1970s . Ford also sold the first generation Escape in Europe and China as the Ford Maverick , replacing the previous Nissan - sourced model . Then in 2004 , for the 2005 model year , Ford 's luxury Mercury division released a rebadged version called the Mercury Mariner , sold mainly in North America . The first iteration Escape remains notable as the first SUV to offer a hybrid drivetrain option , released in 2004 for the 2005 model year to North American markets only . </P>
<P> The Ford Escape is a compact crossover vehicle sold by Ford since 2000 over three generations . Ford released the original model in 2000 for the 2001 model year -- a model jointly developed and released with Mazda of Japan -- who took a lead in the engineering of the two models and sold their version as the Mazda Tribute . Although the Escape and Tribute share the same underpinnings constructed from the Ford CD2 platform ( based on Mazda GF underpinnings ) , the only panels common to the two vehicles are the roof and floor pressings . Powertrains were supplied by Mazda with respect to the base inline - four engine , with Ford providing the optional V6 . At first , the twinned models were assembled by Ford in the US for North American consumption , with Mazda in Japan supplying cars for other markets . This followed a long history of Mazda - derived Fords , starting with the Ford Courier in the 1970s . Ford also sold the first generation Escape in Europe and China as the Ford Maverick , replacing the previous Nissan - sourced model . Then in 2004 , for the 2005 model year , Ford 's luxury Mercury division released a rebadged version called the Mercury Mariner , sold mainly in North America . The first iteration Escape remains notable as the first SUV to offer a hybrid drivetrain option , released in 2004 for the 2005 model year to North American markets only . </P>
is the ford escape an suv or crossover
is the ford escape an suv or crossover
crossover
crossover