Protecting the interior of your Ford Escape 2017–2022 is not just about maintaining appearances — it’s about preserving comfort, resale value, and the driving experience. One of the most practical and impactful upgrades you can make is investing in custom-fit seat covers. But with so many materials, styles, and fits on the market, how do you know what’s right for your SUV?
This complete guide will walk you through the most important factors when choosing seat covers for your Ford Escape, from understanding material types to evaluating fit, function, and aesthetics. Whether you're looking for protection from pets, spills, or the everyday grind, we've got you covered — literally.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of finding the perfect seat covers that match your lifestyle, protect your interior, and make your Escape feel even more like your own.
Why Seat Covers Are Essential for Your Ford Escape
Your Escape is a versatile crossover built for city drives, family adventures, and outdoor getaways. But that versatility means your interior faces all kinds of abuse — crumbs, dog hair, coffee spills, sweat, and even UV rays that fade your original upholstery over time.
Here’s what seat covers help you defend against:
- Spills and stains: Protect your factory seats from drinks, food, and mud
- Pet damage: Keep claws, fur, and accidents off your OEM upholstery
- Wear and tear: Prevent friction from daily use or rough clothing
- Sun damage: Block UV rays that cause cracking and fading over time
- Resale value: Maintain a cleaner, more appealing cabin for future buyers
Even if your Escape is only a few years old, investing in quality seat covers is a smart way to extend its lifespan — especially if you use your vehicle heavily or live in an extreme climate.
Types of Seat Covers for the Ford Escape
Seat covers are not one-size-fits-all — especially for a vehicle as popular as the Ford Escape. To make the right choice, it’s important to understand the different types of covers available and how each fits different needs.
1. Custom-Fit Seat Covers
These are designed specifically for your make and model — in this case, the Ford Escape 2017–2022. They contour to your seats perfectly, allowing for full airbag deployment, seat adjustments, and access to built-in features like seat warmers or armrests.
Benefits of custom-fit covers:
- Factory-style appearance with full coverage
- No slipping or bunching
- Easy installation and removal
Check out our premium leather seat cover set made specifically for vehicles like the Ford Escape. They deliver high-end looks and everyday durability.
2. Semi-Custom Seat Covers
These covers are designed to fit several vehicles with similar seat dimensions. They offer decent protection and affordability, but may not hug every curve of your seat. You might experience slight movement during use.
3. Universal Seat Covers
As the name suggests, these are designed to fit a wide range of vehicles. While they’re often the cheapest, they lack proper fit, don’t accommodate airbags well, and may leave areas exposed. For Ford Escape owners who value both function and style, we strongly recommend avoiding universal seat covers.
4. Specialty Covers (Pet-Proof, Waterproof, Heated)
Some covers are made for specific lifestyles. For example, waterproof options are ideal for beach-goers or people with active pets, while heated seat-compatible covers are great for colder climates.
Explore pet-friendly solutions in our guide: Pet-Proofing Your SUV: Mats & Covers.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Lifestyle
Once you’ve decided on custom-fit seat covers, your next decision is material. The material you choose affects comfort, appearance, durability, and ease of cleaning — all of which are especially important if your Ford Escape doubles as a commuter, family hauler, or pet taxi.
1. Leather-Style Covers
Perfect for drivers who want an upscale look without the expense of factory leather. Leather-style covers add a premium touch to your Escape and are incredibly easy to clean. A quick wipe-down is all it takes to handle spills or pet hair.
Our Custom Luxury Leather Car Seat Cover Set offers a tailored, professional look while maintaining all the functionality of your original seats — including airbag compatibility and access to seat controls.
2. Fabric Covers
These are great for breathability, especially in hot or humid climates. However, fabric tends to stain more easily and absorb odors. They're a solid choice for short-term use or budget builds, but may require more upkeep.
3. Waterproof Neoprene or Rubberized Materials
If you're frequently outdoors, transporting wet gear, or hauling pets and kids, waterproof materials are the way to go. These covers are built for durability and prevent liquid from seeping through to your OEM fabric.
Pair these with a full matching trunk mat for full spill protection in your cargo area — especially handy after grocery runs or beach trips.
Fitment Tips for Ford Escape 2017–2022
The Ford Escape's interior went through subtle design changes between 2017 and 2022. To get the best results, you need seat covers that match your model year exactly.
Here’s what to double-check before buying:
- Do your front seats have side airbags? (Most Escapes do — covers must be airbag-compatible)
- Do your rear seats split 60/40? If so, make sure your covers accommodate the split
- Do you use rear armrests or cupholders? Custom covers should allow full access
- Are your headrests adjustable or fixed?
The Car Mats Customs seat cover kit for the Escape 2017–2022 is designed with these elements in mind — no guesswork needed. Each piece is labeled for easy installation, and everything fits tight, without loose edges or exposed seams.
Matching Your Seat Covers to the Rest of Your Interior
Function matters — but so does style. Your seat covers should complement the Escape’s interior color palette and give it a cohesive look. Whether you're into modern minimalism, sport-inspired details, or a luxury appearance, your covers should reflect that.
Color Coordination
Ford Escape interiors often feature black, gray, or beige tones. Choose seat covers that enhance — not clash — with your factory trim.
- Black interior: You can go with black-on-black for a seamless look, or contrast with red stitching for sportiness
- Gray/beige interior: Try dark gray or coffee tones to balance warmth and elegance
Our seat covers are available in several combinations, including full black, black with red stitching, and brown blends — perfect for tailoring your Escape’s cabin to your taste.
Complete Interior Coordination: Floor Mats + Trunk Liners
Want a full interior refresh? Combine your seat covers with custom-fit floor mats and cargo liners for full protection and a high-end finish.
- Luxury Floor Mat Set – Covers footwells edge-to-edge with anti-slip and easy-clean layers
- Base Car Trunk Mat – Lightweight, removable option for keeping your Escape’s cargo area spotless
- Full-Cover Trunk Mat – Heavy-duty spill protection that lines every inch of the cargo space
Read our full guide: Complete Interior Upgrade Guide — while written for the RAV4, the same principles apply to the Ford Escape.
Consider Your Daily Routine
Still not sure which seat covers are right for you? Think about how you use your Escape daily. Here are a few lifestyle examples:
- Family drivers: Go for waterproof, stain-resistant leather-style covers. Easy to wipe, harder to destroy.
- Pet owners: Prioritize durable, scratch-resistant materials and full rear seat coverage.
- Outdoor adventurers: Waterproof, heavy-duty covers + a matching trunk mat are non-negotiables.
- Commuters: Look for comfort, breathability, and support — especially if you spend hours behind the wheel.
See more use-case recommendations in our post: How to Protect Your SUV Interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom seat covers worth it for my Ford Escape?
Yes — custom seat covers are designed to fit your exact vehicle, offering full protection and a clean, factory-quality look. For a model like the Ford Escape, which is often used for family or utility driving, custom covers are a smart investment to preserve your interior’s condition and value.
Do seat covers interfere with seat airbags?
Not if they’re well-designed. Our seat cover sets are built with airbag compatibility in mind. They include strategically placed stitching that breaks away cleanly in the event of airbag deployment.
Can I install seat covers myself?
Absolutely. Most custom seat covers for the Ford Escape are user-installable. You’ll typically need 30–60 minutes to get everything fitted. Our sets include labeled sections, hook-and-loop fasteners, and step-by-step installation instructions.
How do I clean leather-style seat covers?
Just use a damp microfiber cloth for regular cleaning. For deeper stains, a mild soap and water solution works well. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals to preserve stitching and finish.
Will seat covers affect my heated seats?
No — our seat covers are designed to be thin enough to allow heat to pass through safely while still offering protection and insulation. You’ll still feel the warmth from your seat heaters.
Final Thoughts: Find the Right Balance of Protection and Style
When choosing seat covers for your Ford Escape 2017–2022, your goal should be to strike the right balance between aesthetics, functionality, and protection. Whether you’re looking for a daily defense against messes or an elevated, luxurious finish, there’s a set that fits your needs perfectly.
Here’s your upgrade checklist:
- ✅ Choose custom-fit seat covers for maximum coverage
- ✅ Pick a material that suits your lifestyle — leather-style, waterproof, or breathable fabric
- ✅ Match your interior color scheme for a cohesive look
- ✅ Pair your covers with custom-fit floor mats and a trunk liner for complete interior protection
Whether you’re traveling with kids, pets, or just trying to keep your cabin looking showroom-fresh, the right seat covers will make your Escape feel cleaner, more comfortable, and ready for anything.
Want to explore more tips? Check out our in-depth buyer's guide: How to Choose the Right Floor Mats for Your Car
Ford, Escape, and any associated vehicle names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Car Mats Customs is not affiliated with or endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer. All references are used solely for fitment and compatibility information. Our products are custom-designed to match vehicle specifications without using OEM branding.