2024 Ford Escape offers practicality and comfort in a compact package, but higher-rated competitors offer those qualities and more for the same price. Entering its fourth year in the current generation, the Ford Escape is a small SUV that sits below the Edge and Bronco in the automaker’s lineup. The Escape appeals to anyone looking for an SUV that is compact yet large enough to comfortably fit the family and some cargo.
The 2023 model received a midcycle refresh with updates to the exterior, including a more attractive front end. On the inside, the Escape offers comfortable seating with easy-to-use technology. Higher trim levels give you the option to upgrade cabin materials and other features for a more premium experience. The available powertrains are a basic turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, a hybrid powertrain for better fuel economy, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower for more power. (A plug-in version of Escape is available and we reviewed it separately.)
The Escape fulfills many of the things you want from a small SUV, from its comfortable and spacious interior to helpful technology, but it falls short of some of its competitors in handling and refinement on the road. It competes in a hotly contested segment against some crowd favorites like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 which are worth a look.
2024 Ford Escape Review
The Escape is a big deal for Ford. Of course, the Mustangs and Broncos would steal the limelight, but the Escape is competing in the very popular and competitive compact SUV space. The folks at Blue Oval are taking major steps to keep the Escape competitive with a 2023 face-lift, which may be enough to steal buyers from the segment’s sales leaders, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue.
Don’t expect significant changes to the 2024 Ford Escape. The automaker is introducing a midcycle face-lift for 2023 that brings tougher styling, a larger screen, and a revised trim structure. Considering the debut of the current-generation Escape 2020, we don’t expect a full redesign until at least 2027.
Escape has its strengths but is far from the best in its segment. We commend the strong performance of the example equipped with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, and the Escape platform provides a very agile driving experience. Additionally, Ford earns some points for offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.
Other compact SUVs offer more space inside, and once owners look past the vast digital real estate, they’ll find chintzy plastic galore. The pre-refresh model also had stiff, unsupportive front seats. We also doubt Ford has addressed the unrefined power delivery of the base I-3 engine.
That said, the functionality offered with Ford’s latest infotainment range is impressive for this segment. Such technology combined with handsome post-refresh styling could keep Escape competitive in the hot compact segment.
2024 Ford Escape Refresh
After receiving a refresh for 2023, the 2024 Ford Escape is expected to arrive as a stock model without major changes.
The exterior design of the 2024 Escape is not expected to change much compared to the model currently on sale. The current Escape sports a sporty design with sweeping headlamps, an oval grille and sharp lines on the front fascia. The sleek rear of the Escape features oval taillights that wrap around the sides of the body, dual exhaust outlets, and simple lines on the bumper.
On the inside, the current Escape has a simple design that is not expected to change until 2024. The SUV has a curved dashboard with a protruding center section. A large touchscreen sits above the dashboard, while controls for the HVAC system are located below the center console. With a dial for the transmission, the Escape has plenty of room in its storage compartment.
Ford adapted the current Escape to a standard eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SYNC 4. The Escape is available with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-speaker B&O audio system, navigation, and heads-up view. We hope this feature is available in Escape 2024.
The Ford Escape is currently available with a variety of powertrains. The gas-powered model is available with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Power ranges from 181 horsepower to 250 hp. This SUV is also available with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine paired with a 200-hp electric motor. Finally, there is the Escape PHEV which comes with a similar powertrain to the hybrid but has a 11.2 kWh battery pack. It produces 221 hp and can travel 37 miles on electricity. This powertrain is expected to remain unchanged for 2024.
On the safety front, the Escape currently comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features as standard. The suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. Available features include traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, surround-view parking camera, and evasive steering assistance. These features should continue to be offered for 2024.
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Performance and Efficiency
The standard Escape offers three- and four-cylinder powertrain options. The Base, Active, and ST-Line trims are equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter I-3 that develops 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. FWD is standard and AWD is optional on all three trims, and we’ve tested the three-cylinder Escapes that accelerate to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds. Fuel economy figures read 26-27/32-34 mpg city/highway, with the FWD model holding the slight edge.
The Escape ST-Line Select, Escape Platinum, and Escape ST-Line Elite include a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that develops a healthy 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This variant includes standard AWD and works with the same eight-speed automatic as the three-cylinder SUV. The more powerful engine reaches 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, but fuel economy drops to 23/31 mpg.
Buyers who prioritize fuel economy should look towards the Escape Hybrid or Escape Plug-in Hybrid.
Safety Ratings and Features
Although the pre-refresh Escape earned the IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, it is not eligible for the 2023 or 2024 awards due to Marginal scores in the more difficult-to-renew side crash test. However, the Escape earns a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assist safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beam. Adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous park assist are offered on the more affordable variants and come as standard as you climb the trim ladder.
2024 Ford Escape Interior
The Escape offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Seen alongside the popular Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Ford has the most front legroom and can hardly be beaten by the Honda for rear legroom. The cargo space follows that of the other two compacts, especially when you look at the maximum volume with the seats folded down.
Technology
Ford brought major tech updates to the Escape with last year’s mid-cycle refresh. A new Sync 4 setup allows for over-the-air updates and “OK, Ford” digital assist, and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and fully digital instrument cluster are standard. Higher trims upgrade to a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is optionally available on all but the base model. The same goes for Ford’s premium 10-speaker B&O audio system.
2024 Ford Escape Hybrid
- Impressive fuel economy and range
- The available large infotainment screen
- Proper handling
Few segments are hotter than the hybrid compact crossover. Ford hopes to entice buyers with the Escape, which it positions below the Explorer in the automaker’s hybrid SUV lineup. Ford has been building hybrid versions of the Escape since 2005. With that much experience, the modern iteration should have what it takes to compete with the hybrid variants of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage.
Ford hasn’t announced any updates for the 2024 Escape Hybrid yet, but given last year’s mid-cycle refresh, we don’t expect significant changes. At most, Ford may change paint options or overhaul feature content. The 2023 facelift includes significantly revised styling, a giant available infotainment display, a new trim level structure, and over-the-air update capabilities.
As with the Toyota RAV4, the Escape Hybrid is our pick for the goldilocks from the Escape lineup. Handling is decent for the segment, and while the hybrid isn’t quite as fast as its gas counterpart, performance is acceptable and most owners will prefer its superior efficiency, range, and fuel costs.
The quality of the materials in the cabin is the weak point of this Escape generation. Yes, you can get a sizable digital instrument cluster display, and yes, Ford introduced a large infotainment screen available last year, but once passengers look past the flashy screens, they’ll find trim and upholstery that looks and feels cheap. Thankfully, the cabin feels surprisingly spacious compared to its Escape counterparts.
Last year’s more mature styling and improved technology make the current-generation Escape Hybrid even more appealing than it was just a few years ago when it was launched. Excellent fuel economy will also attract some buyers. However, in its class, we find well-rounded competitors more worthy of our recommendation.
Performance and Efficiency
Ford adapted the Escape Hybrid to a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I-4 that worked in tandem with an electric motor. Combined output amounts to 200 hp, and while FWD is standard, compact crossovers can be had with AWD. All trim levels combine their powertrain with a CVT. Efficiency figures are impressive at 42/36 mpg city/highway, and we’ve tested the AWD variant which reaches 60 mph in 8.7 seconds.
Safety Ratings and Features
The Escape earned the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick but has only managed a Marginal rating in the institute’s updated and complicated side-hit test, it won’t qualify for the same award in 2023 or 2024. However, Ford’s small SUV earns a five rating. stellar overall safety from NHTSA.
Blue Oval isn’t quite as generous with Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance features as the Japanese brand’s competitors and standard safety features are limited to automatic emergency braking, automatic high beam, and blind-spot monitoring. That said, the relatively affordable Technology Package adds adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The taller trim adds a 360-degree camera system.
Interior
On paper, the 2024 Escape competes with the mid-range package in passenger space compared to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid, although we did feel that the cabin feels more spacious than it actually is. Cargo volume is the lowest of the bunch.
Technology
Ford includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. All but the base model offer an optional 13.2-inch display with improved navigation; that system is standard on the Escape Hybrid Platinum and ST-Line Elite. Standard trims get a 6.5-inch instrument cluster display and higher trims upgrade to a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge display. Those more expensive Escape Hybrids also upgraded from six to 10-speaker audio.
2024 Ford Escape EV
Ford isn’t making an electric version of the Escape to compete with the Chevrolet Equinox EV, at least not yet. If you want an electric driving experience in a Ford SUV, you should look towards the Mustang Mach-E EV or the Escape Plug-in Hybrid. The Escape PHEV provides an electric range of up to 37 miles and a petrol engine to extend the range, or you can go all-electric with the Mach-E.
Ford hasn’t built a fully electric version of the Escape yet, but it’s getting close. It’s pricey, but buyers can upgrade to the Escape Plug-in Hybrid. With a more powerful electric motor and a larger lithium-ion battery, the PHEV has an electric range of 37 miles.
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Next-Gen Ford Escape Color
Some of the new Ford Escape 2024 colors expected are:
Exterior Colors
- Agate Black Metallic.
- Atlas Blue Metallic.
- Carbonized Gray Metallic.
- Iced Blue Silver Metallic.
- Iconic Silver Metallic.
- Oxford White.
Interior Colors
- Sandstone.
- Ebony.
- Ebony/Sandstone.
2024 Ford Escape Trim
Ford offers many variants of the Escape; trim walk reads Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite. We recommend choosing the ST-Line Select with the Tech #1 package. That way you get the added power and refinement of the 2.0-liter turbo-four, a larger infotainment screen, and all the safety features on.
Between ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite, our money will go towards the entry-level ST-Line in addition to $995 Tech Pack #1. That way you get a bigger infotainment screen and better driver assistance, plus the ST-Line comes standard with synthetic leather seats.
2024 Ford Escape Price
The SUV should still be close to the current model in terms of price. The current price of Escape starts at $28,995 (with destination) and goes up to $39,995.
2024 Ford Escape Release Date
With the 2023 Ford Escape arriving in dealerships in early 2023, we expect the 2024 model to hit dealerships in early 2024.
Verdict
Overall, the 2024 Ford Escape looks like it will be excellent with some significant improvements over the current model. With its new refreshing and modern design it will give a perfect impression to the users.
Equipped with an upgraded interior that is more spacious and loaded with advanced technology. Powertrain options offer a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, and the variety of colors and options will allow buyers to customize the vehicle to their liking.
With a starting price of around $28,000, we believe the 2024 Ford Escape is a great choice for anyone in the compact SUV market. We’ll be back soon with more on the 2024 Ford Escape, so make sure you bookmark our website to stay up to date with the latest Ford F-Series news, Escape news, and information on other Ford models on the road.
People also ask Ford Escape 2024
Q: Will there be a 2024 Ford Escape?
A: The popular Ford Escape compact SUV will continue to be available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for the 2024 model year. This electric vehicle is certainly the right choice in the plug-in hybrid SUV category.
Q: Is Ford going to discontinue the Escape?
A: Even though the refreshed 2023 Ford Escape debuted last October, the future of this particular crossover remains in doubt after CEO Jim Farley hinted that it would be discontinued soon, along with all of the automaker’s two-row ICE crossovers, though it may continue as an EV.
Q: How many miles per gallon does a 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid get?
A: The efficiency figures are impressive at 42/36 mpg city/highway, and we’ve tested the AWD variant which reaches 60 mph in 8.7 seconds.
Q: Will the Ford Escape be redesigned in 2023?
A: Ford has given the Escape SUV a nice makeover for 2023 which includes a new hood, grille, headlights, and wheel design. Gone are the familiar S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trims as the Escape lineup has been tweaked to include base, Active, Platinum, and PHEV trims as well as a sporty-looking ST-Line model.
