Over its 20+ year history, the Ford Escape has become a staple of the compact SUV market, well-liked by both city drivers for its fuel efficiency and outdoor enthusiasts for its spaciousness and versatility, especially when equipped with available all-wheel drive. Since the Escape recently received a handsome mid-cycle styling refresh for 2023, the 2024 model is cosmetically and mechanically identical. However, the Base trim has been dropped for 2024, making Active the new entry-level trim.
Key Takeaways:
- Wide variety of available powertrains, including conventional gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options.
- Six different trim levels to suit every taste from rugged adventurer to luxury seeker.
- The 2024 Ford Escape doesn’t feel like a compact when you, your crew, and gear are comfortable inside its cavernous interior.
What powertrains options are available for the 2024 Ford Escape?
Ford offers 2024 Escape buyers a wide variety of energy-efficient powertrain options. The base engine is a gasoline-powered 1.5-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder with Auto Start/Stop technology. It makes 180 horsepower with 199 pound-feet of torque and is coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Stepping up to the ST-Line Select or higher trim level unlocks a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Next up is the Escape Hybrid, which pairs a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with an electric motor to deliver a combined 192 horsepower and fantastic fuel economy of 42 mpg in the city and 36 mpg out on the highway.
Finally, a plug-in electric hybrid Escape exists, with the ability to travel up to 37 miles on battery power alone. After that, a 2.5-liter gasoline engine kicks in. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid can be fully recharged from a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet in about 11 hours. If you have access to a 240-volt Level-2 charger, that replenishing time drops to approximately 3.5 hours. Do note the plug-in variant is the only Escape that’s not available with optional all-wheel drive.
What kind of technology features does the 2024 Ford Escape have?
Nowadays, it seems like the infotainment system is the focal point of a vehicle’s interior and the 2024 Escape doesn’t disappoint. The Active and ST-Line trim levels come standard with an 8-inch screen, but can be optioned with a giant 13.2-inch screen that’s standard on higher trims like the Platinum and PHEV. In either case, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay capability are included.
There’s also an available wireless charging pad so you can cut the clutter of a smartphone cable. In the audio department, a six speaker stereo is standard with an optional 10-speaker system from Bang & Olufsen, including a subwoofer. Finally, a 360-degree camera system is available, including a birds-eye view mode that will make sure your shiny new SUV is centered perfectly between the parking lot lines every time.
Is the 2024 Ford Escape roomy?
The latest Ford Escape’s cabin is much more spacious than its compact footprint might hint at. The Escape will comfortably fit five people and its rear seat is particularly generous, accommodating even the tallest passengers. A unique and thoughtful feature that’s not found on some competing SUVs is the ability to slide the rear seat backwards and forwards a distance of about six inches. That means you can decide between maximum cargo room, maximum rear passenger comfort, or a happy combination of both.
Speaking of cargo room, the Escape’s generous storage area boasts 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats upright or 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. According to Car and Driver, that’s enough space to fit 21 carry-on size suitcases! Note that the plug-in hybrid variant has slightly less cargo space to make room for its eco-friendly battery.
It’s affordable too.
Starting at just $29,495, even the base Active trim level 2024 Ford Escape is well equipped, stylish, and ready for your active lifestyle. For those that want even more luxury and technology, no less than six different trim levels are available in total, including the Plug-In Hybrid, which allows you to save both fuel and the environment at the same time. Not to mention that drivers who live in snowy climates or prefer to take the path less chosen will appreciate the availability of all-wheel drive with most trim levels. Stop in soon to see why the Escape has been such an integral part of the crossover SUV landscape for so long and which variant is ideal for you.