Compact SUVs are the best of all worlds, and no model does it quite like the Ford Escape, which combines spaciousness for family adventures with practicality for work and everyday driving. If you’ve been a fan of this wonderful vehicle since it was introduced in 2001, and are wondering if the 2024 model has seen significant changes from 2023, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Escape had a major redesign in 2023 but only minor changes for 2024.
- The 2024 Escape has dropped the previous year’s base model.
- Now is the time to get in on the Escape—the automaker is discontinuing it for an as-yet-unnamed electric model.
What’s New on the Ford Escape in 2024?
The fourth-generation 2023 Escape boasted a new exterior, additional tech features and new trim models, including its Plug-In Hybrid. The 2024 Escape includes all of these updates; however, the 2023 base model is now just fleet only. The consumer line-up starts with the Active trim. It and each subsequent trim level has very affordable price points.
- Active: $29,495
- ST-Line: $30,490
- ST-Line Select: $34,040
- Platinum: $37,465
- ST-Line Elite: $38,460
- Plug-in Hybrid: $40,500
Some colors were retired in ‘24, and others were added:
- Race Red and Oxford White were added to the Active model, with Rapid Red Metallic and Star White Metallic Tri-coat discontinued.
- Ford retired Atlas Blue Metallic and Cinnabar Red Metallic Premium across all levels.
Finally, Ford’s Intelligent Access with push-button start has been standardized starting with the ST-Line.
Big Power in a Small Package
When it comes to get up and go, the Escape comes out on top. Its lower trim levels—Active, and ST-Line—come standard with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine delivering 180 ponies and 199 lb-feet of torque. Both have optional all-wheel drive (AWD) with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Higher-level trims—ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum—have a bit more oomph thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine supplying 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. These trims also have the option of AWD with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.0 allows higher trim-levels a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.
And don’t forget the Plug-in Hybrid! Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors crank out a solid 210 horsepower and 155 lb.-ft of torque combined through a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When using only electricity, the PHEV gets 37 mpg overall; in hybrid mode, it checks in at 40 mpg combined. Higher trims also have the option of a hybrid four-cylinder engine, which earns them 39 mpg combined.
That’s Infotainment!
As you already know, there were some significant changes made to the 2023 Escape’s infotainment system that are still in place today. Lower-level trims feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen that buyers can upgrade to 13.2-inch display. This larger screen is standard to the ST-Line Elite and Hybrid Platinum trims.
The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone syncing, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice commands, phone integration and an advanced GPS system with real-time traffic updates and predictive routing. And if you want to get your groove on, there’s the immersive sound system courtesy of Bang & Olufsen that will certainly provide the soundtrack.
A Roomy Proposition
Family and cargo have plenty of room to ride in the 2024 Ford Escape, which seats up to five passengers and has ample cargo capacity of 37.5 cubic feet, even when all the seats are taken. If more space is necessary, the rear seats fold down to give your cargo a lot more room—up to 65.4 cubic feet of space. The rear seats can also slide forward for cargo space or backward for long-legged passengers.
Time Is of the Essence for Your Ford Escape
It’s no longer a rumor—Ford has announced the end of the Escape after 2025 to be replaced with an EV model that has not yet been revealed. That means if you’re looking to get into a new vehicle, now is the time to test drive this sporty and reliable SUV. Contact us today to experience it for yourself!