Flagship Drive

Positioned as the brand’s smallest SUV, the Ford Escape takes the reins from its discontinued subcompact predecessor, the EcoSport. Now entering the 2024 model year, the Ford Escape looks bold and drives bolder than anything on the market. The 2024 Ford Escape emerges as a frontrunner in the compact SUV realm, with the smooth ride quality and versatile interior. It does have some awkward shifts and more competitive alternatives. Regardless, the latest Ford Escape combines cutting-edge hybrid technology, innovative interior features, and an impressive driving experience. The 2024 is among the last of a dying breed since Ford will discontinue the Escape in 2025. It still stands as a noteworthy contender in its class. This 2024 Ford Escape review explores the SUV’s performance specs, fuel efficiency, safety features, and technology upgrades.

Overview of The 2024 Ford Escape

Ford dedicated substantial effort to craft the Escape into a distinctive and family-oriented SUV, resulting in a vehicle that excels in versatility. 

The first-ever Ford Escape hit the scene more than twenty years ago. The Escape made waves in the compact crossover SUV world. The Escape arrived with the look and feel of a classic SUV, delivering ample room for passengers and cargo. With a high ground clearance, it was ready to tackle snowy conditions and light off-road adventures.

Distinguishing itself by its compact dimensions, the Escape is approximately 8 inches shorter than the Ford Edge.

What truly sets this version apart is its commitment to eco-friendly technologies, offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options that redefine the standards for efficiency.

What’s New On The 2024 Ford Escape SUV?

Following a substantial refresh in the previous year, the 2024 Ford Escape maintains its current form without significant changes. 

While it remains a commendable option, it faces tough competition from more adept alternatives such as the Mazda CX-50, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. 

In our Expert Rating below, we highlight the Escape’s strengths and noteworthy shortcomings.

Exterior Review

Last year, the Ford Escape received a fantastic redesign. The front fascia of the compact SUV underwent a makeover, featuring fresh lighting elements, a redesigned hood, and an updated front bumper design. The brand expanded the 2023 Escape’s grille to span wider across the front end compared to the 2022 model, now proudly displaying the Ford oval emblem, a departure from its previous location on the SUV’s hood. With no exterior changes, expect the 2024 Escape to look similar to the 2023 model.

Interior Design

The Escape’s interior is functional and thoughtfully laid out for convenience. Essential controls are easily accessible, and the buttons on the steering wheel are intuitive. Operating the touchscreen interface is both responsive and straightforward. The driver’s seat provides a commanding view with ample adjustments for a personalized and comfortable driving position, though the door armrests are slightly narrow.

The Escape’s interior has a clever utilization of space that we admire. There’s abundant room throughout, and the intricately sculpted front seatbacks contribute to generous knee room for rear passengers. Entering and exiting the Escape is hassle-free, except for the slightly tall doorsills.

Technology

For 2024, the Escape introduces updated technology, featuring a Sync 4 infotainment system with a generous touchscreen that maxes out at 13.2 inches. Additionally, there are improvements made to the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, enhancing the array of advanced driving-assistance systems.

The touchscreen in the Ford Escape boasts a crisp display and swift responsiveness. Navigating with the available system is user-friendly, providing quick route planning. Even in the base configuration, the six-speaker audio system impresses with clear sound quality and robust bass. Additionally, most driving aids are standard, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Engine And Transmission

The ST-Line trim level of the Ford Escape offers three distinct sub-models: ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and ST-Line Elite. Introduced in 2023, the ST-Line lineup showcases sporty styling and provides a choice between three out of the four available powertrains. 

Whether you opt for the hybrid drivetrain, the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder, or the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the ST-Line is good.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is available with the hybrid and turbo three, while the turbo four comes with standard AWD. Ford claims that with AWD, the ST-Line features a sport-tuned suspension for an enhanced driving experience.

Performance And Handling

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the Escape delivers ample power, allowing for easy navigation through traffic and swift acceleration to highway speeds. In Edmunds’ testing, the Escape showcased its prowess. 

The 2023 Escape goes from 0-60 mph sprint in 6.9 seconds, surpassing the performance of many competing small SUVs equipped with upgraded engines.

However, the automatic transmission’s performance is a mixed bag. Shifting tends to be slow, and upshifts can be jerky. Downshifts exhibit a similar behavior, with multiple small shocks felt during deceleration. Even the engine stop-start system adds to the overall unrefined experience, causing noticeable jolts when restarting the engine as you release the brake.

2024 Ford Escape Fuel Economy

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the Ford Escape boasts an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined in city and highway driving, outperforming many other small SUVs with upgraded engines.

2024 Ford Escape: Trims and Pricing

The Ford Escape is available in seven trim levels: Base, Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. The lineup includes four distinct powertrains, featuring hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with base prices spanning from the high $20,000s to the low $40,000s.

2024 Ford Escape Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Spacious and Comfortable Seating: The Ford Escape provides ample room for both passengers and cargo, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all occupants.
• Smooth Ride Quality: The Escape delivers a smooth ride, making it suitable for various driving conditions and ensuring a pleasant experience for passengers.
• Intuitive and User-Friendly Controls: The controls and interface in the Escape are designed with user convenience in mind, offering an easy-to-use system that enhances the overall driving experience.
• Efficient Hybrid Powertrain: The Escape’s available hybrid powertrain stands out, achieving an impressive fuel efficiency of around 40 mpg. This not only contributes to cost savings but also reduces the environmental footprint.
• Diverse Trim and Powertrain Options: The Escape lineup offers a variety of trim levels and powertrain options, allowing buyers to choose configurations that suit their preferences and lifestyles.

Cons:

• Transmission’s Abrupt Shifts: Some drivers may find fault in the transmission, experiencing abrupt shifts that can impact the overall smoothness of the driving experience.
• Lackluster Handling: While the Escape prioritizes comfort, its handling capabilities might fall short for those seeking a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. The vehicle may not deliver the same level of agility as some of its competitors.
• Limited Standard Features: Certain desirable features may require additional investment as they are not included in the base configuration, potentially impacting the overall value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
• Interior Material Quality: While the Escape’s interior is functional, the quality of materials used, particularly in areas like the interior door handles, may not meet the expectations of some consumers. Improvements in material consistency could enhance the overall perceived quality of the cabin.
• Competitive Alternatives: In a crowded market segment, the Ford Escape faces tough competition from other compact SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-50, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. Buyers might find alternatives that offer a more compelling overall package or specific features.

Is the 2024 Ford Escape Right For You?

The Escape’s interior features a mix of soft-touch plastics up front, with silver, gloss black, or textured hard plastics showcasing noticeable attention to detail. The synthetic leather upholstery surprisingly mimics the real thing. Although there are some inconsistencies in panel gaps and the interior door handles may feel cheap, the overall cabin is quite appealing, especially considering the price.

Ford’s pricing is competitive, but it’s worth noting that certain features available on competitors’ lower-priced trims may come at an additional cost to Ford. The warranty coverage is standard, offering three years/36,000 miles for basic coverage and five years/60,000 miles for powertrain coverage and roadside assistance, aligning with the class average.

While the Escape may not immediately stand out in any particular aspect, its charm reveals itself over time as you notice the considerate details Ford has incorporated. It’s a dependable and well-executed small crossover SUV, and Ford has every reason to be proud of it.