Initially launched as a boxy SUV-ish compact mannequin that was inbuilt collaboration with Mazda (see: Mazda Tribute), the Ford Escape has developed drastically over 24 years and 4 generations. Now, clearly a crossover with sporty seems to be and a family-friendly design, the Escape nonetheless brings in respectable numbers for Ford with more than 36,000 examples sold in the first quarter of 2024. It’s not the best-selling crossover on this planet, and it doesn’t have the efficiency chops to compete with bigger fashions, however as a household each day, the Escape lives as much as expectations.

The fourth-generation mannequin is accessible with plenty of powertrain configurations from the bottom 1.5-liter inline-three to 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid with a mild-hybrid and an old style 2.0-liter inline-four citing the center. With as much as 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque on faucet, the Escape has sufficient oomph to tow somewhat bit and navigate each day driving duties with ease. If you’re available in the market for a brand new compact crossover, the Escape is a worthy candidate, and this information will let you know all you might want to know, together with the way it competes with different fashions like Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4.

What’s New For 2024

With the Ford Escape being up to date for the 2023 mannequin yr, there are understandably no modifications for 2024. As a part of this mid-cycle replace, nevertheless, the Escape was given plenty of enhancements to maintain it aggressive available on the market – Something that pushed gross sales figures from round 6,500 per 30 days to as a lot as 17,000 the month the updates have been launched.

Highlights of the mid-cycle refresh included an up to date entrance grille and headlights, new taillights with clear flip alerts, and a brand new, non-obligatory entrance gentle bar.

The extra essential enhancements got here on the within the place the digital gauge cluster grew to become commonplace throughout the entire lineup.

The similar eight-inch LCD infotainment display screen is carried over for the decrease fashions by means of the facelift, although fashions greater within the trim vary now include a brand new 13.2-inch infotainment system that runs on SYNC4. The 13.2-inch system continues to be accessible as an choice on decrease fashions.

Interestingly sufficient, the complete trim lineup was reworked as a part of this mid-cycle replace, with the S, SE, and Titanium trims being changed by Base, Active, and Platinum trims, respectively. The ST-Line trim stage is taken into account a alternative for the outdated SEL trim. All powertrains keep the identical stage of efficiency as earlier than, nevertheless, the PHEV mannequin is now a standalone trim versus the powertrain being accessible as an choice, and all engines have been reworked to assist decrease emissions.

Highlights

• 13.2 inch infotainment system (non-obligatory on decrease trims
• Physical knobs for radio management on lesser fashions
• Updated heart console (2023+)
• All-digital gauge cluster
• 19-Inch aluminum wheels accessible
• Decent commonplace security gear

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

The Ford Escape isn’t a powerhouse on wheels, however it’s begging for extra energy both. Base, Active, and ST-Line fashions come commonplace with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that’s paired with an eight-speed computerized transmission. The ST-Line Select and Elite in addition to the platinum are powered by an old style 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s additionally paired up with the identical eight-speed computerized.

If you shift over to the hybrid lineup, which is accessible in ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trim ranges, energy is derived from a 2.5-liter hybrid. Finally, the PHEV – a standalone mannequin in the complete lineup – options the identical 2.5-liter engine, however paired a bigger battery to supply some all-electric vary (1.1 kWh vs. 14.4 kWh).

The PHEV mannequin can run as much as 37 miles on electrical energy alone if you happen to drive sensibly. Both hybrid powertrains are paired with a CVT transmission.

As far because the driveline is anxious, the Escape is FWD by nature, although you’ll be able to have the non-obligatory AWD Disconnect on Base, Active, and ST-Line trims with the three-cylinder engine in addition to all fashions geared up with the two.0-liter engine. The Escape Hybrid comes commonplace with FWD however AWD Disconnect is non-obligatory, whereas the Escape PHEV can solely be had with FWD.

Performance Specifications

Ford Escape Towing Capacity

The Ford Escape could be a compact crossover, however it can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the correct configuration and gear. This is the place issues get somewhat wonky, nevertheless. Models geared up with the two.5-liter hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain can pull as a lot as 1,500 kilos. This is just potential with the Ford-installed Class II Trailer Tow Package and is just accessible on the hybrid variations of the ST-Line Select and up. Models geared up with the bottom, 1.5-liter inline-three can pull as much as 2,000 kilos, nevertheless, you’ll be able to’t order the correct towing package deal from the Ford manufacturing unit instantly. In brief, if you wish to tow with the Base, Active, and ST-Line trims, it’s important to purchase the towing package deal as a dealer-installed accent. If you’ve got a mannequin that’s powered by the two.0-liter inline-four, then you’ll be able to tow 2,000 kilos with the identical aforementioned seller accent or as much as 3,500 kilos with the factory-installed Class II Tow Package.

Engine	Maximum Towing Capacity
2.5-Liter Hybrid	1,500 Pounds
2.5-Liter PHEV	1,500 Pounds
1.5-liter Inline-Three	2,000 Pounds
2.0-Liter Inline-Four	2,000-3,500 Pounds

Off-Road Capability

The Ford Escape, in any type, merely isn’t designed for off-roading. It’s potential to go off the crushed path a bit, although, remember that with a most floor clearance of simply 7.5 inches and FWD (or AWD Disconnect), you gained’t be doing any severe off-roading. Ford doesn’t even present method, departure, or breakover angles for the Escape in any trim stage.

Fuel Economy And Annual Fuel Costs

The Ford Escape is able to attaining wherever between 23 and 42 mpg relying in your driving habits and the place you’re driving. The annual gasoline value, according to Fueleconomy.gov, is available in at wherever between $1,300 and $1,950. Interestingly sufficient, there are not any official figures for the Plug-in hybrid mannequin from the EPA, although. Various reports on social media declare it could possibly obtain wherever between 100 and 150 mpg mixed, however these figures needs to be taken with a grain of salt and should not indicative of the gasoline financial system it is best to actually count on from the PHEV mannequin.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Honda Passport

• Usable storage within the heart console
• Standard digital gauge cluster
• Optional 12.3-inch Display on decrease fashions
• Optional Sync4 infotainment on higher fashions
• Physical buttons nonetheless commonplace on decrease trim ranges

The Ford Escape has a reasonably good inside, however it’s additionally clear that it’s designed from a purposeful standpoint above all else. Lower fashions characteristic fabric seating, with an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, and sliding second-row seats. Upper trim ranges characteristic partial vinyl and shut seats, some with distinction stitching. Heated entrance row seats, and a 10-way adjustable driver seat can be found greater up the trim vary, and leather-trimmed seats can be found as an choice. All fashions come commonplace with clever entry and push-button begin. A panoramic vista roof is accessible throughout all fashions as an choice.

Technology

On the know-how entrance, the Ford Escape is supplied fairly properly, even on the reasonably priced base stage. Things like an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, two energy factors, two use ports, and an 8.0-inch infotainment show are all commonplace gear. Even on the base stage, nevertheless, you’ll be able to choice the 13.2-inch infotainment display screen that’s accessible on the higher trim ranges and PHEV. The commonplace audio system throughout the complete lineup is a six-speaker AM/FM setup, although, a B&O 10-speaker system with a subwoofer is an non-obligatory further for all trim ranges. Navigation comes commonplace on the Escape Elite and PHEV fashions, although it can be had as an choice on Active, ST-Line, and ST-Line Select trim ranges.

Other Standard Features

• Sirius XM
• Sync 4 infotainment working system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• FordCross Connect with 4G LTE Hot Spot
• Dual-Zone digital local weather management

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

The Ford Escape comes with commonplace security know-how that’s fairly widespread throughout the trade as a part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite of applied sciences. The extra superior options, like Active Park Assist, Evasive Steering, and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (which incorporates stop-and-go, lane centering, and pace signal recognition) are non-obligatory.

In phrases of IIHS and NHTSA security scores, The Ford Escape performs fairly properly, scoring a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and overall Good ratings from the IIHS, apart from a “Marginal” score for the up to date side-impact check and an “Acceptable” score for headlights.

It will not be unusual for fashions launched earlier than 2023 to obtain less-than-stellar scores for the IIHS’ up to date aspect influence testing.

Driver Assistance Features

IIHS Crash Testing

• Recalls: 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: N/A

While the 2024 Ford Escape has not acquired any NHTSA complaints or investigations, the 2023 mannequin, which is mechanically similar was the topic of 3 recalls and 26 complaints. The most dominant complaints included points with the engine, electrical system, and crash avoidance system. The remembers in 2023 features a recall for defective instrument panel lighting, threat of fireside from engine failure, and threat of fireside from a cracked gasoline injector. All of the problems relating to the remembers ought to have been resolved previous to the launch of the 2024 mannequin yr.

Warranties

Ford’s standard warranty coverage applies to its total mannequin lineup, and it runs on par with what different automakers are providing immediately. The primary bumper-to-bumper guarantee is available in at 3 years or 36,000 miles, whereas the powertrain guarantee and security restraint system guarantee runs for five years or 60,000 miles. Diesel-powered engines are protected for five years or 100,000 miles and hybrid/electric-specific distinctive gear is protected for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection runs for five years, however there’s no mileage guarantee for this particular guarantee.

2024 Ford Escape Versus Its Competitors

As a compact crossover, the Ford Escape has a variety of opponents, however on this case, we’re going to look to 2 extremely popular choices on this section: the Toyota RAV4 and the Chevrolet Equinox. Both fashions are designed to be household pleasant and are nice to be used as each day drivers at their core. As such, typically, all three fashions are meant extra for on-road adventures, nevertheless, the RAV4 could be somewhat extra succesful off the crushed path. Let’s take a deeper have a look at these strong options to see what they create to the desk.

How The Ford Escape Compares To The 2024 Toyota RAV4

• 	2024 Ford Escape	2024 Toyota RAV4
  Model	Escape	RAV4
  Engine	1.5-Liter | 2.0-Liter | 2.5-Liter	2.5-liter I-four
  Transmission	8-speed auto | CVT	Eight-speed computerized
  Torque	155 – 280 LB-FT	184 LBS-FT
  Driveline	FWD | AWD	Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
  MSRP	$29,495 – $40,500	$28,275
  Towing Capacity	Up to three,500 Pounds	1,500-3,500 kilos

The Toyota RAV4 is obtainable in all kinds of trims, with essentially the most succesful being the off-road oriented TRD. Be that as it could, the engine selections accessible are fairly slim with all non-hybrid fashions being powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four with 203 horsepower. These fashions come commonplace with an eight-speed computerized transmission and are FWD by default, although AWD is an non-obligatory further. Fuel financial system runs as excessive as 35 mpg on the freeway, which isn’t too unhealthy for a car with a naturally aspirated engine. Hybrid fashions include a 2.5-liter engine as properly, although, complete system output is rated at 219 horsepower, of which 176 comes from the engine and 54 from the electrical motor. All hybrid fashions include AWD as commonplace and have an digital CVT transmission (E-EVT in Toyota discuss). Like the Escape, the RAV4 is able to some gentle towing, with a spread of wherever between 1,500 and three,500 kilos relying on the mannequin and gear stage.

On the within, the RAV4 pushes the boundaries of what an reasonably priced mainstream crossover can provide, although, base fashions nonetheless rock an analog gauge cluster. You can go for a 12.3-inch gauge cluster on the XLE Premium and TRD mannequin, however it does come commonplace on the Limited Trim. An 8.0-inch infotainment system is commonplace, and it was not too long ago up to date to supply a snappier response in addition to OTA updates, however higher trim ranges include a bigger together with a 12.0-inch show within the RAV4 TRD. The RAV 4 additionally sits on the reasonably priced aspect of the compact crossover market with a beginning worth of $28,475. Pricing for non-hybrid fashions tops out at $38,780. RAV4 Hybrid fashions are priced from $31,475 to $39,780.

How The Ford Escape Compares To The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox

• 	2024 Ford Escape	2024 Chevrolet Equinox
  Model	Escape	Chevrolet Equinox
  Engine	1.5-Liter | 2.0-Liter | 2.5-Liter	1.5-Liter Inline-Four
  Transmission	8-speed auto | CVT	6-Speed Automatic
  Horsepower	180 – 250 Horsepower	175 HP
  Torque	155 – 280 LB-FT	203 LB-FT
  Driveline	FWD | AWD	FWD | AWD
  MSRP	$29,495 – $40,500	$29,595 – $34,795
  Fuel Economy	Up to 42 MPG	Up to 30 MPG
  Towing Capacity	Up to three,500 Pounds	1,500 LBS

While fashions just like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 are supplied in a variety of trim ranges, the Chevrolet Equinox is restricted to simply 4: LS, LT, RS, And Premier. Despite the trim stage hierarchy (and the RS badge) all fashions are powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four that delivers 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Shifting duties are dealt with by a six-speed computerized, and AWD is an choice. Fuel financial system for FWD fashions is available in at 26 mpg within the metropolis, 31 mpg on the freeway, and 28 mpg mixed. AWD fashions take a small hit to the gasoline financial system, however nothing actually all that noticeable. This places the Equinox just about on par with the Escape if you happen to rely out the hybrid fashions.

All of this stated, the present Equinox is being changed for the 2025 mannequin yr by a very redesigned mannequin, so that you shouldn’t be stunned once I let you know that the inside of the 2024 mannequin regarded a bit dated. It feels very mid-2010s inside with the infotainment system embedded within the heart stack, the low-sitting heart console, and the overly spherical wraparound design. The new mannequin is far more fashionable and in step with what the Escape affords to the purpose that it could be a bit extra superior. The new Equinox comes with a digital instrument cluster, an 11-inch infotainment system, and a extra angular inside design. Until that mannequin goes on sale, the Equinox begins out at $27,995 with FWD and climbs to as excessive as $34,795 for the Premier AWD mannequin.

How Much Does The Ford Escape Cost?

There are 5 totally different trim ranges of the Ford Escape for 2024 plus the range-topping Plug-In hybrid, which is now a standalone trim within the lineup. Pricing for the entry-level Escape Active is available in at $29,495 with costs rising incrementally to as a lot as $36,965. The Escape PHEV has a sticker worth of $40,500. All costs displayed right here don’t embody tax, vacation spot, registration, or different charges.

Is It Worth Buying A 2024 Ford Escape?

The Ford Escape makes for an important compact household automobile that also affords a good quantity of cargo capability and towing functionality. Its entry-level pricing is basically in step with the competitors, with it being $100 cheaper than the present Chevy Equinox however practically $1,000 dearer than the Toyota RAV4. In phrases of security and reliability, there aren’t too many points to be involved with, although, if you need the newest and best, it could be finest to take a look at fashions just like the 2025 Chevy Equinox or wait just a few extra years for the next-gen Escape to hit the market. That stated, you actually can’t go incorrect with the Ford Escape so long as you’re not anticipating it to deal with any main off-road adventures or to tow the home and extra.