After the recent update we’ve seen in Ford’s popular compact crossover, it’s pretty much for sure that the current version will remain in production for a few more years. Therefore, we expect that the 2024 Ford Escape will feature no bigger changes. It will continue with all the novelties that were introduced with the 2023 model year, which are significant in many aspects, starting from the styling, new interior features, new trim level organization etc. The 2024 Ford Escape should be a typical carryover model.
Considering all the novelties that were introduced last year, the 2024 Ford Escape will continue in the same way. Therefore, you may count on the same road manners, which are mostly about the smooth ride, rather than accentuated aesthetics. The Escape’s cabin is quiet and offers a lot of passenger space. Finally, there are four powertrain options, so anyone can find the right fit.
As there are no bigger changes to come, we presume that the release date will be scheduled for the last quarter of 2023.
2024 Ford Escape Design
The current generation has been around for a while but the recent refresh should keep it competitive for some more time. The Escape stands out in many ways and one of them is the recently updated styling. The new version features a completely new, bolder front-end design, with a bigger grille and more upright headlights. The overall look feels pretty appealing, while ST-Line trim brings further styling upgrades and makes the car look even more attractive.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle hasn’t changed much since the initial launch. We are still talking about the same ride quality, which is a little bit different compared to previous generations of this compact SUV. The ride is now less athletic but much smoother and more comfortable. The steering feel is also pretty good, so we could say that the Escape is a pretty good overall package in terms of on-road manners.
Interior
The recent update brought a new SYNC4 infotainment system, along with a much bigger screen. Also, there are new digital instrument clusters, a smaller 8-inch unit in base models and a bigger 12.3-inch unit in higher trims. Other than that, we didn’t see bigger interior changes, so the overall feel is largely the same. The dashboard features a classic design, with conservative aesthetics but really good ergonomics. Also, there are a lot of physical controls on the dash and center console, which actually looks really refreshing in today’s era of digital controls.
This SUV is spacious and comfortable. Both rows accommodate adults with ease, thanks to the generous amount of leg and headroom. Also, the front seats are well-shaped, and the driving position is good. The cargo area offers around 37.5 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet of the total volume, which is quite good for the segment.
Trim Levels
This aspect won’t bring changes either, so you may count on the new organizations. Instead of good-old S, SE, SEL, and Titanium designations, there are three new grades on offer – Active, ST-Line and Platinum. The base Active trim comes with a couple of areas covered with low-rent materials but offers a pretty decent number of standard features, including an 8-inch infotainment screen, 8-inch digital instrument cluster, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay etc. The new 13.2-inch infotainment screen is optional.
The ST-Line and Platinum gradually add more standard features, as well as nicer materials. For example, the flagship Platinum comes with leather upholstery, as well as tech upgrades like a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, in-dash navigation, a pop-up head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster etc.
2024 Ford Escape Engines
The engine lineup is pretty familiar and includes four familiar powertrain options. Base models will continue with a familiar 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine, which puts out around 181 horsepower. It’s capable enough for daily commuting and should satisfy most buyers. We find the lack of refinement a bigger issue than the power. Therefore, we would always go with the optional 2.0-liter turbo-four with 250 horsepower. It’s not just more powerful and way more capable, it is also much more refined. Both units come in pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
There are also two hybrid options on offer, both based on a 2.5-liter inline-four. The first one is a classic hybrid, with a max output of 200 horsepower, while the plug-in hybrid gets a more powerful electric motor, for a combined output of 221 horsepower. The latter also comes with a much bigger battery, which provides 37 miles of all-electric range. Both hybrids use a CVT, instead of a classic automatic transmission.
2024 Ford Escape Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2024 Ford Escape will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of 2023, with a starting price of around 29.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, VW Tiguan etc.
