2024 Ford Escape Review

As the entry level model, the Active trim level is well-stocked with dual-zone automatic temperature controls, an 8-inch color LCD instrument cluster, and Ice Blue instrument panel lighting. Drivers enjoy an 8-way power chair, full adjustable steering wheel, and a dedicated footrest.

Cockpits also have push button start, a rotary gear dial, and USB charging ports. An 8-inch touchscreen offers the benefits of Sync, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The second row has smart charging USB ports and a fold-down armrest. These seats slide to allow for maximum legroom or maximized rear cargo area. An easy-access cargo shade and a power liftgate are standard. LED Signature lighting and 17-inch Shadow Silver aluminum alloys help identify this trim.

Standard driver assist features include lane keep assistance, forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, and more. A rear autobrake assists the rear cross traffic alert.

The ST Line is a sportier version of the Escape. With all-wheel drive, it has a sport handling suspension. Inside the cabin has sport contour bucket seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Anl Ebony interior is dressed with racy red accent stitching. Special exterior styling includes a bolder grille, a rear single-wing spoiler, and 18-inch rock metallic-painted alloy wheels.

ST Line Select has all of the ST Line styling and amenities. However it is offered with the 250-horsepower turbo for a speedier ride. Seats are covered in a combination of cloth and vinyl with fun red stitching. A unique rear skid plate and LED fog lamps add to the exterior’s sporty looks.

Stepping up to the ST Line Elite, you can expect more refinement in style and technology. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s chair is matched with a 6-way passenger power chair. Both have power-heat functions.

The cabin has ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad, a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, and a 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen with navigation and SiriusXM. FordPass Connect offers a 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot.

A split-view 360-degree camera helps with parking and slow maneuvers. Independent adaptive cruise control includes speed sign recognition, lane centering and stop-and-go capability.

Platinum models have the dual larger screens and other goodies listed for the ST Elite. However, seats are covered in Active X leatherette upholstery with mini-perforation for extra breathability. Music sounds better with the available Bang Olufsen audio system.

Higher trims benefit from evasive steering assistance, advanced parking assistance and other driver assist features.

With the Escape Hybrid so affordable, many shoppers will step over to the most fuel efficient vehicle. Is gas mileage the only difference?

The regular Escape turbo produces 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. Speedier, the Escape HEV produces 192 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of instant electric torque. Even speedier than that, the plug in hybrid Escape can claim 210 horsepower.

Offering the best horsepower to pound ratio, Escapes are about 600 pounds lighter than the Escape HEVs due to the hybrid battery packs. The standard interior is about two cubic feet bigger than the HEV or PHEV cabin.

Naturally the hybrid surpasses the regular engine when it comes to fuel efficiency. This will mean lower fuel bills and lower ownership costs over time. Plug in hybrid Escapes can go for 37 miles on electric power alone. For many this means that they won’t need gasoline unless they are leaving town.

A more powerful Ecoboost engine provides 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It is standard on higher trims, which still offer the hybrid alternative. It is the top performer, but it can’t match the regular Escape’s gas mileage.

Using Ecoboost technology, the Escape conserves fuel. It earns 34 mpg in highway driving. While city driving is rated at 27 mpg, it’s possible to do even better with the automatic stop-start technology. This pauses the engine at redlights to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

Of course, the Escape HEV does even better. It earns 36 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg in the city. PHEV models can travel 37 miles on electric power alone and may achieve as much as 101 miles per gallon equivalent. The electric motor is easily charged at home in just a few hours.

Regenerative braking is used to recapture energy and assist the HEV and PHEV electric systems. These hybrid models use regular fuel, saving you the cost of premium so often needed for hybrid SUVs today. Hybrid component warranties extend for up to 100,000 miles or 8 years.

Although they are called small SUVs, the Escape, HEV and PHEV models are spacious in every way. They have plenty of room in the front seat and adult-sized space in the backseat. There’s a slight difference in passenger volume with the regular Escape claiming an extra 1.5 cubes.

On both rows, the hybrid, plug in hybrid and standard model offer the same amount of headroom. There’s 40 inches up front and 39.3 inches on the second row. Plus all three can claim 42.4 inches of front row legroom.

Escapes have a remarkable 40.7 inches of second-row legroom. Hybrid and Plug In Hybrid models aren’t quite as generous, but there’s plenty of room for long legs with 38.9 inches of legroom.

As for cargo area, the hybrids have a generous 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space. You’ll find many non-hybrids that can’t match that. Even better, the standard Escape models have more than 37 cubes in the cargo hold.

That’s lots of space for your travel luggage or sports gear. It easily competes with rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CR V, and other compact SUVs.

Adding value, a power liftgate is standard on all trims. You just flip a lever to fold the rear seats, and you can increase the area to 60 or 65 cubes. A split-fold seat provides several seat-cargo combinations. This flexibility is just what you need if you have an active lifestyle.

Tow ratings are 1,500 lbs for the Escape HEV and 2,000 lbs for the regular model. Choosing the 2.0-L Ecoboost turbo increases towing power to 3,500 pounds. While you may never choose to tow, it’s nice to know these small SUVs can do it if you need to!

If you haven’t looked at campers lately, you may not know that there are more options than ever before. Perfect for Escape Hybrid owners, some popular mini campers weigh 850 or 900 pounds before gear is added.

Other popular small campers weigh around 1700 pounds, leaving you room for equipment if you are towing with the standard Escape. Full-size pop-up campers keep their weight under 3,500 pounds, perfect for Escape ST Line Select or Elite drivers.

Now that you know more, schedule a test drive of your favorite Escape trim. Conveniently located, Rodeo Ford is your Goodyear Ford dealer serving the Phoenix AZ area.