The 2024 Ford Escape is more competitive after its latest refresh. Updated sheetmetal gives the exterior a more distinctive and expressive design, and an updated entertainment interface keeps Ford's compact SUV competitive in its class. We give the Escape high marks for its comfortable ride and easy-to-use tech, but the non-electrified powertrains still make the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions more appealing.Read full review
The 2024 Ford Escape is the company's smallest SUV after Ford discontinued its subcompact offering, the EcoSport, a couple of years ago. The Escape measures about 8 inches shorter in length than the Ford Edge and is offered with additional hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. The Escape is competitive against rival compact SUVs when it comes to practicality, comfort and efficiency, but it trails in regard to driving dynamics.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Ford Escape Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.14 per gallon for regular unleaded in Maryland.
In general, the Escape is a worthy consideration in the class, but it's overshadowed by more capable alternatives. These include the Mazda CX-50, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. We point out where the Escape has its advantages as well as its rather significant flaws in our Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.8
out of 10
We drove the 2024 Ford Escape on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Performance
7/10
How does the Escape drive? We tested the Escape ST-Line Elite with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This motor makes plenty of power, allowing it to easily squirt through traffic and accelerate up to highway speeds. In Edmunds' testing, our Escape covered 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is better than rival small SUVs with an upgraded engine.
Unfortunately, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts slowly and can be jerky with its upshifts. Downshifts are similar, and you'll feel multiple small shocks as you decelerate. Even the engine stop-start system bucks the Escape when it restarts the engine as you take your foot off the brake. It all feels terribly unrefined and like something that Ford should have fixed before putting the Escape on sale.
The Escape's handling is disappointing too. It rolls a lot and has a ponderous feel as you go around turns. There's not much grip from the tires either. As for the steering, it's very light and low-effort in the default drive mode. Selecting Sport mode gives it more heft and makes it easier to figure out where the front wheels are pointed.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Escape? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort the Escape offers. The front seats are well shaped and have a pleasing amount of cushioning. The rear seats are also comfortable and provide a suitable amount of thigh support for adults.
Around town and on the highway, the Escape rides in a smooth and composed manner. It's also fairly quiet at speed, with road noise the prevailing source of sound intrusion. A dual-zone climate control system is now on the options list. Unfortunately, ventilated front seats and heated rears remain unavailable on any Escape trim.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The Escape's cabin is functional and pleasantly laid out. The primary controls are easy to reach, and the steering wheel buttons take no time to decipher. The Sync 3 touchscreen interface is snappy and simple to operate as well but also grows to integrate more functions into the touchscreen. Tech-savvy buyers might appreciate the giant tablet display, while others might miss physical climate controls. The driver's seat gives you a commanding view outward, and it's only mildly impeded by the rising beltline toward the rear. The seat itself offers numerous adjustments that make it a cinch to dial in the perfect position. On the downside, the door armrests are a touch too narrow.
We're impressed by the Escape's use of space inside. There's plenty of room all around, and the deeply sculpted front seatbacks afford rear passengers lots of knee room. Headroom might run out for very tall rear occupants on models with the panoramic sunroof. Other than the tall doorsills, there are no issues getting into or out of the Escape.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $9,677 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $9,677 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid trim.
How’s the tech? The Ford Escape's infotainment system is a highlight. The navigation setup is easy to use and quick to act, but oddly the newest version doesn't show you directional info when a point-of-interest search returns multiple locations (e.g., a Starbucks is 1 mile forward, or 0.5 mile to the left), as the pre-refresh version did. The standard six-speaker audio system is excellent for a base system, producing clear audio and punchy bass. The optional 10-speaker B&O system is even more impressive for this price class. Smartphone integration is excellent, and every model comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and plenty of powerpoints throughout the cabin.
The driving aids work well and almost all are standard. The lane centering feature works quite well on the highway, avoiding the "ping-ponging between the lanes" effect found on many rivals.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The Escape, compared to most compact SUVs, has a cargo area that's a little smaller, at 33.5 cubic feet. We like the low floor and high seatbacks, affording you a lot of vertical storage space before luggage cuts into rear visibility. The rear seats don't fold flat, but the outboard seat belts can be disengaged from their seat holsters so there's no obstruction while loading cargo.
Interior storage is much better, with large cubbies in the front and sizable door pockets in the back. All cupholders have anti-tip tabs, which is fairly uncommon in this vehicle class. Easily accessible car seat anchors and tethers, plus the large rear seat, make it a breeze to load a child safety seat.
Escape models with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is typical for the segment.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Escape with the turbo 2.0-liter engine, which is what we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined. This is better than other small SUVs with similarly potent engines. Though the estimates are stellar, our observed fuel economy with our test vehicle fell short of expectations. We averaged just 20.2 mpg in our own real-world testing.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Escape a good value? The Escape's interior has plenty of soft-touch plastics up front, while hard plastics are generally silver, gloss black or otherwise textured in a way that shows effort. The synthetic leather upholstery on lower trims is surprisingly convincing, though the genuine leather on our tester was too stiff to be comfortable. The panel gaps are a little inconsistent and the interior door handles feel inexcusably cheap, but overall it's an appealing cabin for the price.
Ford's pricing is competitive with other small SUVs with potent turbocharged engines, and revisions to the features structure over the years add value throughout the Escape lineup. (Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, for instance.) Ford offers basic warranty coverage for three years/36,000 miles, with powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles. All are average for the class.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Escape has a fairly distinctive exterior and the ST-Line variants lend a sporty flair to the interior. The cabin is less immediately impressive if you select one of the non-ST variants, but after living with the Escape for a while, you'll appreciate how effortlessly usable it is. Oddly, the 2.0-liter turbo powertrain is the letdown here, with the transmission never quite feeling at ease. This trim with the hybrid engine is probably the sweet spot.
Which Escape does Edmunds recommend?
The Active trim gets our recommendation. It delivers the best bang for your buck by adding several appearance and convenience items on top of the base trim features for a reasonable price.
Hybird efficent, smooth handling, tech new styling
5 out of 5 stars
Bill Hamel, 06/30/2023
2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)
I have owned my 2023 Escape ST-Elite Hybrid AWD for over a month now and I have put many highway miles on it, as well as city here in Chicago. I am comparing this to my recent 2021 Escape SE trade-in and my wife's 2018 Toyota RAV4. I like the Escape already more than the RAV4 even with the updated styling after 2019.
I am pleasantly surprised by both the city and highway fuel economy. … Having an Atkinson cycle engine makes the power not as desirable, but the battery torque helps make up for that.
The interior is amazing, with power controls on both front seats, plenty of easy to use tech, and enough room to move and haul around stuff up to 1,500lbs total (including passengers).
I owned a 2021 Escape SE with 1.5L ecoboost and I can say that the iCVT transmission on the hybrid is MUCH smoother than the 8 speed auto. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE!
Happy with my 2023 Escape
4 out of 5 stars
midwestguy700, 04/30/2023
2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)
Recently picked up a 2023 Escape hybrid to replace a 2016 RAV4 hybrid. Was nervous about jumping to Ford, and there are differences in the vehicle. But I can say I'm happy with my choice. I'm already getting even better MPG than the RAV4 did, it handles well in a downpour, comfortable for myself and passengers, and has some great, convenient features. Parking Assist 2.0 is amazing and a … must-have if you live in a city. Good cargo area, though it seems slightly smaller than the RAV4 if the seats are up, and about the same with them down. Ride is smooth and very quiet, even on the highway. The upgraded sound system is very good, but the "B&O" badges all over are obnoxious. Ford Sync 4.0 is very slick and comes with useful features, but I'll probably stick to CarPlay, they are pretty identical but Ford Navigation expires after 3 years, don't see the point in that.
I intend on keeping this a few years, we'll see how it holds up.
Great Commuter Car
5 out of 5 stars
VA Matt, 08/24/2023
2023 Ford Escape Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)
I traded in my 2009 Ford Escape for a 2023 AWD Platinum Hybrid, and could not be happier with the mileage I'm getting. Though rated for 42/36 (city/hwy), I'm getting 56 mph commuting in considerable rush-hour traffic. I used to loathe traffic, but with great mileage and lots of comforting tech, returning to the office full-time is less of a hassle.
UPDATE: I’ve been exceeding the … listed mpg by 10 miles per gallon in rush hour traffic. I’m averaging about 610 mile on a tank of gas. The critique of choppy transmission shifts is not an issue on the hybrid as it’s a CVT. Also the transition from electric to gas is seamless. I had a 2009 Escape, which I loved but really love my 2023 hybrid more.
2023 Escape PHEV Above and Beyond EPA Estimates!
5 out of 5 stars
Riverview, 09/06/2023
2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)
When my 2007 standard transmission Pontiac Vibe passed the 160,000 mile mark, I knew it was time to start shopping for a new car. I wanted all the latest safety features and I wanted an electric/gas hybrid that would get me around town on electric-only but have a gasoline option for long trips. The Escape Plug-in Hybrid turned out to be the perfect choice.
I wanted safety features. I … got more safety features than I knew existed: a backup camera (displayed on a 12" screen!), side mirror defrost, blind spot monitor, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, a pedestrian warning signal, and much more.
As for fuel efficiency, the EPA estimated a driving range of 38 miles per a full electric charge and a gasoline-only average of 40 MPG. My car significantly exceeds both. I get an estimated 44 to 47 miles per 100% charge. At 11.5 kWh total for a 0-to-100% charge, I'm paying roughly $0.80 ( yes, 80 cents) per home charge. Yes, it does take about 11 hours to charge on a 120V outlet, but that's fine for my schedule. My local power company offers a rebate on installing a 240V home-charging system, so I may do that if my schedule changes. As for gas mileage, on my first long trip (500+ miles) the trip computer reported that my Escape averaged 45 MPH, just about what many non-plug-in battery hybrids average.
But what about the ride? The ride is quiet, tight, and responsive. And this Escape has more than enough pep to hold its own on the Interstate. Ask the Tesla in the next lane.
Because of high demand for the 2023 Escape Plug-in Hybrid, Ford produced only two packages: the loaded and the premium loaded.* If you want leather seats, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, zillion-way adjustable driver and passenger seats, etc., go for the premium package. I didn't. Six speakers are more than enough for me and the vinyl seats are just as comfortable as the leather ones in the model I test drove. The cargo space in both packages is the same, more than enough to hold 20 bags of mulch or a dorm-size refrigerator. I've carried both in my Vibe, though not at the same time 🙂.
Are there things about the Escape PHEV I don't like? Well, yes. Where the heck is the printed user's guide? The online/FordPass app guide is buggy, awkward and inconvenient to use. And it will be of no use at all in the rural areas that are still on dial-up just beyond where I live. Minor annoyances: the back seats don't fold down entirely flat, so loading my bike in the cargo space is more awkward than it needs to be. And after I open the driver's side door to get in, I need to readjust the power seat because it's never as far back as I left it when I exited. The old manual seat controls were so much faster. And they didn't play tricks.
* The Edmunds review form doesn't offer the PHEV 700A "trim" as an option. The 2023 PHEV does not come in an AWD model. It's FWD only, but the 2022 ST-Elite trim is the best match for the PHEV 700A non-premium option. In short, for 2023 there's the PHEV 700A package and the 700A+Premium Tech package.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Ford Escape, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escape since its last redesign.
Top 10 Best Compact SUVs | Ranking the Best Small SUVs of 2021
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Ford Escape, but since the 2024 Ford Escape is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
At Edmunds, we are big fans of the compact SUV. With enough room and comfort for passengers and good fuel economy, compact SUVs are a great choice for shoppers looking for an SUV that can do just about anything. In this video, Ryan ZumMallen from Edmunds presents our ranking of the Top 10 Best Compact SUVs and what makes each one different. From the popular Toyota RAV4 to… the off-roading Jeep Wrangler, Ryan runs down our list of what we consider the best small SUVs you can buy. This is our ranking of the Top 10 Best Compact SUVs.
The Mazda CX-50 debuted for 2023 and impressed us enough to name it the best of the compact SUV class. It scores points for its potent turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and sporty handling that make it more fun to drive than rivals. It also benefits from a higher-quality interior, and we appreciate the availability of a light off-road version. The Escape, though, holds an advantage in price, ride comfort and cargo capacity.
The Honda CR-V was redesigned last year and its many improvements keep it near the top of the class. Like the Escape, it provides plenty of passenger and cargo space, has a comfortable ride, and is available in a fuel-efficient hybrid model. Unfortunately, the Escape's rough transmission shifts and ponderous handling keep it from challenging the CR-V on an even playing field.
The Subaru Forester is a bit of a departure from the typical compact SUV. It's more rugged, with standard all-wheel drive and some surprising off-road abilities, especially in the Wilderness trim. It's a solid choice for those in rainy and snowy regions, but compared to the Escape it falls short in regard to cargo capacity, and its engine is underpowered for the size and weight of the SUV.
Going on its fourth year in the current generation, the Ford Escape is a small SUV that sits below the Edge and the Bronco in the automaker's lineup. The Escape appeals to anyone looking for an SUV that's compact but large enough to comfortably fit the family and some cargo.
The 2023 model received a midcycle refresh with updates to the exterior, including a more attractive front end. On the inside, the Escape offers comfortable seating with easy-to-use tech. Higher trim levels give you the option to upgrade cabin materials and other features for a more premium experience. Powertrains available are a base turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, a hybrid powertrain for better fuel economy, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower for more gusto. (A plug-in version of the Escape is available and we review it separately.)
The Escape fulfills much of what you want from a small SUV, from its comfortable and spacious interior to helpful tech, but it doesn't fare as well as some rivals in its handling and refinement on the road. It competes in a hotly contested segment against some crowd favorites like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 that are worth taking a look at.
Edmunds says
The Escape offers practicality and comfort in a compact package but more highly rated competitors offer those qualities and more for the same price.
FAQ
Is the Ford Escape a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Escape both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Escape gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 52 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Escape ranges from 34.4 to 37.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Escape. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Ford Escape?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Ford Escape:
Base trim is now fleet only
Connected Navigation replaces Connected Built-In Nav
Part of the fourth Escape generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Ford Escape is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Escape. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Escape's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Ford Escape a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Ford Escape is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Escape and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Escape gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 52 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Escape is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Ford Escape?
The least-expensive 2024 Ford Escape is the 2024 Ford Escape Fleet 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,000.
Other versions include:
Fleet 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $28,000
Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $29,345
Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $29,500
ST-Line 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $30,340
Active 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $31,515
ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $32,510
ST-Line 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $33,340
ST-Line Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $34,040
ST-Line Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $35,040
Platinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $36,965
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $37,465
ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $38,460
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $38,465
ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $39,460
Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) which starts at $40,500
If you're interested in the Ford Escape, the next question is, which Escape model is right for you? Escape variants include Fleet 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), and ST-Line 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Escape models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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