2024 Ford Escape Redesign, Hybrid, and Release Date. Ford has started the new generation of its compact Escape crossover. In 2024 we will see many changes and a slightly increased price. It brings a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. While the vehicle is still fresh, we can read the first rumors about the 2024 Ford Escape. The crossover will be unchanged for the following season, and only changes we could see on it are going to be based on the first impressions. Buyers will soon have first complains and designers will have tasks to fix issues.
The highlight of the fourth generation of the Escape crossover is its look. Ford is quitting on car segment in the US. The 2024 Ford Escape will fill this vacant spot. Yes, this is still a crossover, but the shape is definitely car-esque. Another major upgrade is a hybrid drivetrain with the plug-in option. Per reports, this version is going to return almost unrealistic 39 mpg.
Compared to the model for next season, whose sales will start in the last quarter of this year, the 2024 Ford Escape will be unchanged. That means all updates the fourth generation is bringing stay put. Styling is much smoother and it feels like Ford is trying to fill empty spots in the car segment. The crossover is going to be lower than before, which means the off-road drive is not its main purpose. The vehicle maybe looks smaller, but it actually offers more space inside. Behind rear seats, the new Escape will come with storage space of 38 cubic feet. That is 4 cu.ft. more than before. Some say the third row could be fitted there.
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
The biggest addition to the new generation is a hybrid model. According to rumors, the new 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid will return up to 39 mpg. The company is using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, previously used as a naturally-aspirated unit for the standard model. Back then, it was able to make 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque while returning 29 mpg on the highway. Previously, there were two hybrid editions for this crossover. In 2004 it was rated 25 mpg combined, and in 2012– 32 mpg. Now, with 35 mpg average, it is a significant gain. Nissan Rogue Hybrid consumes the same amount of fuel on the highway. On the other hand, Toyota Rav4 returns 40 mpg.
The plug-in hybrid will be available as the first update and it will probably come as 2024 Ford Escape PHEV. The company didn’t release details about this version, but we found out that the range of driving it with electric power only is 30 miles.
Three-Row Version
A three-row compact crossover is something that definitely draws a lot of attention. Some bigger models don’t offer such configuration. The latest speculations are saying that Ford considers adding the third row for its fresh model. With the extra space we were talking about, it might be possible, but the third row would be really tight. On the other hand, the extended cabin would offer more space. That will require a lot of changes and modifications in other areas.
Interior
Standard features for the 2024 Ford Escape will remain the same as for the 2024 year model. Only the base trim is missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-inch display is the center of a dashboard. Cluster screen is 12-inch wide. USB upgrades ports to C level at higher trim levels. Top of the class models will come with premium B&O audio system. Safety will also get upgrades, with Co-Pilot360 being standard with blind-spot and lane departure warnings, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.
2024 Ford Escape Petrol Engines
The new 2024 Ford Escape will use two petrol drivetrains from the previous generation. The base crossover is going to use a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three unit with the capability to produce 180 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Ford boosted the fuel economy and the new Escape is going to return 28 mpg combined. An eight-speed automatic transmission this time sends power to either front or all wheels. Previously, Escape was the FWD model only.
A more powerful engine is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter drivetrain. Equipped with turbochargers, it creates 5 hp more than before for 250 horsepower total. Torque output stays at 275 lb-ft. The same gearbox is a power router for this engine. Fuel economy will be the cost paid for the extra power. The gas mileage drops to 24 mpg FWD and 23 mpg AWD. This engine will offer the maximum towing capacity with 3,500 pounds.
2024 Ford Escape Full Pricing List
The base Escape will cost more than we got used to. The base version will cost $25,000. The 2024 Ford Escape Platinum is the most expensive trim you can purchase. All the premium options this model adds will increase the price by more than $15,000. Ford will also offer a few mid-range crossovers to fill the gap with different configurations.