Ford Escape Hybrid 2024 Models, MPG, Release Date – Along with the conventionally-powered Ford Escape, which we review separately, the Ford Escape Hybrid is among the numerous popular SUVs in the United States. It simply provides what most consumers desire nowadays: a roomy interior and a crossover body with a high stance. In hybrid mode, both a standard hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are available, and each produces 200 horsepower, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine providing most of the power. This vehicle’s 0-60 time is not exceptional, but that is not its primary purpose. Notably, front-wheel drive is the only available option for the PHEV. While both versions of the Escape Hybrid deliver excellent fuel economy, neither is particularly exciting to drive. If you can afford the more expensive Toyota RAV4 Prime, it will easily surpass the Ford Escape. Still, the Ford offers numerous safety features and a user-friendly infotainment screen, but if you don’t require a hybrid, can it compete with the most exciting SUVs on the market? Explore further in our Hybrid Escape review.
If fuel efficiency is essential to you and you’ve decided to purchase a Ford Escape, the 2024 Escape Hybrid makes a lot of sense. It’s not very swift, and rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid are quicker, but it’s somewhat responsive in the city, and the combined fuel economy of 41 mpg is excellent. With the PHEV model, you may also go 37 miles on electric power alone, which is sufficient for those who live closer to their place of employment. As for the remainder of the Escape package, it’s a decent rather than exceptional SUV. We appreciate the extensive seating, cargo space, and user-friendly entertainment system. However, the interior seems cheap in spots, and the driving experience is only average. However, the Escape Hybrid justifies its appeal in the American market.
Ford Escape Hybrid 2024 Redesign
The only modification to the exterior design of the 2024 Ford Escape is the inclusion of a few additional exterior color options. It is now 2.4 inches lengthy and 1.7 inches wider than the version from 2022. In terms of appearance, the 2024 Escape will retain the same sportier and fancier design that gives it its signature crossover appearance. The Escape’s front fascia is dominated by its Aston Martin-inspired, wide grille. The foglights border the front grille, while the headlights are mounted high on the hood. The rear end has been kept straightforward, with oval taillights, curved edges, and dual exhaust outlets.
This year, customers may purchase the Ford Escape Hybrid in new exterior hues, including Atlas Blue Metallic, Flight Blue Metallic, and Iced Blue. Ford has also updated a few features. The eight-way power driver’s seat is now included with the SE Convenience Package and is standard on the SEL. In contrast, the 10-way power driver’s seat is standard on Titanium vehicles and available with the SEL Technology Package. No longer included in the Titanium Elite Package, a panoramic vista roof is now a standalone option. Other minor changes include the standard installation of the SecuriCode keyless entry keypad on SEL and higher grades.
Interior
The Escape’s interior, while attractively designed and spacious for both front- and rear-seat passengers, is marred by several low-grade plastic panels, particularly those on the doors and lower center console. Standard seat upholstery is highly textured, while higher trim levels have convincing faux-leather seating surfaces or genuine leather in the Titanium. Behind the back seat of the Escape is a roomy cargo area that can accommodate up to eight carry-on bags, matching the Chevrolet Equinox. With the Escape’s rear seats folded down, we could fit 21 cases, but the Equinox held two more.
While S versions come standard with a 4.2-inch radio display with an AM/FM radio as the sole source of entertainment, SE and above trim levels receive a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Ford’s newest Sync 3 infotainment interface and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. On all Escape models, a smartphone app gives remote access to car telematics and remote start. Still, the Escape Titanium comes standard with a 10-speaker B&O Play music system, in-dash navigation, and a 12.0-inch digital gauge display, making it the most connected and high-tech Escape. A head-up display that pops up is optional.
Engine
The Escape Hybrid is powered by a hybridized 2.5-liter inline-four engine that generates up to 200 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. It is equipped with a single 96 kW electric motor and a constantly variable automatic transmission to deliver power to the front- or all-wheel drivetrain. Efficiency is prioritized at the expense of performance. Acceleration reactions are sluggish from when the vehicle leaves the starting line until it reaches highway speeds and commences overtaking. As weak as it is, the hybrid powertrain’s maximum towing capacity is only 1,500 pounds. The CVT simulates traditional automatic transmission shifts, which are precise and seamless. The sprint from 0 – 60 miles per hour takes nine seconds. If there is a drawback, the engine sounds coarse and raucous at higher rpm.
The Escape Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated city fuel efficiency of 44 mpg and a highway fuel economy of 37 mpg, which is excellent for a hybrid SUV. This rating falls to 43/37 mpg city/highway for all-wheel-drive vehicles. On a full charge, the Escape PHEV’s 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers 37 miles of all-electric range. The gas engine kicks in when stronger acceleration is required or when the battery is depleted. In EV mode, the Escape PHEV returns 105 MPG equivalent in combined city and highway driving, while it achieves 40 mpg combined in hybrid mode. Using a 120-volt, household-style power outlet (Level 1), the battery pack can be recharged in up to 11 hours or as little as 3.5 hours using a 240-volt charger (Level 2).
Ford Escape Hybrid 2024 Release Date and Price
The Escape Hybrid SUV lineup consists of six distinct models, with the SE Hybrid priced at $29,920. The SEL Hybrid is priced at $32,285, while the Titanium Hybrid is priced at $34,820. The SE Plug-In Hybrid is priced at $35,190; the SEL Plug-In Hybrid is priced at $37,925, and the Titanium Plug-In Hybrid carries the highest MSRP at $40,435. All of these prices exclude Ford’s $1,495 destination charge. The starting price of the Honda CR-V Hybrid, a comparable SUV for sale, is $32,010. Adding a few extras to the Ford Escape Hybrid will result in a price hike. All non-PHEV variants can be upgraded for $1,500 from FWD to 4WD. PHEVs offer an additional benefit in that they are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $6,843. The release of the 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid is anticipated for the summer of 2024 in the United States.