2024 Ford Escape PHEV: First Look Review

Along with the 2024 Escape Hybrid, Ford has silently released the 2024 Escape PHEV. As expected, it’s just a carryover of the facelifted model that arrived in October 2022. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to explore the design and features of a Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat example of the new plug-in hybrid compact SUV. Here’s what I discovered during my experience:

Design

The 2024 Ford Escape PHEV is a modern crossover with a rather simple design at a time when automakers are going berserk with split headlights, full-width DRLs, illuminated logos, and whatnot. I’ll admit the octagonal front grille, the thin LED light bar, and the sweptback headlamps do help a little, but the steeply raked windshield and low beltline make it look like a lifted hatchback. As a result, the side windows look quite odd.

I feel that Ford could’ve made the Escape PHEV a little more SUV-ish, with a more masculine and bolder shape and surfacing, and perhaps some more sharpness to communicate higher sophistication. At the same time, it wouldn’t be want to be stepping on the toes of the Bronco Sport, considering they share the same platform.

Interior

Inside, the 2024 Ford Escape PHEV looks elegant but is a little too basic by today’s standards. The simple dashboard and the relatively bright trim panel would’ve done okay last decade, but times have changed, and after seeing competitors with more premium materials, illuminated trim, seamlessly integrated cockpit displays, hidden AC vents, etc., this interior didn’t feel special to me.

The plastics used on the dashboard, center console, and door panels felt spartan, but the touch and feel were lifted by the squidgy plastic used in the upper part of the dashboard. There are only a few physical controls on the dashboard and center console, but they cover basics like the climate control system, sound system, parking assist, etc. When I used some of these switches, buttons, and knobs to see if they offered tactile feedback, I wasn’t let down.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, as a six-foot tall person, I felt headroom was a bit tight. Under-thigh support felt okay and reaching the steering was easy. In the back, the knee room, despite the carved-out seat backs, was a bit tight, while under-thigh support felt decent. The sloping roofline did have me worried about the headroom, which, after sitting, I realized was just sufficient. The seat offers recline, which improves comfort a little bit for a taller guy like me.

Driving impressions

The 2024 Ford Escape PHEV employs a 210-hp 2.5-liter gas engine-based plug-in hybrid system, and it has a 10.7 kWh battery pack that gives it an electric range of 37 miles (EPA rating pending). It’s a FWD-only model, with the engine transmitting the power via an eCVT.

Given that there are no mechanical changes from the old model, the latter’s driving impressions can be applicable to it. The old model didn’t impress reviewers much, feeling slow, showing body roll, lacking grip, and missing a proper combined functioning of regenerative and frictional braking. The refinement level wasn’t all that great, with a lot of tire noise creeping into the cabin.

Price

The 2024 Ford Escape PHEV has been priced at USD 40,500 (excl. USD 1,495 destination charges).

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Ford Escape PHEV feels outdated compared to rivals, falling short on performance, driving manners, styling, and technology among others. And it doesn’t compensate for these shortcomings with a significantly lower price or higher value for money. In my view, the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid are good alternatives. For those in need of additional seating, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, with its extra row of seats, would be a good buy.

2024 Ford Escape PHEV FAQs