The Ford Escape has only been around since 2001 and has become one the automaker’s most reliable and popular SUVs. Despite this, Ford is calling it a day on the Escape—it’s ending its run in 2023 for an as yet unnamed EV model. But while it’s still available, let’s see how it stacks up against another popular SUV, the 2024 Mazda CX-5.
Key Takeaways:
- This is nearly the end of the Ford Escape—it will be discontinued in 2025 to make way for an EV model.
- Ford has dropped the Escape’s base model from the dropping the base model from the previous year. It now starts with the Active trim.
- The Escape and the Mazda CX-5 are comparatively priced.
What’s New for the 2024 Ford Escape?
As the Ford Escape nears the end of its run, there are no big changes in 2024. However, some colors were retired and added this year.
- Race Red and Oxford White Active were added as Rapid Red Metallic and Star White Metallic Tri-coat were discontinued in the Active trim.
- Atlas Blue Metallic and Cinnabar Red Metallic Premium were discontinued across all levels.
The 2024 Escape’s consumer line starts with the Active trim. The former base model has been discontinued.
Mazda has had few changes as well, but it added a new trim to the CX-5 lineup in the Carbon Turbo. Other than that, it remains the same.
Trim Packages and Prices
The 2024 Ford Escape’s inexpensive trim levels are:
- Active: $29,495
- ST-Line: $30,490
- ST-Line Select: $34,040
- Platinum: $37,465
- ST-Line Elite: $38,460
- Plug-in Hybrid: $40,500
In comparison, there are eight CX-5 trims at equivalent price points:
- Select: $29,300
- Preferred: $30,650
- Carbon Edition: $31,950
- Premium: $33,900
- Premium Plus: $36,500
- Carbon Turbo: $37,000
- Turbo Premium: $37,800
- Turbo Signature: $40,600
What Engines Are Available For the 2024 Ford Escape?
The Escape is all about options when it comes to power and performance. There are three to choose from, with the third being a hybrid. The CX-5 has two options but a hybrid engine is not one of them.
For the Escape, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine is standard in the lower trims (the Active and ST-Line) and generates 180 horsepower 199 lb-feet of torque when paired with eight-speed automatic transmission (AWD is optional.) The ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 250 ponies and 280 lb-ft of torque; it, too, is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (once again, AWD is optional.)
The Escape’s Plug-in Hybrid option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a respectable 210 horsepower and 155 lb.-ft of torque. But let’s talk mileage turkey—this economical PHEV averages a whopping 40 mpg overall!
The Mazda CX-5 makes use of a 2.5-liter I-4 delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with Turbo trims running on a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 boasting slightly more power—256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
What Technology Is Seen From the 2024 Ford Escape?
Both SUVs offer fairly equivalent infotainment systems that will keep you connected while on the road. The Escape’s lower trims feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to 13.2-inches. (The bigger screen is standard to higher trims.) All trims feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford's Sync 4 system, and voice commands. Options include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, a Bang and Olufsen stereo system with 10 speakers, and a pop-up head-up display.
The CX-5’s standard touchscreen infotainment system is slightly bigger, at 10.3-inches and features many equivalent systems to the Escape. For example, it has a 10-speaker Bose stereo, integrated navigation, and a head-up display in higher-level trims.
Is the 2024 Ford Escape a Good Vehicle?
While the CX-5 is a reputable and safe SUV, the Escape’s options are greater, particularly its hybrid with fuel efficiency that cannot be matched! As we said earlier, the Escape will be discontinued after 2025, so now is your chance to take a test drive. Contact Banner Ford today!