The 2024 Ford Escape is the cheapest new Ford SUV, offering value and affordable driving to those looking for a trustworthy SUV. The Escape name has been a stalwart in the Ford lineup for several years, but as the saying goes, “in every life, a little rain must fall,” signaling the significant weaknesses that could turn away some shoppers from this Ford SUV.

2024 Ford Escape: price, powertrain, notable features

The latest version of the Escape includes an affordable starting price of $29,345 for the Active trim level. This model has some features and qualities you want in a compact crossover SUV, including:

• Second-row sliding seats
• Ford Co-Pilot 360 safety package
• FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
• Selectable drive modes
• 17-inch Shadow Silver-painted aluminum wheels
• SiriusXM with 360L
• Intelligent Access with push-button starting
• Power liftgate
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Ford gives the Escape four powertrains to choose from, two turbocharged and two hybrid offerings. If you’re sticking with the cheapest version of this Ford SUV, the base powertrain you’ll use is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.

What are the significant weaknesses of Ford’s cheapest SUV?

Although the Ford Escape has been a common name in the compact crossover market for years, it’s not without significant flaws. Some of the biggest challenges to driving this Ford SUV are:

• Low-powered base engine
• Abrupt transmission shifts
• Numb handling
• Cheap cabin materials
• Low max cargo figures

Driving experience

The overall driving experience encompasses the first three weaknesses. This experience has been described as disappointing and ponderous from a handling perspective. The standard tires lack grip, and the steering is light numb when using the normal mode. Switching to Sport mode changes things for the better.

Cabin quality

The 2024 Ford Escape has a spacious and comfortable cabin with second-row sliding seats that increase legroom as needed. Still the quality and materials are bland and unattractive. This is the cheapest Ford SUV in the market, and it seems you’ll get what you pay for in the interior.

Cargo space

The two-row configuration with a sliding rear seat gives the Escape a versatile cabin. Still, the overall cargo space (with the rear seats folded) only measures 65.4 cu-ft. This is about average in the class and a bit disappointing when the area behind the rear seats measures up to 37.5 cu-ft.

Does the 2024 Ford Escape have any redeeming qualities?

It’s not all bad with the new Ford Escape. This might be the cheapest Ford SUV, but it brings some impressive qualities and features that could be ideal for some drivers. Some of these strengths include:

• Affordable price
• Optional engines with impressive power
• Comfortable ride
• User-friendly controls and technology
• Available hybrid and PHEV versions
• Impressive fuel economy figures
• Attractive Styling

Comfort qualities

The Escape features excellent front seats with thigh support for adults and cushioning making it easy to take this Ford SUV on a road trip. The sliding rear seat gives rear passengers more legroom than most compact crossovers. The ride is smooth and composed, and the cabin is quiet, dispelling road noise during highway driving.

Efficient hybrid powertrains

The most efficient Escape are the hybrid and PHEV versions. The hybrid model delivers 192 horsepower and up to 39 mpg combined, while the PHEV increases power to 210 ponies while adding 37 miles of all-electric driving range. The conventional hybrid provides an excellent balance of performance and efficiency in the 2024 Ford Escape.

Despite its significant weaknesses, Ford’s cheapest SUV offers a lot for drivers to consider with a respectable list of strengths.