Forever Ford Escape: The Compact SUV Gains Icon Status

It’s hard to believe the Ford Escape is just over 20 years old. It feels like there isn’t a time when we haven’t had the Escape on hand as one of the most trusted, best-selling vehicles in its class. As a Ford dealer near Colorado Springs, we agree with other experts and Ford enthusiasts around the country who believe that the Ford Escape has reached Official Icon Status.

What does it take to reach Official Icon Status? In our opinion, it’s more than just sales figures. Iconic vehicles need to have a full range of trims and options that give drivers exactly what they both need and want. They have to provide good value and stand up to the test of time. Since its 2001 debut, the Ford Escape has proven itself time and time again.

While some experts believe the Escape may be discontinued or highly reconfigured after the 2025 model year, it will depart with Official Icon Status fully awarded. Let’s take a look at the 2024 model to see why the Ford Escape deserves a place in history books, according to those of us who know it inside and out.

Everyone Needs an Escape

The 2024 Ford Escape is offered in six different versions, including a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) option. The trim lineup begins with the Active. Though it is the entry-level Escape, it provides drivers with everything they might need to navigate Colorado Springs. This includes a well-designed cabin with second-row sliding and folding seats, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and a power liftgate. A standard eight-inch touchscreen allows drivers to access the SYNC 4 infotainment system, and a 13.2-inch touchscreen is available. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a wi-fi hotspot help drivers stay on top of all of their various commitments, even if they’re literally on top of a mountain.

The ST-Line adds sporty touches, like an aluminum SVT foot pedal, ST-Line badging, contoured bucket seats, and a track-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel. Moving up to the ST-Line Select trim, you’ll experience a big leap in creature comforts. Nice touches like front rain-sensing windshield wipers and a wireless device charging pad take the interior from “useful” to “delightful.”

Those looking to maximize luxury can select the 2024 Ford Escape Platinum trim, which adds the latest in luxury with a 12.3-inch digital productivity screen in the gauge cluster area, along with ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, and an optional Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system. The ST-Line Elite combines the luxury features found in the Platinum trim with the sporty design of the other ST-Line trims.

The Escape Plug-In Hybrid model––not to be confused with the optional hybrid engine that’s offered on several of these trims––includes an impressive blend of old-fashioned practicality and modern technology. Not only do features like the larger infotainment screen and the heated steering wheel make their way to the Escape PHEV, but the optional PHEV Premium Package offers upgrades like quilted leather seating, a B&O audio system, and additional exterior cameras, including a 360-degree view.

Enough Space and Comfort for Any Adventure

For many drivers in the Colorado Springs area, driving needs may change from day to day. One day might be a family outing, and the next day, you might need to drop the rear seats to bring home some new furniture. You might also want to throw your bike or kayak on the Escape’s available roof rails or take advantage of the 3,500 lbs of towing to get all of your necessary gear and companions to your destination. Maximizing interior space is the first step to a successful adventure.

The interior of the 2024 Escape is generous to passengers, as seen by the 42.4 inches of front legroom. The second row can also side back to provide up to 40.7 inches of space to stretch out. When the second row is fully stowed, you’ll have a spacious 65.4 cu.ft. of cargo area to work with, though the 60/40 split of the second-row seating means you can configure the cabin as needed. Those with a deep appreciation for the crisp mountain air may wish to select models with the available Panoramic Vista Roof, which has tilt and slide features that allow front and rear passengers to enjoy the view above.

Comfort also comes in the form of peace of mind. All 2024 Ford Escape models include Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance technology. The most basic form of this package provides collision mitigation tools like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, and a Blind-Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Climbing the trim levels unlocks even more safety technology, including Evasive Steering Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition.

The Performance You Crave

Across the 2024 Ford Escape model lineup, there are a total of four potential powertrains. The standard engine for the Active and ST-Line trims is a well-behaved 1.5L EcoBoost engine that provides an exceptional 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive models get an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG combined, while all-wheel drive models see a small drop to 28 MPG combined.

A 2.5L hybrid engine is an option starting on the ST-Line. With the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, drivers can enjoy an estimated 39 MPG combined fuel economy from the united power of a gasoline engine and an electric motor. They’ll also likely appreciate the combined 192 hp these systems provide.

The ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims enjoy a 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four engine that’s good for 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Offered with standard all-wheel drive, this engine is only slightly less economical with fuel at an estimated 26 MPG combined.

The 2024 Escape Plug-In Hybrid option also includes a 2.5L gasoline engine but pairs it with a larger battery and more powerful motors. Offered strictly as a front-wheel drive vehicle, these powerful elements join to offer not only a zesty 210 hp but an estimated electric range of 37 miles. If fuel savings are a priority for you, the Ford Escape PHEV makes a persuasive argument for joining the EV movement.

Iconic From Every Angle

There truly is no other vehicle like the Ford Escape. For many Colorado Springs drivers, it’s just the right size, just the right shape, and comfortably within their budget. With an impressive base model, it’s easy to see why the Ford Escape appeals to so many drivers.

But it’s also the many options that make the Escape such an icon. Nearly every driver is familiar with selecting the right trim by balancing out their wants, needs, and budget. Drivers of the 2024 Ford Escape have the opportunity to select not just what gizmos and gadgets they want inside the cabin but also what power source they want to use. Ford’s continued commitment to letting drivers have freedom of choice provides drivers with options that help them customize their Escape to their particular standards.

Whether your driving needs include daily carpools, weekly outdoor adventures, or seeing how far across the Rocky Mountains you can get before it’s time to come home, the 2024 Ford Escape is an ideal road trip companion, making it an icon among SUVs.