Which is better, the 2023 Ford Escape or the 2024 Ford Escape? Are there any major differences between these small crossover SUVs? Our comparison guide gives you a tour of both Escapes and their model year updates!
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Escape introduced quite a few upgrades. Although the 2024 Escape drops the Base trim model, it mostly carries over unchanged.
- Availability varies according to trim model, but both crossovers offer your choice of four powertrains.
- Inside, these five-passenger crossovers offer equal comfort and available luxury features.
- Both Escapes feature Ford’s latest infotainment system, high-tech safety aids, and a digital gauge cluster.
Updates & New Features
The 2023 Escape was completely redesigned from the inside out! These small crossovers introduced new exterior design, including a wider grille and new wheel options. They also rolled out an all-new list of trim models, including a plug-in-hybrid trim model, the Escape PHEV.
Inside, upgrades include Ford’s latest infotainment system, SYNC 4, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This system is available with a 13.2-inch central touchscreen. The redesigned Escapes also include an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, with a bigger, 12.3-inch available as an upgrade.
Although the 2024 Escape wasn’t redesigned, it includes all of the 2023 updates. It only makes one big change, dropping the Base trim model. Its entry-level trim model is the Active.
Power & Performance
Both Escape model years are available with the same engine options. However, the engine that’s under your Escape’s hood will depend on which trim model you choose:
- Base, Active, and ST-Line: Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 199 lb-ft of torque)
- ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum: Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- Optional for ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum: 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder (192 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- PHEV: 2.5L plug-in hybrid four-cylinder (210 hp, 155 lb-ft)
And every Escape does a great job of combining a sharp, powerful performance with fuel savings. For both 2023 and 2024, the Escape PHEV is the most efficient trim model, delivering 40 mp combined in hybrid mode. These Escapes can even travel 37 miles using electricity alone!
Interior Comfort & Passenger Space
You can choose from seven 2023 Escape trim models: Base, Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. The 2024 Escape drops the Base model, but offers the other six trim models.
Both Escape model years and all of their trim models deliver roomy, comfortable seating for five passengers. Cloth upholstery and a height-adjustable driver’s seat are standard, but more luxurious features are available on higher trim models. The Active adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The PHEV is extra-cozy, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and unique cloth and partial vinyl upholstery.
Higher on the list of trim models, the ST-Line Elite is especially stylish. It includes driver’s seat memory settings and ambient interior lighting, among a long list of tech upgrades (see below). The top-of-the-line Platinum adds faux-leather upholstery to the aforementioned features!
Modern Technology
Ever since its redesign for the 2023 model year, the Escape comes standard with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And every Escape also comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids, helping you stay safe with blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision mitigation systems.
As you move up the Escape’s list of trim models, you can enjoy more tech features. The Escape Active adds two rear-seat USB ports and satellite radio. The PHEV is extra tech-savvy, with a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, built-in navigation, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The ST-Line Elite and Platinum are similarly equipped.
Your New Escape
As long as you’re not shopping for the Base trim model, which was only available for the 2023 Escape, you can dive into either model year and enjoy the same cutting-edge technology and roomy, modern comfort! Shoppers who want to build and order their own Escape will be shopping for the newer 2024 model, of course. But when you find both the 2023 and 2024 crossovers at your local dealership, you can consider them pretty much equal.