2024 Ford Escape: A Trim Comparison

The 2024 Ford Escape is a fantastic choice for small families or even weekend warriors who would rather spend their weekends by a lake with no cell reception. New for 2023, the Ford Escape offers a refreshed front and trim lineup.

2024 Ford Escape Trim Options

Regardless of why you’re considering the Ford Escape, you’ll be happy to know that it has a five-star crash test rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With five main trim levels to choose from, this breakdown will help you figure out which one is right for your needs and price point.

Active

First up is the 2024 Ford Escape Active, which starts at $28,845. This compact SUV is perfect for most buyers, and one reason is the gas mileage. Drivers can get up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the 181-horsepower, 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Those are solid ratings for the compact crossover segment.

The exterior styling elements like chrome molding, tinted glass and 17-inch wheels. The inside also offers some upgrades, including features like 8-way power driver seating, cloth upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate controls.

On the inside, the Escape Active comes with an 8-inch display infotainment system and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Six-speaker audio, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard as well. Furthermore, families will be happy to know that it has Ford’s MyKey. This driver monitor system helps parents keep their teen drivers safe. Also included are advanced safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.

Other standard features include Ford’s Intelligent Access, which can unlock the door by touching the handles and start the vehicle with the push of a button, and a power liftgate.

Optional packages include a Tech package that adds additional safety features. Further, it gives you a digital rearview mirror, and a 13.2-inch display with navigation,  just to name a few. The second Tech package adds features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, HD Radio, wireless device charging, and a 10-speaker audio system, among other things. On top of those options, there are individual add-ons like a panoramic sunroof and a Cold Weather Package.

ST-Line

Next, we have the 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line, which offers a bridge between the Escape Active and top-tier Platinum trim. It starts at $30,340 and uses the same 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine as the previous trim levels. However, you can get it with an available 2.5-liter hybrid engine that delivers a fuel economy of 44 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway.

The biggest upgrade differences can be found on the exterior. The vehicle features a sportier look thanks to a singe-wing spoiler, colored front and rear fascias and 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, you’ll get a dark headliner, sport seats with red stitching and an aluminum footrest.

Optional packages are mostly the same with this trim.

ST-Line Select

The Ford Escape ST-Line Select, starting at $34,040, is a step above, boasting a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine. The additions with this model are LED foglights, heated side mirrors, sport suspension, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.

As with the previous trim, the Select offers the same optional packages plus a Class II Trailer Tow Package that allows you to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Platinum

The Platinum, which starts at $37,465, comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels. It has all of the Tech package features except for the premium audio system and HD radio. However, you will get more safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, low-speed reverse automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors and traffic-sign recognition all come standard.

A Premium Technology package will give you genuine leather upholstery, a heads-up display,  hands-free parking assist, HD radio and the premium 10-speaker audio system mentioned earlier.

ST-Line Elite

Finally, this top-of-the-line version of the ST-Line gives you most of the content from the Platinum trim, starting at $38,460. Most of the differences with this model, however, lie in its cosmetic enhancements. If you are looking for a more luxurious ride, this is your best bet.

Optional packages include the Premium Technology package, Class II Trailer Tow package, and a panoramic sunroof.

Hybrid options

The Plug-in Hybrid trim, starting at $40,500, boasts a ton of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seating, and a heated steering wheel. However, the real star of the show is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor. It has an electric range of about 37 miles.

Starting with the ST-Line, you can get most other trims with the regular hybrid powertrain. The hybrids get the equivalent of about 42 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.