The 2024 Ford Escape Is A Promising Plug-In Hybrid SUV That Lacks All-Weather Grip

The #FordEscape has always been a solid choice in the compact SUV segment and about 4 years ago, #Ford gave the latest #Escape a full redesign, which included the return of the #EscapeHybrid and a first-ever #EscapePHEV. For 2024, the Escape family gets an extensive refresh, which includes new styling, new tech, and a trim line reshuffle. Unfortunately, the #FordEscapePHEV still has some of the compromises we first saw in 2020.
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[@minghanxu7199]

47k is too much for this. It offered superior value when it first came out. I got mine in early 2022 base PHEV trim adding adaptive cruise and e-tailgate, it’s super basic, 35k MSPR and qualified for 6.8k federal tax credit; Outdoor after sales tax and tax credit is just $30k. Yes it’s cheaper to buy the PHEV than the regular Escape Hybrid back then. Now 25,000 miles, super smooth to drive in-town as commuter car; EV Range: 25 miles in mild winter, 30 miles warm condition highway cruise, 37 miles stop-and-go; Recently completed 4-day 1,500 miles road trip mix highway, local, mountain driving, avg 41.3 mpg. With depleted battery, you could easily get 40+ mpg in-town and 35-40 mpg highway depends on the cruising speed. Operating cost 10 cents per mile for California gas price. This really drives as a lifted Focus, the chassis plus regen make it really really fast for curvy mountain road

[@mdm5784]

No one pays $44k for this car in the real world. I bought mine in Toronto for $44 Canadian which is $33 USD after a lot of discounts.

[@dannyo.7119]

47k?? Man what world are we living in? This shouldn't be more than 40k at best

[@gregkramer5588]

Ford does discount these a bit and they are eligible for the Tax Credit. This is the highest trim level. The Sportage X-line Prestige PHEV is $46k and I believe it is a bit nicer. The Rav4 Prime XSE is over $53k. It does not seem like the Escape is priced outside the norm. The loaded CRV which is not a plug in is nearly $42k. Expecting this PHEV to be $40k seems unrealistic.

[@dannyo.7119]

@@gregkramer5588 I understand your perspective. You’re looking at today’s market. I’m speaking about the overall pricing that has increased significantly over the past 2 years with new cars. 47k now is okay when compared to other cars in the same segment but in reality all of them are very overpriced at this time. The car market itself still hasn’t made a big adjustment regarding the pricing of cars and this continues to prove it.

[@insainllama]

@@dannyo.7119definitely holding out as long as possible in hopes that the industry will realize that people can’t afford these absurd prices. Hopefully my 01 escape will keep chugging along until then.

[@stepbystepmovingfoward2549]

Also front whell drive, wtf

[@dannyo.7119]

@@stepbystepmovingfoward2549 exactly people don’t get it lol 47k for a economy level small SUV is crazy and that can’t be argued.

[@TheMorningCarnivore]

47K. Ouch! That’s Tesla model Y money.

[@zmarko]

More than, with the 2024 tax rebate.

[@mva6044]

@@zmarko Yup. And no AWD. This PHEV would have been nice circa 2018. In 2024, it is a DOA in terms of competitiveness and likely same in terms of sales, unless Ford discounts it like there is no tomorrrow.

[@XX-166]

But better build and fit and finish then a Tesla

[@DiroPhoenixFan]

and this still FWD 😒😒😒😒😒my wife CRV hybrid is faster cooler, AWD! and cheaper !😒😒😒😒😒😒😒

[@XX-166]

@@DiroPhoenixFan so says you

[@frankdeboer1347]

The great thing about the Escape is its car like styling. It doesn't try to look like a rugged suv which neither it nor its competitors are. I drive a Fusion plug in and this might be its replacement in a few years. Hoping Ford adds more range in the future.

[@frankdeboer1347]

No one needs AWD; it's just nice to have.

[@KirkKreifels]

Long live the escape. Its time is numbered 😢 Driving the Dodge Hornet PHEV this week and it's more fun and prettier than the escape PHEV. Happy new year Sofyan!

[@Natethegreat200c]

Amen!

[@VaunShiz]

No one is buying Hornets

[@MacNerfer]

"Prettier" is in the eye of the beholder I guess.

[@eddiec4536]

Excellent video. You speak really clearly and to the point on every feature and detail. Thank you.

[@MacNerfer]

And quickly too. I've made some videos, and it's hard to do this more than a minute or two without a script and a bunch of takes.

[@MTB_Rider_96]

Great MPG and range! This is what lots of people need for their daily driving needs. Not my "cup-of-tea", but great for non-car enthusiast.

[@GeorgeGeo]

Was looking at the ST Line Elite Hybrid on the Ford website and I see practically nothing on that time yet on KZbin.. looks like a winner to me.

[@grantbrown8312]

These were once so popular. Especially the 1st and 2nd generation.

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Amazing job Sofyan.

[@NATUREMAN360]

I ordered the 2.0 8 speed st line select and can’t wait

[@ChazR25]

Too much and no AWD? They're nuts. No AWD on a SUV is an immediate pass for me, for any brand, and I'm assuming I'm part of the overwhelming majority here.

[@MacNerfer]

AWD is unnecessary for 99.5% of the time. And I live in snow country.

[@jake1110]

Many dealerships have these discounted. With EV tax credit and dealer discounts, I found one fully loaded at only $37.5k. For me, this is a great deal...definitely worth it though I haven't bought one yet. Currently driving a 2010 Fusion Hybrid with a hybrid battery that hasn't died yet. This at least makes me confident that the electrical system will hold up.

[@raphe3815]

That horn made me laugh! They put a beefier horn on my 2016 focus

[@stevenwells5069]

I’ll keep shopping.

[@danhall3450]

Seeking more room, I almost traded my 2019 Kia Niro PHEV for a 2022 Escape PHEV but Ford couldn't seem to get the out the door & the Escape forum suggest the Escape Hybrid / PHEV has more than its fair share of problems. Actually I liked 20-22 model styling better the 23 as it was more wagon like & less SUV like, just less unnecessary bulk. I ended up with a 23 Niro HEV, for way less $. I think I would have been happy with a 22 Escape, but know that I'm happy with the Niro & the money saved.

[@MacNerfer]

Was it worth it, going from a 2019 Niro to a 2023? Size would be pretty close I would think.

[@dmitryschelkonogov9258]

Ford - “Let’s put a price badge 47k and then will reduce it to 37k with 10k discount”

[@gregkramer5588]

I do not see that in the DFW area, Where do you live?

[@MavimMusic]

10:18 hahaha spit out my coffee 😂 "Oh my goodness the horn sounds so puny and pathetic"

[@tomdrummy4984]

They need to make the dash area look like they put some effort into it. Looks like $32k……..the HUD is ridiculous……that’s the newly invented style……not 2024 year

[@VaunShiz]

Interior looks straight up 2010

[@veronicalau1734]

I miss my 2009 ford escape. They should bring that body back.

[@JesusRamirez-yi6xy]

I work at a Ford dealership, every current gen Escape that come in for service has the window switches fading away and or broken… 😢

[@kenspurr9605]

I found the needed constant small steering adjustments annoying. My Ford C max also needs constant small steering adjustments.

[@Trades46]

It would have been a credible rival to the very high demand Rav4 Prime had Ford actually carried over the PHEV AWD design over from the Corsair Grand Touring which the Escape shares platform with. By denying it the AWD capability with the PHEV it is a missed opportunity for Ford.

[@bigmacntings7451]

horses for courses there. Some places globally the AWD would have been useful,but kuga has done really,really well in europe because it has the right sort of mix of power/size/functionality for that market. US i suppose is different in that respect,because that side of the pond has always liked big beefy cars and engines. AWD should be an option there for sure, but it should in places like norway and sweden too,where folks are in remote places with unkempt roads/tracks. It's a good urban/suburban crossover, not really designed for any rough and ready country terrain.

[@bigmacntings7451]

you have to take this into account when looking at the car in the first place though...do you really want to be stuck half way up a mountain with no charge???...i'd stick with AWD diesel if you're any way apprehensive. 20-30 mile commute per day with the occasional road trip a day each way is what this car is designed for

[@speedkar99]

Build quality is the main issue I had when reviewing the mechanicals of the Escape. Can't believe some of the corners cut underneath.

[@trenton737]

The 2.0EB is the one to get.

[@TimMorgan5150]

I want to like this vehicle. In the end, too slow and too expensive. Rav 4 Prime shows me what a PHEV could be. Would love that Toyota system in the Camry--mpg muscle.

[@gregkramer5588]

That will cost an extra $6k.

[@robbbarnett4978]

Test drove both this and rav4 and rav4 was completely better all the way around in drive and experience. Looks a lot better too. Oh! It also has twice the resale value.

[@Natethegreat200c]

I’ve never heard that the rav drives better than any of the American SUV’s (Cherokee equinox escape). I’m always reading consumer reviews with complains about highway road noise , engine noise , suspension refinement, transmission refinement and infotainment issues. However, If you’re a sheep/follower type of person, The only thing the rav has going for it is the fact that consumer reports and everyone on the internet says to buy it 😂

[@naveenthemachine]

The rav4 is really noisy and cheaply built. And its rear seats are the smallest The old 18 RAV4 is far superior to the current one

[@trenton737]

Lol Escape definitely drives better than the RAV4, especially the 2.0EB.

[@SF.Automotive]

I consider myself a Toyota fanboy, and I work for Enterprise where I regularly drive Escapes and RAV4s. The Escapes are quieter, offer a better ride, have nicer interiors, and are faster with the 2.0. Just because it's a Toyota doesn't mean that it automatically drives better

[@Eeaotc02]

​@@naveenthemachinethat generation RAV4 is the worst I've ever sat in. Not to mention it looks horrendous.

[@adamyoung8606]

Would rather get a RAV4 Prime than this. Even a CPO used one would be better but than this.

[@centauri0]

It's really a great PHEV. The plus for me is the head room. Not sure why but the Toyota's are cramped for tall people.

[@jonathanilarraza9438]

With 47k I could get a Mazda CX90. That’s insane!

[@jonathanilarraza9438]

It’s still a better deal than the ford escape

[@MacNerfer]

The Mazda has 12 miles less EV range and hybrid-only mpg is 14 less. But you do you.

[@VaunShiz]

Not surprised I never see these on the road

[@TinLeadHammer]

"Techically an ECVT because of the hybrid plugin version" - It is an ECVT because it is essentially a licensed Toyota Synergy Drive, no relation to it being a plugin or not.

[@trenton737]

Toyota and Ford both cross licensed their patents because their hybrid systems were designed around the same time.

[@iamhassan9943]

It is not a Toyota license. Toyota and Ford developed their hybrid systems at the same time. Due to them being very similar in design they cross licensed their designs to avoid litigation.

[@tails300]

@@iamhassan9943so you’re saying Ford had a hybrid patent back in the mid to late 90s around the same time the first Gen Prius was revealed.

[@MacNerfer]

@@iamhassan9943 Didn't they work together 20 years ago? If you really want to go back in time, the U.S. government had a collaboration to develop hybrid systems in the 90's, but Toyota was left out of that, so they developed what became the Prius. Meanwhile, the U.S. car companies did nothing with the tech for another decade.

[@naveenthemachine]

47k I can get a model Y or a Corsair or base gv70 or even a tonale / hornet

[@Natethegreat200c]

This is in the same class as the hornet. Rav is this much crv ETC. you’re right though , I rather have the dodge or Alfa.

[@zmarko]

This is a $32-35k car. At $40k, I'm shopping Tesla Model Y.

[@XX-166]

With poor fit and finish, you go right ahead

[@Lucky8s]

With battery failures costing more than half the price of the vehicle when new and software that prevents you from driving before you update. Good luck with that choice.

[@huythai1222]

@@Lucky8swhat ca crack load of bullshit you just spilled, but ok.

[@MacNerfer]

$32K-$35K in what decade? Go ahead and shop, PHEVs are expensive, SUVs are expensive, put them together ....

[@CarpetLayer]

The Escape is almost the exact same size as the Mazda CX-5.

[@onterrioredmon5711]

Get a rav4 prime from the same but more hp and awd

[@kennethtisdale260]

Old flip up HUD what the older Mazdas had should be in the windshield

[@JeepingNet]

I stopped being interested the second I found out there is no AWD.. I was considering this for my wife's next car, but in Canada with no AWD.. what are they thinking.

[@bernardduguay]

That' s a myth! I drive front wheel drive for over 20 years in eastern Canada, with no problem!

[@thomasyenner2499]

Let me begin by saying I am a Ford guy. However, consumer reports just released its annual owners survey of purchased vehicles. While hybrid vehicles were found to be the most reliable, the same was not found to be true of plug-in hybrids which were found to be the least reliable overall. Now combine that with the fact that Ford has had between 23 and 25 recalls in the past couple of years, NO way would I buy this car. While people probably do cross shop the escape in the RAV4, anyone who knows anything about Toyota reliability, would choose it in a heartbeat over the Ford escape. By the way, isn’t it true that the escape is being discontinued after 2025?

[@MacNerfer]

Reliability is way up on all models compared to 20+ years ago. A poorly rated car today would blow them out of the water. Most makers have had several recalls. I don't know if Ford's are more serious or affect more cars compared to others, that would be interesting to see, but takes more work to compare. Ford's been cutting a lot of vehicles out of their lineup, hopefully not the Escape too.

[@bigmacntings7451]

The toyota engine is basically a pimped up prius/corolla vvt engine with a bigger bore. these have a very long track record in the field and are considered basically bomb-proof. lots of examples doing 250k+ miles(as taxi's and couriers etc), while the ford ecoboom's are catastrophic at 60k.

[@o0260o]

I have the bronco sport. I hope the refresh doesn't get oversized screen. That's a deal breaker. So unsafe.

[@joshualewis2367]

It will the 2025 bronco sport was spotted testing and the interior was spyed and it showed it had the bigger screen sync 4

[@Molishious]

This is for people who want a little more efficiency more than anything else. I think Ford should have given this a bigger battery for more range and also AWD. They should have made it a better PHEV because when you have one you want to drive in EV mode. Toyota figured this out with the Prime.

[@Tbcycoji]

I guess the only profitable vehicles from ford are the 150 and mustang. But with the increasing prices nowadays , that may change.

[@alanprosser7391]

Most of the u tubers are focused on power and performance. That is the least concern of most of us senior people that just want a reliable nice ride. Ford discounted my 24 $11000 after friends and family. $10 grand cheaper than rav 4.

[@metathinkking]

$47k 😂

[@Natethegreat200c]

Just like every thing else. Hornet, Cherokee , rav, CRV, you name it, it’s 50k. Blazer as well. Get with the times

[@Eeaotc02]

​@@Natethegreat200cthose are top trims. Not everyone will go after the top trims.

[@MacNerfer]

@@Eeaotc02 Also top trim for the Escape. It starts at $42K

[@dygardion9130]

Better mpg but I’d take the rav4 prime with nearly 100 more hp and slightly better range and Imo better styled and well it’s a Toyota Is this thing missing the turn signal in the side mirror????

[@Natethegreat200c]

“It’s a Toyota “ = boring, dated, ugly, tin can.

[@dygardion9130]

@@Natethegreat200c shut up Karen

[@TonyStark-wr7ob]

​@@Natethegreat200c this escape is outdated, slow, pathetic AF, expensive AF for what you get, no class, and just a pos. 🤮

[@matthewrodgers1885]

The Bronco Sport should've been the new Escape.

[@user-nz5up4fl5l]

I like the exterior styling, and I love the power output, but the two things that would let me walk away from this is the price and the interior styling, it's very dull inside I like a bright and colorful interior, so sorry it's a no for me

[@jenesuispasbavard]

We test drove one in 2022; it's just way too slow in electric-only mode.

[@joelbolton7252]

Too cheap and forgettable for that money. Lots of newly pre-owned offerings from more premium brands available. The depreciation will be insane as well.

[@ImApringle]

This looks identical to the Subaru crosstek. Somebody copied somebody

[@RT-mm8rq]

Still going to bet the RAV is better built and will be more reliable overall.

[@MacNerfer]

I just can't wrap my head around the idea that people actually like the big, boxy look (6:20). To me, that's an unfortunate downside of getting a car with maximum interior space. Who can actually think big and boxy is attractive???

[@directorjustin]

It's crazy to me that this is more expensive than a Tesla Model Y. What a gigantic difference in what you get for the money. PHEVs in general compromise so much for such little benefit.

[@xxxpensive1415]

Torquey engine it has

[@devin1229]

“Premium.” But doesn’t have power folding mirrors or ventilated seats 😂

[@insainllama]

Over priced like every car in this segment, but overall seems like a good vehicle.

[@howardgore9807]

Yeah 47K for front wheel drive. Can't keep throwing options & bumping up the price for a Ford. Many othe manufacturers out there. & I hate CVT's.

[@directorjustin]

It uses an eCVT, not a CVT. It's a completely different type of transmission.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Ford, bring the Focus back.

[@devn3813]

Hybrid but lift the suspension way up. Every single person needs a lifted vehicle now? Just get a car.

[@paulmoore6175]

PHEV LINCOLN CORSAIR....AWD definitely less legroom

[@Christopher_B_Mc_Collins]

Video is too long. Even on 1.5.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

One day, I buy new 2024 Ford Escape PHEV.

[@shanewilfon6860]

Stay away from escape it is a pos transmission breaks very early

[@TinLeadHammer]

​@@shanewilfon6860Kinda the same transmission as on a Toyota Hybrid.

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@shanewilfon6860says who?

[@mal4951]

@@Natethegreat200c The transaxle that Ford uses was co-developed with Toyota, and it is an older design from things like the previous generation Prius. This is how it was in the now discontinued Fusion Hybrid, though Ford may have changed up a few things I don't know about for the current Escape.

[@gke251]

$47k, no thanks. You can buy a LOT of gas with the price delta between this and a conventional model.

[@bobbyfisher2167]

Ford laying another egg 🙄😂😂

[@eroildo.3374]

Los. Híbridos son mas. Caros 😮

[@BNM0826]

Thanks for the info. Ford as always, lacking in design and quality. And what is it with these manufacturers over badging and putting huge badges on cars?? That supersize ford logo totally ruined the nice front. The car has a few niceties, but not enough considering the price.

[@rforracing]

2024 and their Sync infotainemnt speed feels like from 2004 LOL.

[@Legendary____]

Do some VWs

[@DiroPhoenixFan]

Ford.....what is your point to build the cheap.... PHEV and with this expensive price, and FWD, what is wrong with this big brand with AWD 😒😒😒😒 they don't have budget or tech to build it or what?😒😒😒😒😒😒why not CRV or RAV4 .......

[@jamessankey01]

I LOVE your content, but I stopped watching at FWD. $50K FWD. Nope. It looks very good though. Over to tesla

[@nbooky]

FWD… so this is like a Kia Niro, MSRP $35K…

[@gregkramer5588]

That is for the mid trim, the top trim is a bit over $41k. I do like the Niro and would get it first myself.

[@RainbowTy]

Model Y over this 100%. Ford needs to invest more money and research in their EV game. Obviously Tesla is doing something right.

[@VaunShiz]

To late the EV market is already falling

[@RainbowTy]

@@VaunShiz Yet Tesla had another record year of sales. Other companies sales might be falling because they are producing a product that no one wants.

[@MacNerfer]

@@VaunShiz False. That's what the media wants you to believe. The EV market was growing over 50% every year since 2016, but in 2023 it only grew about 30% so people say the market crashed. It's still growing!

[@F35Nerd]

The line on the grilled looks cheap

[@jeepluv76]

Crap box with the reliability of a wet paper bag.

[@Natethegreat200c]

Not true.

[@BertrandRacicot]

Ugly, no awd, out of date. Many will love better the model Y. The X1 is better. The iX1 and the X1 phev sold in Europe are far better!

[@Natethegreat200c]

Out of date where ??

[@Michael-ur5qb]

This car single handily defines Ford’s failures. Mediocre directionless looks, overpriced, cost cutting interior that can’t compete with Honda or Toyota. They allegedly replaced sedans with this, Bronco Sport and Maverick and all we got were cheap interiors, overpriced replacements that can’t compete.

[@chillstep4life]

That interior looks so boring 🙄🙄

[@darrelpeters]

That is one ugly looking car. Ford totally messed up the escape brand. It used to be a really nice looking vehicle.🤷🏽‍♂️ that jellybean shape is played out from like six years ago.

[@luimaimport5864]

why does ford insist with crap hybrids??? Nobody likes them

[@luimaimport5864]

this is absolute trash. Leave me with my 2.5T 200hp 2011 Ford Kuga.