A Guide to the Trims of the 2024 Ford Escape

There are plenty of options to choose from when buying a Ford, and that’s certainly true with the 2024 Ford Escape, whose hefty lineup of trim options is presented in a fashionable and upgraded way. First and foremost, the Active trim from the 2023 model year is now the base trim for 2024. The new entry-level trim of this compact SUV goes above and beyond for those looking for a practical automobile without all of the fancy bits that can make more luxurious rides so costly. Allow us to be your guide through what you get with a 2024 Ford Escape…

The 2024 Ford Escape

The five-seater Escape has been known for reliability and affordable maintenance for a long time; it’s perfect for those who are not looking for vehicles that often succumb to expensive repairs. It is fitted with practical features to entertain, inform, connect, and keep drivers and passengers well-protected on the road. This model is stacked with diverse, powerful engine options, too…

Roaring Engine Options

In every practical automobile, the most important elements lie under the hood. The 2024 Escape is available with a variety of engine choices—the 1.5L EcoBoost Turbo I-3, 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo I-4, 2.5L I-4 HEV, or 2.5L I-4 14.4-kWh PHEV—and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission for the first two or a continuously variable transmission for the latter two. The best part is its fuel economy, as the base engine gets an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined in front-wheel drive, while the HEV and PHEV get 39 MPG combined and 40 MPGe combined, respectively.

The Trim Levels of the Newest Escape

In 2023, the Active trim had been the next step up from the base, but that changed for 2024, as the Active trim is now the entry-level one. From then on, the lineup should be familiar, with the trim levels ascending through the ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid. The SE and Titanium trims have been missing in action since 2022, though the newer options more than atone for the loss with advancements in all the right places.

The entry-level Active trim has the 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 engine, giving you 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. The standard option also gives you 2,000 lbs of towing capability, which is amazing considering the upgraded gas engine gets you 3,500 lbs of towing might and the two hybrid engines get you 1,500 lbs. There is also quite a decent cargo hold with 37.5 cu.ft., which is enough to pack school projects, groceries, luggage, sports gear, and more.

The ST-Line is able to keep drivers and passengers safe with safety features like the SOS Post Crash Alert System, Driver Knee Airbag, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Belt-Minder for all rows, and the Safety-Canopy System that is great for side impacts or rollover accidents. Sit higher with the ST-Line’s 18-inch Rock Metallic Aluminum Wheels, and there is enough leg and headroom to remain cozy on long drives. If you have no need for the rear row, then freely fold the sliding, 60/40-split, fold-down seats for even more space to hold your things, for up to 65.4 cu.ft. of rear cargo space.

Not too much higher up on the lineup, we find the intriguing ST-Line Select. Like the ST-Line, the ST-Line Select trim features 60/40-split folding seats with a slide to permit just over 40 inches of legroom for the ultimate roominess. However, the ST-Line Select also offers heated front seats, which comes in handy during those cold months. Pack in some extra safety and visual experience with the powerful LED Reflector Headlamps. The ST-Line Select is available in only AWD, unlike the Active and ST-Line trim levels, which are in FWD; this is because the ST-Line Select is focused on performance, getting the more powerful gas engine and a drivetrain tailored around the best handling and traction possible.

Like the ST-Line Select, another trim is the ST-Line Elite. We have the 2.0L EcoBoost engine that receives a max of 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The special features on this trim are the Auto Stop-Start technology, which keep your engine from idling, and the 360-degree camera viewing angles with a split screen option, so you always know what’s around you and your vehicle. Plus, you get a stunning 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen display that comes with SYNC 4; with this infotainment hub, it is easy to control your car, from what comes out of the speakers to your climate control.

The Platinum trim comes in a little under the ST-Line Elite, perhaps due to its familiar parts. It is an FWD machine with 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels. This trim is very similar to the ST-Line Elite in terms of exterior camera angles, its touchscreen display, and its impressive engine. Its setup affords you the max towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, which is well-off for a practical vehicle. There are more practical features to love, as well, like the Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance suite (although this comes on every trim) and Cold Weather Package for warming your interior. The Platinum also comes with the Class II Trailer Tow Package and the Premium Technology Package.

Finally, we have the Plug-In Hybrid trim. Of course, this means there are many features that come on the lesser trim levels that will appear on this hybrid. However, the main difference here is the 2.5L I-4 14.4-kWh PHEV engine and the CVT transmission; this hybrid engine is an improvement to the available HEV engine, converting your hybrid powertrain from one built around to regenerative braking to one that plugs into an electrical wall outlet to recharge.

With smooth handling, the Plug-In Hybrid trim makes a great choice for any type of driver. However, that isn’t all it has to offer. There is also a power liftgate to make packing the car that much easier, and connected navigation always lets you know where you’re headed and what awaits beyond what you can see. This trim also has an optional PHEV Premium Package that gives you more advanced features, like the convenient heads-up display.

Which Trim Has the Most Powerful Engine?

When it comes to power, great fuel efficiency, and expert smooth handling, the overall winner for the best engine goes to the ST-Line Select. This is not to say the other trims are not worth looking over, especially if you are looking for a practical ride. However, the ST-Line Select has the most powerful engine for this trim lineup. It has the max horsepower and torque this model achieves, with a great towing capacity and advanced technology features. The ST-Line Select is a big deal, and—like the others on this lineup—it makes a great investment.

Get the Most Out of Your 2024 Ford Escape

It shouldn’t come as a surprise when we tell you that the 2024 Ford Escape has made major alterations in the last few years, though only for the better. Most drivers will enjoy this SUV for its exceptional power, dependability, and great interior. Allow yourself to make great investments with a brand you trust; the 2024 Escape is a fantastic purchase for those on a budget and a long road ahead of them. The only hard part is deciding which trim to get!