With consumer interest in battery electric vehicles waning, the 2024 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric crossover utility vehicle (PHEV) is a perfectly positioned, smart alternative.

Ford’s bestselling compact crossover utility gets refreshed styling, a new Sync-4 infotainment system and a mammoth high-tech infotainment display.

Appearance

The Escape received a mid-cycle refresh in 2023. Styling is adventurous enough to look modern while sufficiently reserved to go incognito. The interior is inviting and looks up-market. The stitched pattern upholstery and available contrasting interior color palette is handsome. The huge feature-rich infotainment display adds to the PHEV’s high-tech feel.

Interior

Compact on the outside and spacious on the inside, Ford’s PHEV utility is a packaging wonder.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Escape’s interior roominess. Leg room, knee room, shoulder room and headroom dimensions are commendable. At 6-foot-3, I had plenty of room to stretch out. The back seat is adjustable and slides fore and aft. Back seat comfort is very good, but tighter than up front. With some compromise in front seat positioning, there’s plenty of room for four adults.

The Escape has a whopping 34.4 to 37.5 ft³ of cargo space (depending on the back seat position). While not a segment-best, it’s big enough to transport several medium-sized boxes.

The interior has some soft touch materials, but most of the interior plastics are hard to the touch. Look past the handsome infotainment display and the dashboard lacks detailing. Ford’s use of faux wood accents result in a cheap-looking appearance. Better materials should be used, considering the Escape’s price.

The optional panoramic vista sunroof adds elegance; It makes up for the interior’s shortcomings.

Comfort and Luxury

The Escape is whisper quiet, especially in electric mode. But even with its 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 running at full tilt, noise levels are muted. Sound wise, acoustic laminated glass and the generous use of sound-absorbing insulation make the Escape PHEV feel almost as luxurious as a Lincoln.  

The infotainment system is a strong point. Ford’s new Sync-4 system is fast and intuitive and has a generously sized buffer, allowing uninterrupted satellite radio when driving under bridges and through tunnels. The standard sound system sounded rich and accurate.

Like my favorite pair of jeans, the seats are comfortable, although the seat bottoms are too short for all-day comfort. On a six-hour trip through California’s Central Valley, the lack of adequate thigh support contributed to more discomfort and fatigue than normal. I had to stop to take walks.

The Escape is the perfect height for easy ingress and egress with minimal knee bending required. It’s also a great choice for the mobility impaired.

Behind the Wheel

The two-row crossover is small and maneuverable, ideal for urban environments and handling city errands. It easily fits in tight parking spots and Ford’s Active Park Assist 2.0 works well.

The Escape is a pleasing boulevard cruiser. The ride is soft and the SUV soaks up potholes and broken pavement with aplomb. Around town, the engine feels strong and mechanicals are whisper quiet. The electric motor gives the 2.5-liter engine a satisfying amount of boost. The Escape PHEV pulls away from stoplights briskly.

On the freeway, the Escape’s power is disappointing. There’s not enough zip to jump into openings in traffic. Freeway maneuvering requires planning.

The Escape lacked the power to pass with confidence on the highway. While driving the Pacific Coast Highway through San Mateo County I followed slower-moving traffic.

Attempts to accelerate on twisty secondary roads were met with protest. The tires howled, and grip was limited. The Escape isn’t designed for sporty driving, handling lacks conviction. It’s not a driving enthusiast’s car.

Fuel Economy

The miserly utility gets an EPA estimated 101 MPGe. On gasoline alone, the Escape is rated 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway. It’s enough to fall in love. A best-in-class all-electric range of 37 miles is available with a fully charged battery.

I drove the Escape Plug-In Hybrid for a week and took two long-distance trips, I purchased gas only once, and averaged better than 40 mpg in 500 miles of mixed driving.

The Verdict

The Escape PHEV should be on everyone’s short list for an economical daily driver. It’s a comfortable ride, with easy ingress and egress. It’s also as quiet as a library, feels luxurious and averages more than 40 mpg on gasoline alone.

Lackluster handling, absence of an all-wheel-drive option and cheap-feeling interior plastics are the only drawbacks. Price as tested with the PHEV premium package, upgraded paint and the panoramic vista roof was $46,815, destination fee included.