2024 Ford Escape Base
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $30,295–$39,143 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2024 Ford Escape Base is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $30,295–$39,143, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Escape Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Verdict: The 2024 Ford Escape Base sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2024 Ford Escape Base ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,295 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 16%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Ford Escape Base scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.4 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $31,203 | Read review → |
| 2024 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $30,295 | |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $29,386 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $28,477 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $27,568 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $26,659 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $25,750 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.1/10 | $24,841 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $23,933 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $23,024 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $22,115 | Read review → |
We rate the 2024 Ford Escape Base's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #1166 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 53% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2024 Ford Escape Base starts at $30,295 and ranges up to $39,143 across trims (MSRP when new). At 30 MPG, expect roughly $1,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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