In recent months, a handful of Blue Oval models have dropped their base trim from the lineup, effectively making them more expensive to buy, albeit better equipped. That list includes both the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport crossover and Ford Bronco SUV, both of which can no longer be ordered in base trim. However, sources familiar with the matter have now told Ford Authority that the 2024 Ford Escape base – while it isn’t showing up in the build and price configurator – will continue to be available, albeit only for fleet customers, not retail ones.
This change is particular notable as it means that the base trim is effectively a one-year-only offering, as it was created in conjunction with the 2023 refresh. Regardless, it also means that the 2024 Ford Escape will be a bit more expensive and a bit better equipped, too, as the Active trim now serves as the entry-level model in the crossover’s lineup.
The 2024 Ford Escape now comes standard with a bevy of equipment, including a chrome front grille strip, body-color door handles, chrome upper window molding, black beltline molding, a power liftgate, privacy glass, and 17-inch Shadow Silver-painted aluminum wheels on the outside. Inside the cabin, the crossover is equipped with dual-zone HVAC, a map pocket, two rear smart charging USB outlets, a premium wrapped steering wheel, unique cloth bucket seats with eight-way power adjustability for the driver, a rear center armrest, sliding sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, intelligent access, push button start, and two passive keys.
As part of the Escape’s refresh for the 2023 model year, the long-running crossover was treated to a complete trim level revamp, along with revised front and rear styling, as well as a standard 8-inch infotainment screen or a larger 13.2-inch unit running Sync 4 with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel cluster is also available.
We’ll have more on the 2024 Ford Escape soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escape news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
Note: 2024 Escape comes with Connected Navigation, and NOT Connected Built-In Navigation…meaning unless you pay for the subscription, the maps do not work. Data is also streamed over the air to your system, meaning if you are in the middle of nowhere (where you need a GPS), you may not have cell service, and you can no longer navigate. Such a disgrace that Ford is going this route.
Android Auto/Apple Carplay solve this problem for most buyers. Simply use the navigation on your phone and connect it via Sync. If you know you will be going to an area with bad or spotty service, download the map to your device and you will have no issues. Toyota has gone the route of connected navigation as well starting in 2023. No sub, no nav. It’s only going to become more and more prevalent in the industry. The automakers want the recurring revenue that subscriptions offer.
I absolutely hate Android Auto, and the lack of 2D Heading Up navigation in Google Maps. Sync 4 Nav is far superior in my view. You shouldn’t have to play games with your phone on a $40k car. I’d gladly pay 1k more upfront for Built-In (though still that is dumb).
2D Heading Up navigation is absolutely available in Google Maps on Android. Simply tap the compass icon on the map screen to toggle between 2D Heading Up and “3D”.
Unless you have some Beta version of Maps, it toggles between 2D North Up and a 3D mode Heading Up. It is not a birds-eye view looking straight down. Check again.
At least the navigation on a phone does not have the 2D option. I don’t use AA for this reason, but I suppose it could be different in Sync 4. Can the passenger type on the keyboard in AA while the car is moving? That works natively in Sync 4 thankfully. But anyway, my point being, I shouldn’t have to rely on my phone to use navigation in my car…we’ve had GPS’s built in for nearly 20 years at this point, so why are we relying on Google for all things Nav related.
Wow, another awful decision to screw consumers. I recently purchased 3 new vehicles because they are taking so much away from us all. I am the owner of a 2024 Edge, a 2023 Chevy Traverse with its NA V6 w/o cylinder deactivation, and a 2023 Escape Hybrid ST Line Elite. I only need 2, but I will spread the miles between the 3 and I am so happy [other than the dent in my savings] that I bought the 3 when I did.
Old Skool GPS: Paper maps. No sub needed. If you have AAA, free triptiks.
Really easy to look at while you’re driving…
Trying to find a AAA office is not easy. Downloaded Google Maps, set for AAA in Greenville NC, drove around the parking lot a while only to find a hair lounge at the old AAA address. Those Bozos never updated their online directory ! Had to order maps by mail, arrived 10 days later with one map shy of a completed order ! Cancel me from that firm !
Well I’m not going to buy anything the requires a bloody subscription or any vehicle that doesn’t have knobs for the HVAC and radio.
Reports online suggest that the Escape will be gone after 2025, as Ford supposedly no longer wants to compete with two row, SUVs. Maybe this is phase one with this vehicle’s retirement.
Meanwhile, the Transit Connect and Edge will be gone after this year. Ford plans to replace them with electric vehicles according to the reports. I sometimes wonder what Farley is thinking when making decisions like this.
He clearly isn’t thinking when making these decisions. The market does not want EV’s. The grid can’t handle EV’s. People can’t afford EV’s. Massive improvements are needed before they are viable
This vehicle only comes with Connected Navigation…no more Built In Navigation.. Poor decision from Ford