Ford Escape vs Volkswagen ID.4

The 2024 Ford Escape received aesthetic enhancements that began in 2023, aiming to infuse a fresh and vibrant design into the compact crossover. The front fascia adopted a sportier, more aggressive stance, doing away with the previous model's benign expression. Despite these changes, the SUV maintained its overall soft and universally appealing profile. The updates carried over to 2024, featuring new wheel designs and trim line advancements, adding a more modern and attractive edge to the vehicle.

For the 2024 model year, Ford dropped the Base trim, offering various trims such as Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid, with price tags ranging from $29,345 to $40,500 before the $1,495 destination charge. Our test model was the ST-Line Elite, adorned with Rapid Red paint, black 19-inch wheels, a Premium Technology Package, and a Panoramic Vista Roof, totaling $43,650 including destination charges.

Inside, the upscale materials were initially impressive, featuring diamond-stitched perforated leather and extensive tech upgrades. However, closer inspection revealed an overly glossy finish and stiff, dry upholstery which seemed unbefitting of its high price point. These issues hinted at a lack of meticulousness that could have elevated the Escape further.

Conversely, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 embraced a conservative yet timeless design philosophy. The SUV's appearance was straightforward, embodying VW's reputation for designs that endure gracefully over time. The 2024, particularly the AWD models, came with standard 20-inch wheels, with the S Plus trim featuring a 21-inch design.

Volkswagen's lineup consisted of the ID.4 and ID.4 Pro, differentiated by battery packs of 62 kWh and 82 kWh, respectively, and trim levels including base, S, and S Plus. Pricing ranged from $39,735 to $57,055, with an additional $1,425 destination charge. Notably, models with an SK On battery qualified for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.

Our test drive was in an ID.4 Pro S (82 kWh battery, mid-level trim, RWD), priced at $51,815 before deducting the $7,500 tax credit. For 2024, VW improved the interior by offering new variants of artificial leather upholstery and updating control placements which significantly enhanced usability and comfort. Although the lack of flamboyant design may not appeal to everyone, the understated elegance and practical features of the ID.4 made it a compelling choice.

Performance-wise, the 2024 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrains. Our test model, the ST-Line Elite, housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The setup allowed the Escape to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined, though our test yielded 24.1 mpg.

Despite the powerful turbocharged engine, the Escape ST-Line's driving dynamics left something to be desired. The ride was generally soft and compliant, with nimble handling in everyday driving, but the suspension allowed excessive body motion, detracting from its sporty promises. Steering was sluggish, and the brake pedal, while responsive, didn't inspire confidence. The presence of adjustable driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, and Slippery) was a plus, though the absence of an Off-Road mode was notable.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 significantly upgraded its performance with a new rear electric drive motor for Pro models with an 82 kWh battery. This motor produced 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The base 62 kWh variant continued with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Pro models with AWD added a front motor, producing a combined 335 horsepower and accelerating to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

In terms of range, RWD Pro models could travel up to 291 miles per charge (30 kWh/100 miles), while AWD variants managed 263 miles (33 kWh/100 miles). Standard 62 kWh models were rated at 206 miles. Charging was efficient, with home Level 2 stations recharging the 62 kWh battery in about 6.25 hours, and the 82 kWh battery in less than eight hours. DC fast-charging from 10% to 80% took roughly 30 minutes.

During our test drive in Pasadena, the ID.4 Pro S exhibited impressive acceleration, efficient energy usage at 28.6 kWh/100 miles, and capable handling reminiscent of slot-car dynamics. The ride, though firm, wasn't uncomfortable, and the regenerative braking system felt natural underfoot, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The interior of the 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line was dominated by black, and the standard upholstery consisted of cloth inserts with artificial leather bolsters, accentuated by red stitching to highlight sportiness. Our test model included optional leather seats, but they felt rather unappealing despite their visually attractive diamond-stitched pattern.

Equipped with features like ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats (10-way for the driver, six-way for the passenger), heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, the Escape offered a comfortable environment. However, the lack of ventilated seats was a missed comfort feature, especially during hot weather.

Space-wise, the front seats were large and supportive, with good adjustability for both the driver and passenger. The rear seat could slide back for added comfort, and entry and exit through all four doors were effortless. The Escape boasted adequate front interior storage but was less generous for rear passengers. Cargo capacity was 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats (34.4 cubic feet for the hybrid) and expanded to 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down (60.8 cubic feet in the hybrid), which included handy side storage and a grocery bag hook.

In the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, interior upgrades aimed for convenience and comfort. The gear selector moved to a more conventional position beside the steering wheel, while wiper controls relocated to the left stalk and lighting controls to a touch-sensing pad on the left dashboard side.

The Pro models featured a new 12.9-inch touchscreen which simplified user interaction, highlighted by illuminated touch-sensing sliders for volume and temperature control. Improved comfort was a focus, with Pro S and Pro S Plus trims adding ventilated front seats, particularly beneficial in warmer climates.

Identically to the Escape, both front seats in the ID.4 offered excellent visibility and comfort, with heated seats, mirrors, and washer nozzles standard. The AWD models included additional features like a heated windshield and rear seats. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate space and amenities, such as USB-C ports, AC vents, and a center armrest with cupholders.

Cargo space in the ID.4 stood at 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 64.2 cubic feet with seats folded—slightly less than the Escape but with a convenient center pass-through for longer items.

For technology, the 2024 Ford Escape featured digital instrumentation with either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display, the latter in upper trims like the ST-Line Elite. Paired with a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system, the setup provided a landscape format screen with an intuitive layout, although the color theme and font readability could improve. The larger display included features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a complimentary three-year navigation subscription, complemented by a Bang & Olufsen sound system, although testing was limited due to speaker damage.

However, Sync 4 had input lag, and the wireless charger overheated devices. Voice recognition worked well, though the placement of physical controls like the start/stop button and volume knob was unconventional. The vehicle also featured an optional head-up display that projected on a clear plastic piece, somewhat less appealing than windshield projection.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 enhanced its tech game with a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard on Pro models. Its user interface was improved, featuring customizable layout options and always-visible climate controls. The introduction of a battery preconditioning feature optimized charging during trips, and the navigation system included a real-time charging station prep feature.

Volkswagen incorporated improved usability with the touch-sensitive sliders illuminated for better night use. The addition of a Harman Kardon sound system in higher trims further upped the experience. Volkswagen's infotainment system was quick to pair with smartphones and featured a competent voice assistant named Ida, though results varied.

Subscriptions to services like Plus Nav, Plus Speech, and Car-Net connected services added functionalities ranging from remote access to vehicle status to automatic crash notification, enhancing the integration of the vehicle's technology with daily needs.

The 2024 Ford Escape provided extensive safety features through Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims like the ST-Line Elite benefitted from adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane-centering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

In real-world testing, the lane-keeping systems showed inconsistent behavior, and adaptive cruise control occasionally malfunctioned. Nevertheless, the suite was more effective in freeway conditions. In crash tests, the Escape earned favorable ratings from NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating, although the Plug-in Hybrid variant received a slightly lower rating in specific tests. IIHS ratings for 2024 were pending.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 featured IQ.Drive, standard across the range, which included semi-autonomous driving features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. These systems helped manage following distances and lane-keeping, improving overall driving ease.

Volkswagen's semi-autonomous parking system, Memory Parking, could save and autonomously perform repetitive parking maneuvers, adding convenience, especially in tight spaces. Crash ratings indicated positive performance, with pending evaluations from IIHS expected to reinforce its robust safety profile.