The Ford Escape got a complete overhaul for 2020, which brought fresh style and a load of new tech. Now, the popular crossover SUV is back with another refresh, this time with sleeker styling and new sporty ST-Line trim levels. Powertrain choices carryover, but Ford gave the new Escape better tech and more desirable driver-assistance features.
Ford offers the 2023 Escape in seven configurations: Base, Activ, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite, and Plug-in Hybrid. Base and Activ trims are available with a gas engine, while buyers can have the ST-Line versions as a hybrid. Ford offers two gas and two hybrid powertrain options for the new model year and says that all Escapes will offer exceptional fuel efficiency.
Though all Escape SUVs get a makeover for 2023, the ST-Line versions get the most dramatic updates. Ford equips them with a black mesh grille, a unique rear skid plate, and 18- or 19-inch wheels. The top ST-Line Elite trim gets an LED light bar that stretches between the headlights, and Ford says it employed a monochromatic paint theme to give the Escape a cleaner look outside.
The base Ford Escape comes with black cloth upholstery, while others get a choice between black and grey. Other interior finishes follow the trims and five-seater configurations of the previous Escape, but Ford says the back seat can now slide up to 6 inches to allow for more cargo space or legroom. Escape ST-Line trims come with a black or grey interior, red stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Ford will continue to offer two gas engines and two hybrid powertrains in the 2023 Escape. The base powertrain remains a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower, while the uprated gas engine remains a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 250 hp. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel drive is available.
The two hybrid powertrains include one hybrid and one plug-in hybrid. The regular hybrid system uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 94-kW electric motor. The plug-in hybrid consists of a 2.5-liter gas engine and an electric motor that combine for 210 hp. It delivers 37 miles of all-electric range, and Ford says it can recharge in 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 home charger.
The 2023 Escape comes standard with several advanced driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, driver monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning.
The upgraded Ford Co-Pilot 360 safety system now comes with intersection turn assistance to help avoid collisions with people and other cars while turning. There’s also a new Blind Spot Assist system that adds a steering wheel nudge and visual warnings when a vehicle is nearby. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, predictive speed assist, reverse automatic braking, and automatic emergency steering are also standard.
All 2023 Escapes come with an 8-inch touchscreen running Ford Sync 4. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Bluetooth, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, 6 speakers, and more. Ford offers a 13.2-inch touchscreen for the first time; it comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. A surround-view camera and wireless charging are also available.
Alexa built-in is also available with a three-year trial. It enables maps, Amazon music, and the ability to interact with smart home devices from the car. Sync 4 brings new voice-recognition features, including finding a restaurant, changing radio stations, finding navigation directions, and more.
The Ford Escape has stout competition. The Honda CR-V is also new for 2023, with refined styling, better tech, and a more upscale interior. It’s also available in a frugal hybrid variant that offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience. The Toyota RAV4 is another strong contender, and it’s also available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. Toyota also makes a more rugged version in the RAV4 Adventure. There are several other great choices in the segment, including the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3, and Nissan Rogue.
Ford is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of October 26, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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