Competes with: Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4
Looks like: An even more carlike, less boxy take on a compact SUV
Powertrains: 181-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder; 250-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder; 200-hp, hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder; or 210-hp, plug-in hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder; eight-speed automatic (gas-only) or electronic continuously variable transmission (hybrids); front- or all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Early 2023
Ford has updated its venerable Escape SUV for the 2023 model year, giving it a mild styling refresh inside and out, and adding a new ST-Line monochromatic sport appearance look that can be had in several trim levels. The goal is to provide a more carlike model for customers who really aren’t interested in the boxy, rugged idea of an SUV, according to the company. Given Ford’s killed off almost all of its passenger cars with the demise of the Fiesta, Focus and Fusion — and offers the boxier, rugged Bronco Sport for buyers who want that — offering an even more carlike version of its already carlike Escape seems like a good way to try and retain some customers.
Related: 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid: 7 Things We Like and 4 Things We Don’t
Dig That Monochromatic Look
While all Escapes get an updated look for 2023, the big news is the addition of the ST-Line, a new monochromatic exterior package that brings a sportier look to the SUV. Trim levels for the ‘23 Escape have been renamed and now consist of Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum and Plug-in Hybrid. The ST-Line trims all get a black-mesh grille, rear skid plate, a single-wing spoiler on the rear window and monochromatic paint covering the whole vehicle, including the side moldings. The top ST-Line Elite also gets a “coast-to-coast” LED light bar stretching between the headlights. ST-Line vehicles come with 18-inch wheels as standard, upgraded to 19-inch black-painted wheels on the ST-Line Elite.
Powertrains Carry Over
The 2023 Escape will come with a choice of powertrains, depending on trim level, with output certification pending. The standard powertrain on Base, Active and ST-Line trims is a 181 horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 250 hp is available on the ST-Line Select and Elite, and standard on Platinum trims. A 200-hp hybrid powertrain is available on the ST-Line and Platinum trims, front-wheel-drive only on the ST-Line and paired with all-wheel drive on the ST-Line Select and Elite trims, while the Platinum gets an option of FWD or AWD with the hybrid powertrain.
If you want a bit more electric operation, a stand-alone PHEV trim tops the range, offering 210 hp and allowing for what Ford estimates as 37 miles of all-electric range for the FWD model — and also allowing for speeds of up to 85 mph in electric-only mode. Recharging the PHEV will take about 10 to 11 hours on a standard household 11-volt current, while a 240-volt Level 2 charger should do it in about 3.5 hours, according to the company. Four driver-selectable modes of operation will be available for the PHEV, consisting of Auto EV mode (the vehicle decides the best mix of gas and electric power), EV Now (all-electric until the battery runs too low), EV Later (the gas engine runs to maintain the current level of battery power) and EV Charge (the engine runs to charge the battery for later use).
Official EPA estimates aren’t in yet, but Ford is targeting more than 400 miles of range for all variants, with the full hybrid with FWD expected to hit more than 550 miles.
Interior and Tech Upgrades
The Escape’s interior also gets a little attention for 2023, with new designs, seats and a new optional multimedia screen. Base and ST-Line trims get an Ebony black interior, while Active, Platinum and Plug-in Hybrid all get a choice of Ebony or Space Gray. The ST-Line trims also get a bit of a spiffier cabin with red stitching on the door panels, seat trim, armrest, floormats and flat-bottom steering wheel.
Of note is a new available 13.2-inch center-stack touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4 multimedia system. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is present on select top trim levels, offering a reconfigurable display experience, and a heads-up display shown on a rotating bit of plastic atop the dashboard also makes it through to the new model year. Seating arrangements are unchanged with room for five only, but the second row does have a 6-inch fore-and-aft slide to maximize either legroom or cargo room as needed.
Some available safety and technology systems include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, Evasive Steering Assist and built-in navigation, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system and a wireless charging pad for the cabin. The Sync 4 cloud-connected navigation will be offered, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard. Amazon Alexa Built-In will also be a part of the Escape’s suite of connected technologies.
The 2023 Ford Escape is available for preorder right now and will be showing up in showrooms early in 2023.
More From Cars.com:
- 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Review: Infuriating Efficiency
- Shopping for a 2022 Ford Escape PHEV? Research One, Here
- Find a 2022 Ford Escape PHEV for Sale Near Your, Now
- Ford Escape: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
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