Sophisticated, practical, well-equipped, and engaging are a few ways to describe the 2023 Ford Escape. First introduced in the new millennium, the Escape filled a void in Ford's lineup. It positioned itself as a compact adventurer with its V6 powertrain and advanced all-wheel drive system. However, it's slowly evolved into something entirely different. Perfectly content with life on the road, the Escape is a comfortable and efficient SUV that's happy to leave trail exploration to siblings like the Bronco Sport. Its multi-engine lineup offers plenty of power, and its available all-wheel drive is a nod to its former identity, but that's as rugged as the Escape gets for 2023. The result is a versatile crossover with handsome styling, a spacious cabin, and plenty of standard features that add to its appeal and enhance its value.
Starting at $27,500, the 2023 Escape stays true to its affordable roots but shies away from the trim lineup of its past for a new, driver-focused lineup that includes the Base, Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and PHEV models.[a] The trims offer a progressive suite of conveniences and features, including the updated SYNC 4 infotainment system with an optional 13.2-inch infotainment display and an 8-inch digital gauge display for the driver. You'll also find many cosmetic updates, like an all-new front end, wider grille, and sportier accouterments for the ST-Line. In addition to these updates, Ford differentiates the Escape PHEV as a separate trim. The distinction adds appeal to the SUV because it gives drivers a clear idea of what they're getting and other options for customization. So, what else can you expect from the Escape in 2023? Here's a profile of Ford's popular, agile, and versatile SUV.
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Elevating your drive is simple in the 2023 Escape. The SUV's three-engines and four-powertrain options deliver a broad range of performance and efficiency. For example, the Base comes with Ford's proven 1.5L EcoBoost mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The pairing delivers 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of power for an SUV of this size, and an average fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway on front-wheel drive models.
For drivers looking for a more engaging experience behind the wheel, Ford pairs its intelligent all-wheel drive system with the 2.0L EcoBoost and an eight-speed automatic transmission with SelecShift and integrated paddle shifters. The intelligent all-wheel drive system enhances the Escape's handling in slippery conditions but doesn't compromise its efficiency. For example, the engine produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, with an average fuel economy of 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The SelecShift drive modes and paddle shifters give you more control over this power, letting you tailor the Escape's performance to your current driving needs by toggling through modes like Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Normal.
The Escape also comes as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, both of which rely on a 2.5L Atkinson Cycle inline-four engine that produces 163 hp and 155 lb-ft of near-instant torque. Combined with the hybrid's battery power, the total output is 192 hp on the Escape Hybrid and 210 hp on the Escape PHEV. Another key difference is that the hybrid model is available with front-wheel or intelligent all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid is only available as a front-wheel drive model. The distinction doesn't dramatically impact efficiency, with the models averaging 40 to 41 MPG combined, but there is a significant performance advantage when you choose all-wheel drive.
Ford's intelligent all-wheel drive system is impressive because it features an all-wheel drive disconnect that continuously monitors the terrain and detects when the system isn't needed. In these situations, it disconnects the rear driveline and relies on the front wheels to move the vehicle, ultimately improving efficiency without compromising handling. This intelligent system is ideal because it efficiently prioritizes the Escape's performance, delivering the traction you need to navigate slippery conditions and terrains like snow, sand, mud, and loose gravel.
The 2023 Escape's affordable price tag is especially attractive when you discover everything you're getting for the price. Ford prioritizes your comfort and safety, outfitting the SUV with a healthy suite of standard connectivity, safety, and driver-assist tools that add to the SUV's value. This technology includes an 8-inch standard or 13.2-inch center touchscreen display with Ford's renowned SYNC 4 infotainment system. The SYNC 4 technology offers over-the-air software updates that ensure the Escape operates on the latest software, eliminating the need for drivers to visit dealerships for software updates.
The Escape's center display also offers seamless connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot via FordPass Connect, and Alexa Built-In. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can sync your smartphone with the SUV and access your favorite apps. The WiFi hotspot transforms the Escape into a mobile hub of connectivity. At the same time, Alexa Built-In can help you control your smart home devices, add items to your shopping list, navigate the fastest route, and more with simple voice commands.
Beyond staying connected and informed, the Escape also takes a keen interest in your safety. Ford makes its Co-Pilot360 technology standard across the lineup, equipping the SUV with a virtual spotter that can actively enhance your focus and minimize the potential for collisions. The Co-Pilot360 suite includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking that monitors ahead of the Escape, alerting you to potential collisions and applying the brakes if you don't take corrective action. The Escape's Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking works similarly, monitoring the sides and rear of the SUV to minimize the potential for collisions when changing lanes or navigating the Escape in reverse.
The Co-Pilot360 suite also includes Evasive Steering Assist, Auto High-Beams, and a Lane-Keeping System. These tools help keep the Escape centered in its lane and enhance visibility by automatically adjusting the headlights based on conditions and oncoming traffic. In addition, you can extend these features and the rest of the suite with options like Active Park Assist 2.0 and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. Ford's Active Park Assist 2.0 makes parking the Escape hassle-free, and the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control minimizes the stress of highway driving by actively monitoring traffic ahead and adjusting the SUV's cruising speed as needed.
Ford introduces a new trim lineup for the Escape in 2023, eliminating the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trims. The new lineup starts with the Base and includes the sporty Active, performance-oriented ST-Line, luxurious Platinum, and PHEV. Each trim appeals to distinct driver needs by offering unique features, conveniences, and design details.
The Base starts the Escape family in 2023 at $27,500.[a] This affordable price is incredible because it includes wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, and conveniences like a 60-40 split-folding second row that gives you access to the Escape's expansive 65.4 cu.ft. of available cargo space. The Escape Active builds on these features, adding dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control of greater comfort and a power liftgate for easier access to the rear cargo area. You'll also find the Active includes a rotary gear shift dial, a minor upgrade with a significant impact since it frees up space for extra cup holders, added console storage, and a pair of USB ports.
While the Base and Active are excellent entry-level options, the ST-Line takes your experience in the Escape to a new level. The ST-Line transforms the Escape with its exclusive exterior and interior styling, making the SUV feel sportier with its bold front grille, rear spoiler, and 18-inch rock metallic-painted aluminum wheels. The theme continues inside with the track-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel, all-Ebony interior, and exclusive red stitching.
The ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid
The ST-Line Select improves these standards, adding heated front-row seats and LED reflectors with LED signature lighting. Likewise, the ST-Line Elite and Platinum come standard with Ford's more potent 2.0L EcoBoost engine, an expansive 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen display, and a 360-degree camera with split views. Finally, the Plug-In Hybrid completes the Escape's family tree, distinguishing itself with its hybrid powertrain and exceptional array of technology and conveniences, like the 13.2-inch touchscreen display with SYNC 4 and the Connected Built-In Navigation system with three years of service.
The Escape debuted as a rugged adventurer, but it's transformed into a practical and versatile crossover that is happy to spend time on the pavement as an agile road warrior. Powerful, efficient, and functional, the 2023 Escape has something to offer everyone across its lineup, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid for drivers looking to electrify their futures. That leaves only one choice: who to trust to plan your escape.
Newton Ford South is the leading Ford dealer in the region. We're passionate about the Ford lineup and models like the Escape, so much so that our excitement is contagious. Why? Because we know what it means to join the Ford family and the many benefits that come from our promise to change your car-buying and owning experience.
We're here to deliver an experience like no other. Buying an SUV like the Escape should be exciting, and we're here to make that happen. From our Newton Fastpass program that lets you start the purchase process at home to our small-town values of honesty, integrity, and transparency that define every aspect of our business, there's no one quite like the Newton team. We do business from the heart, showing our customers we're here to handle all their automotive needs today, tomorrow, and every day after.
[a] Current MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. All Mustang Shelby GT350® and Shelby® GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
