When SUVs don’t try to be something they’re not, it’s refreshing, and the 2023 Ford Escape doesn’t have skid plates, all-terrain tires, or the term “cross.” This little crossover is a family-friendly, practical vehicle that is simple to live with. The Escape’s boxier sister, the Bronco Sport, gets all the trail-busting and off-road posturing, but this year’s significant stylistic upgrades give the Escape a more aggressive appearance. Additionally, there is a ton of new in-car technology. Though it still has a lot of shortcomings, the 2023 Escape is a lot better and still gives customers many options.
A beloved little crossover since 2001, the Escape debuted in 2020 with a smiling face and angular styling that didn’t sit well with everyone. Ford has addressed that with a more squared-off and grown-up appearance this year. Amazingly, they managed to do this by merely changing the metal upfront of the A-pillar. While Ford’s newest features and more giant touchscreens have greatly enhanced the Escape’s interior, it still seems bland and plasticky. There are still four viable engine choices for the Escape, including PHEV and hybrid versions.
Even though the new Escape is excellent, it competes in a competitive market. With lots of space with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, it can rival the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorento, and Toyota RAV4. Still, the Koreans provide more incredible style and spaciousness than the Toyota, which has more options and better MPG. Its competitors include the revamped Honda CR-V, the sporty Mazda CX-50, and several more, such as the Nissan Rogue and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Escape doesn’t excel in any one area, but it is adaptable and easy to use with loads of modification options.
With four engine choices, five model levels, and many extras, Ford has practically something for everyone regarding the Escape. The 2.5-litre, 210-horsepower hybrid and the optional 2.0-litre, 250-horsepower turbocharged engine are far superior to the little, loud, three-cylinder basic engine. Top of the range is a premium plug-in hybrid, but its equipment levels are comparable to those of the more expensive, competitive PHEVs with additional features. The Escape handles better than you would imagine and has respectable performance from everything except the basic engine, but you can’t exactly call it “sporty.”
While not always the best in the group, each engine has respectable fuel efficiency—usually above average for the class. Even though it ranks lower in the course when you include total space when the seats are folded, the Escape is still relatively spacious, with a large, comfortable rear seat and plenty of luggage space behind it. Even with this year’s significant screen and technology updates, the Escape’s interior in the base versions still seems a touch dated. The optional 13.2-inch centre screen and ST-Line trimmings enhance the cabin somewhat, but the new improvements are essential.
Ford’s Sync 4 software, a significant improvement over the previous Sync 3 system but still very simple to use, powers the new panels. While some more standard active-safety measures would be excellent, the carmaker has included all the essentials. The bigger infotainment screen and navigation are included in the $995 option package. Still, only adaptive cruise control with lane centring and evasive steering aid are kept back as options (and are not available on the basic model). The Escape is a flexible, exceptionally family-friendly vehicle, even if it is best experienced at its more expensive mid-level trims. It would be best if you gave it a trial before you purchase.
What’s New
- New wheel designs and front-end styling are part of the Escape’s significant cosmetic makeover for 2023.
- Higher trim levels now include an optional 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower that can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
- With a plug-in hybrid trim, the Escape’s trim levels are now Base, Active, ST-Line, and Platinum. The ST-Line comes in various grades, but unlike the Edge and Explorer, it lacks a performance-focused ST variant.
- A 13.2-inch screen is an option for higher trim levels, while an 8-inch infotainment screen with Ford’s Sync 4 software is now standard.
- While the previous year’s 12.3-inch optional unit is still available on Active and above models, a comparable 8-inch digital drivers’ display is also standard.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Newly improved styling and in-car tech
- Lots of powertrain and equipment choices, including hybrid & PHEV models
- Comfy, practical, and roomy
Cons
- Plain, plasticky interior
- Noisy, rough base engine
- Most excellent features and optional powertrains are reserved for more expensive trims.
Performance: Ford Escape
While not very exciting, the four engine options for the Escape provide respectable performance for their class. This SUV’s communicative steering and well-damped suspension help it handle better than most people realize. It’s more enjoyable to drive than the RAV4 or Chevrolet Equinox, but it’s not as smooth or elegant as Mazda’s crossovers.
A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque powers the basic Escape, coupled with an eight-speed automated gearbox. With a machine that may be noisy and harsh sometimes, the Escape can reach 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, so it’s not a sluggish vehicle. Additionally, the gearbox fits it well and responds better than other rivals’ continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs). These entry-level Escapes come with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) costing an additional $2,000.
In hybrid versions, a 94 kW electric motor coupled to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine drives a CVT to provide up to 210 system horsepower. Although most grades only come with AWD, the hybrid may be front- or rear-wheel drive. The combination seems faster than the 1.5 due to its increased power and very smooth delivery, but in actual use, it is just slightly quicker and performs about the same, but getting much higher mpg. The PHEV, which has a bigger battery pack but the same other components, is the same in this regard.
Performance-wise, the star is the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which produces 280 lb-ft of torque and 250 turbocharged horsepower. With this much more power, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds, much faster than the other Escapes and somewhat respectable for the class. It still employs the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the standard engine. Although it’s still not the most thrilling small crossover to drive, the Tiguan, non-hybrid RAV4, and Tucson hybrid are significantly more sleepy vehicles.
Fuel Efficiency: Ford Escape
Every engine option for the Escape has high fuel efficiency, regardless of how fast they can drive. Even with the 1.5-litre CR-V and base-model RAV4, the little 1.5 is rated by the EPA for up to 30 mpg combined in front-wheel drive (27 cities, 34 highway) and 28 mpg with AWD. This is somewhat better than the similar Equinox, Tiguan, or Tucson. AWD only, the 2.0-liter, 250-horsepower Escape gets 26 mpg overall, which is typical for the class but still better than some less powerful options.
With front- or all-wheel drive, the Escape hybrid’s combined EPA rating of 39 mpg (42 city, 36 highway) is marginally less than that of the AWD RAV4 hybrid and front-drive CR-V hybrid, but it is three mpg better than that of the Tucson and Sportage hybrids and the AWD CR-V hybrid. We discovered it somewhat underperformed this estimate in real life, getting around 37 mpg.
The Escape PHEV, which boasts a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg, an electric operating efficiency of 105 mpg, and an utterly electric range of 37 miles from its 14.4 kWh battery pack, is at the top of the efficiency rankings. Although the RAV4’s stated electric field is more excellent, the Escape PHEV is better equipped and has a higher overall efficiency rating than either of these rivals’ entry versions, the Tucson or Sportage PHEV. A Level 2 home charger can fully charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) in around three hours, but plugging it in overnight requires a Level 1 household outlet.
Driver assistance and safety:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2023 Ford Escape only a few “good” ratings, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it a five-star rating overall. The Escape is rated around average here; some of its rivals have higher IIHS ratings, but others also receive lower scores from both organizations.
Ford includes some, but not all, of its CoPilot360 active safety feature suite in every Escape. Standard features include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings with lane-keeping assistance, forward automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, and collision warnings. A $995 Technology package contains some useful non-safety features, evasive steering aid, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with lane centring. Some of this hardware is standard on the highest trims, although they come at a higher price.
Like the rest of the Escape’s technologies, the driver-assist features function effectively and are typically not intrusive. They also need little training. A few rivals provide more equipment than this, but the Escape is mediocre.
Coziness & Space:
Even though just four people are travelling in the Escape, the cabin is pleasant despite not being the most luxurious. Even for taller individuals, the ergonomics of the front seats are outstanding, and they are soft yet supportive. Compared to Toyota or Honda, it offers somewhat more room up front, and unlike the Tucson, there isn’t an awkwardly shaped console to bump against. Few people will be dissatisfied, and the rear seat is spacious.
A 6-foot person could easily fit behind a 6-foot driver with 38.9 inches of legroom in the back seat. The rear seat is also well-thought-out and wasn’t an afterthought. Though not as comfortable as the front seats, it’s hardly a vast, unsupportive sofa. The middle seat is constrictive, but small crossovers with five seats often have that problem. However, class leaders like the Sportage, CR-V, and Tucson provide up to 41.3 inches greater legroom.
The back doors of the Escape are sufficiently large to facilitate the loading of small children, and the ample legroom further enables the fitting of large child seats.
Infotainment: Ford Escape
The Escape will get significant updates in 2023, and the infotainment system has been upgraded to Ford’s most recent Sync 4 system. Additionally, it now has correct standard displays. The 8-inch genuine touchscreen, previously an option, is now standard on the basic Escape, replacing the outdated 4.2-inch LCD screen with radio controls included last year. Also available is a recently added 13.2-inch optional unit that looks fantastic and improves the overall aesthetics of the cabin.
By today’s infotainment standards, Sync 4 is a relatively simple system to master; however, wireless options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available if you’d like. Additionally, Sync 4 may be upgraded automatically over the air, so even if you don’t like it today, it could improve over time or at least remain current and more extended than other, more antiquated systems. In addition to the normal USB-A and USB-C connectors on the front, all models save the basic model and include two USB ports on the back. The audio system has six speakers as standard and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen unit as an option.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Although it is not as spacious as some competitors, the Ford Escape offers a respectable amount of cargo room—34.4 cubic feet behind the back seats and 60.8 when the seats are folded. This makes it ideal for small families. Thankfully, the Escape PHEV’s cargo area does not decrease compared to the regular hybrid and gas versions (the RAV4 Prime shrinks to 33.5 and the Tucson PHEV to 31.9). This is because the area behind the rear seats, which is the area you need regularly, is not far off rivals like the RAV4 (37.6 cubic feet), Tucson (38.7), or CR-V (39.3).
However, when the seats are folded down, the Escape’s cargo volume is much less than that of the Tucson (80.3 cubic feet), RAV4 (69.8), CR-V (76.5), and a few other vehicles. However, since this is a broad class, the Escape still performs better overall than the Mazda CX-50 (31.4 cubic feet with the seats up, 56.3 with them folding), as well as better than the Tiguan (33.0) and Equinox (29.9) when it comes to space behind the back seats. While the Escape’s cabin’s small item storage is identical to that of most of its rivals, there are still plenty of pockets and cubbies.
Design: Ford Escape
The improvements for 2023 significantly increase the Escape’s appeal as a car. The Bronco Sport has sharp angles, yet its oval curves are delicate and soft. However, with the revised front end, it seems much more mature than it did before. Along with some new taillights and back trim, the LED lights and grille-topping light bar make for stylish embellishments. It’s effectively done for a straightforward modification (new panels are merely forward of the front doors). Although it still lacks stylistic innovation, the Escape looks better.
Internally, things have also improved. The Escape’s interior is still relatively simple but has some extra flair thanks to the bigger infotainment screen. The materials feel similar, and the ST-Line versions significantly upgrade the inside, even if the interior design is not as opulent as the Volkswagen Tiguan. Although it still leans toward plasticky and lacks striking design elements, it is an improvement.
Is the 2023 Ford Escape Worth it?
The ST-Line includes several packages that function as trims in addition to the five standard Escape trims. When you combine it with the four different engine options, there’s almost an Escape for everyone.
We would avoid the basic model, which begins at $29,945, including a $1,495 destination cost, even with its upgrades this year, since it is equipped with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and lacks many other features. If you’re determined to remain under $30,000, we’d look at basic versions like the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 and the Kia Sportage hybrid. This pricing is a touch above those competitors.
Next up is the Active ($30,840), which is only available with the triple. Despite this, it does have some conveniences like body-colour trim, a power liftgate, sliding sun visors, a proximity key with a push-button start, and other features you could consider relatively standard. Although you may choose additional options, the Escape performs best in the higher trims.
The ST-Line has a starting price of $31,835 and is available with a 250-horsepower gas engine or a 210-horsepower hybrid drivetrain. Both are better than the standard triple, and the ST-Line also comes with extra equipment, such as 18-inch alloys, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and better inside textiles.
However, there are also two main ST-Line packages: the ST-Line Elite ($39,955), which comes with more equipment, including all of the driver-assist technologies and the large touchscreen screen, and the Select ($35,535), which adds standard AWD and opens up some other choices like surround-view monitoring. At that point, the Platinum ($38,460) might be a better choice since it has the same equipment but lacks the standard AWD and sportier styling. With little equipment, the ST series offers the most outstanding value.
Top of the line is the stand-alone PHEV, which comes in a separate trim for $41,995. Yes, the Tucson and Sportage PHEVs are less expensive to start than the Escape, and that is a lot of money for one. The Escape’s equipment levels, however, are more in line with those of the RAV4 Prime and the higher-trim PHEVs in those lineups, which are more expensive.
How Much Does Ford Escape Insurance Cost in 2023?
The cost of insurance for the Ford Escape is not too high. Although this figure applies to all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record should anticipate paying an average yearly premium of $1,950 for an Escape PHEV, with all other models costing less. The Hyundai Tucson costs $1,912, the Honda CR-V hybrid costs $1,920, and the Toyota RAV4 Prime costs $2,025.
Ford Escape Generations
Fourth Generation
2020 to Present
With new engine choices, a giant touchscreen available on all trim levels except the essential S, and a new plug-in hybrid version, the fourth-generation Escape made its premiere for the 2020 model year. The plug-in was delayed by over a year due to supply chain disruptions brought on by the Covid-19 epidemic. During that period, Ford unveiled the Bronco Sport, a more durable off-road crossover built on the same chassis, which reduced sales of the Escape. Ford updated the Escape’s design and technologies significantly for 2023.
Third Generation
2013 to 2019
The Escape was completely redesigned for the first time for the 2013 model year. The third-generation Escape was redesigned and resized to appeal to a broader audience in foreign countries (where it was marketed as the Ford Kuga). It was built on the compact, fuel-efficient Ford Focus chassis and debuted with contemporary infotainment systems. The EcoBoost engine with turbocharged capability provided power and Ford’s Sync 3 digital systems were finally installed. The popular hybrid variant and the V6 engine and manual gearbox were discontinued, which were formerly options.
Second Generation
2008 to 2012
The second-generation Escape, essentially a significant improvement of the first-generation vehicle, debuted in 2008, just in time for the world crisis and hikes in gasoline prices. Despite these challenging circumstances, the Escape sold relatively well, thanks partly to its affordable pricing and economical hybrid option. Ford even tested a plug-in hybrid version of the Escape, but it was not planned for production at the time. The second-generation Escape was available in the Tribute and Mariner models from Mazda and Mercury, the same as the previous generation.
First Generation
2001 to 2007
The first Escape, which was created in collaboration with Mazda and debuted in the US market in 2001, had a tough exterior, four- or V6-cylinder engines, automatic or manual gearboxes, and a more crossover-like design than a typical SUV. Mazda and Mercury models (the Tribute and Mariner) with varying degrees of equipment and flair were also immediately popular. The original Escape Toyota RAV4 competed for customers looking for a small SUV, even though the Escape would be tiny by today’s standards. Adding a hybrid model to the Escape’s inventory in 2004 significantly raised interest in the SUV.
Verdict
The Ford Escape received a significant facelift in 2023, with somewhat bland styling. A new look and significantly enhanced technology inside the car further enhance the already practical and adaptable package. Ford offers the small crossover in almost as many configurations as its rival Toyota RAV4, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The Escape drives reasonably well, though the base engine is underpowered and noisy, and better powerplants and equipment are only available in more expensive models. However, the Escape is a roomy, versatile small family haulier that should be on more buyers’ radars.
