2023 Ford Escape Refresh
2023 Ford Escape – The 2023 Ford Escape is a small SUV concept, on top of the smaller Ford EcoSport and under the three-line Ford Edge and Explorer.
2023 Ford Escape Competitors
Ford Escape competes in one of the most contested segments, with rivals from almost every mainstream automaker.
They include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Jeep Cherokee. Escape was wholly redesigned just a few years ago, and we don’t expect significant changes for 2023.
2023 Ford Escape
Although a hybrid powertrain is available, the Escape transmission paired with a conventional gasoline engine — either a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine or a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four — requires little polish.
And while not every car needs to feel athletic, the Escape shows more body roll and generally feels less buttoned than we’d like.
Escape did many other things right. The cabin is comfortable and spacious and is available with plenty of in-car technology and driver aids.
And while the cargo area isn’t ahead of its class, the Escape is exactly what we expected from a small SUV.
Escape now arrives in 2020 with a high-end European design that is much more curved than the previous generation.
The wide grille sits low on the front fascia, while the sweeping headlights and jagged hood are sporty elements on the front of the SUV.
The Escape rear is now more straightforward, with soft edges, oval taillights, and dual exhaust outlets. Being a carryover model, we expect the Ford Escape 2023 to maintain the same exterior design as the current model.
Raed More: 2023 Ford Explorer Redesign
2023 Ford Escape Interior
The 2023 Ford Escape will have the same overall interior design as the model currently on sale. The high-end design continues with a unique dashboard.
The infotainment screen is above the dashboard and separated from the physical infotainment buttons and dials by an extended trim cut.
Dials and large buttons for HVAC systems are located at the bottom of the center console for ease of use, while the play button frees up some space.
The upcoming Ford Escape 2023 will share the same technological features as the current model. The 4.2-inch display, six-speaker audio system, USB port, and Bluetooth are now standard.
Optional features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a 10-speaker Bang &Olufsen audio system.
2023 Ford Escape Engine
Ford offers the current Escape with three different powertrains, which should remain the same for the 2023 model year.
The standard engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the next step and has 250 hp of power.
Escape is currently also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Both come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
In hybrids, the powertrain produces 200 hp, while plug-in hybrids are rated at 221 hp. Both turbocharged engines are paired with 8-speed automatic transmissions, while the electrification powertrain is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Safety Features
IIHS named Escape thEscapeSafety Pick, while NHTSA gave the SUV an overall five-star safety rating. In terms of safety, Escape is currently equipped with rear traffic warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane guard assistance, and automated high beam assistance as standard. These features and safety ratings are expected to remain the same for the 2023 Ford Escape.
2023 Ford Escape Price and Release Date
Ford has not provided any information on when Escape 2023 will be officially released. Based on previous years, we estimate the arrival of autumn 2023.
The price for the 2023 Ford Escape remains unclear. We anticipate the compact SUV to stay close to the current model without the expected changes from $26,130 to $37,000, including destinations.
2023 Ford Escape ST
Given that the small Cars Escape and Focus are both based on Ford’s modular C2 platform, it makes sense that the ST version of the first will use the latter’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, likely in combination with the AWD to match it.
However, where things get interesting is the tone of such units. The FWD Focus ST developed the 206kW/420nm, but their output fell short of the 2.0-liter Tiguan R (235kW/420nm) and the 2.5-liter Tucson N Line (213kW/422Nm), so the Escape ST could get tweaked.
The ST will be a step forward from the sportiest version of the currently available Escape, the FWD or AWD ST-Line, motivated by the EcoBoost 2.0-liter 183kW/387Nm turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.
Ford Escape ST Release Date
If Escape ST becomes a reality, expect at least another year. Meanwhile, the regular Escape series will be in Australian showrooms in mid-November.
Ford Escape Models
Ford makes escapes in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 option in all but Titanium, where it’s standard.
Titanium is also the only trim that comes standard with a four-cylinder engine, which is also available in SEL. All other frames get a three-cylinder machine.
Ford Escape SE is a good bet for an improved infotainment system. It is also the first trim available, with many features in the higher frame.
For more powerful engines, look to SEL or Titanium. A panoramic moonroof is available at all but the Base S for $1,495.
Ford Escape S
With an MSRP starting at $24,885, the entry-level Escape S comes with fabric upholstery and a basic SYNC infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display, six-speaker stereo, and USB port.
Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance technology suite is also included. It combines a pre-collision warning and braking system and lane keeps assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic floodlights. A remote start system ($495) is optional.
Ford Escape SE
Ford Escape SE from $26,610. It gets proximity keyless entries, rims, and sync three infotainment systems, including an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio.
For $700, you can add the Co-Pilot360 Assist suite, which has navigation, adaptive cruise control, and traffic congestion assistance.
The Comfort Package ($985) includes:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- A 10-way adjustable driver’s seat.
- A rear-seat armrest with two cup holders.
There’s also a Cold Weather package ($535) with heated front seats and automatic temperature control. Note that you must purchase the box at the same time to benefit from the Cold Weather Plan.
Ford Escape SEL
With a retail price of $29,205, the Ford Escape SEL adds the COMFORT and Cold Weather SE package. Other additions include ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, and hand-activated liftgates.
For $3,300, you can get a more powerful turbo-four engine, which automatically adds all-wheel drive.
Ford Escape Titanium
Titanium sold for $35,755. It comes standard with an AWD and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.
In addition, Titanium has leather upholstery, a six-way adjustable front passenger seat, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, a 10-speaker Bang &Olufsen stereo, rain-sensing glass wipers, lane centering, a parking assistance system, and a Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist.
The Titanium Elite 2.0 package costs about $2,850 and adds a head-up look and panoramic moonroof.