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The 2023 Ford Escape received a major makeover, gaining features meant to strike at the heart of the urban dwellers that the SUV counts as its customers. Ford is switching up the trim names but is keeping the same powertrains including the hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Despite the changes, the Escape isn't trying to be all things to all people, says Ford, because it doesn't have to be.
"What allows Escape to be dedicated for urban environments is the flexible architecture that it's built on, which also underpins the Bronco Sport. For people that want a dedicated off-road vehicle, we have that. For entry-level customers that are looking for cargo carrying capability we have Maverick," SUV marketing manager Craig Patterson told Newsweek.
"Then for folks that are looking for something with that will excel in urban environments and with those everyday adventures we have Escape, cost-customized and developed just for those particular customers. Our competitors have one vehicle and they're trying to do all the things with it. The Escape has its own distinct point of view, rather than trying to be all things to all people."
To make the 2023 Escape lineup easier to understand, Ford ditched the SE, SEL, Titanium trims lines for Base, Active, Platinum and the hybrid models, similar to the Edge lineup.
The new lineup also sees Ford offering a new ST-Line appearance package for $995.
Escape Active comes well-equipped with a power driver's seat and liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital cluster.
The Platinum trim comes with the bigger screen and adds a 12.3-inch driver cluster, among other things. The PHEV Escape is its own trim and comes with almost everything, including both big screens and navigation. Only the Premium Package is available for that trim.
The ST-Line is available on everything but the PHEV and adds body color lower trim, a sportier grille and a few other touches. Ford says it expects at least 50 percent of buyers to choose the ST-Line.
The sliding rear seat that moves 6 inches fore and aft continues in the new model. There are two packages offered: one with the upgraded 13.2-inch screen and one with the 360-degree surround view camera.
Besides the new touchscreen, the 2023 Escape comes with new seats that are pattern-stitched to add character to the cabin. There are a few new color options for seat material too. Sync 4 is standard, as are over-the-air updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The two base powertrains stay the same in a 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines making 181 and 250 horsepower (hp). The Hybrid has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that combines with an electric motor to make 199 hp; the PHEV has a range of 37 miles on electricity and delivers 210 hp. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional on everything but the PHEV.
Ford updated its standard and optional safety features like intelligent adaptive cruise control with curb assist and predictive speed assist. It also enhanced the emergency autonomous braking system with lane intersection assist. It now comes with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 safety features, though without the hands-free Blue Cruise driver assist technology.
The Ford Escape crested 300,000 sales per year from 2014 to 2017, but like all sales, has taken a hit due to the pandemic. Last year it only moved 178,000. Still, Ford is confident.
"We think there's opportunity for growth. It's operating in the largest segment in the industry and it's continuing to grow. We expect Escape it to be about 22 percent of the retail industry in the '23 calendar year," said Patterson.
The segment is dominated by the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which sell about 280,000 and 170,000 units per year, respectively. They start at $27,000 and $31,000. The 2023 Ford Escape has a starting price of $28,995. The Plug-in Hybrid costs $39,995.
The 2023 Escape will be built at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky and is available to order now. It will reach dealerships early in 2023.
About the writer
Jake Lingeman is a Newsweek Autos managing editor based in Detroit. His focus is reporting on the auto industry. He has covered ... Read more