For over 20 years now, folks have been escaping from the ordinary in the Ford Escape. This compact crossover SUV has been a leader in its segment, offering drivers a thrilling combination of efficient performance, roominess, affordability, safety, and dependability. You can now add sportiness to that list as the 2023 Ford Escape features a revised exterior appearance that amps up the upscale looks. The 2023 Escape is a mid-generation restyling of the model, giving it a new front fascia with slanted headlights and a more aggressive stance. The Escape’s front bumper and hood have also been updated to go along with the more handsome, chiseled looks.
In addition to the sporty new looks, the 2023 Escape adds an upgraded infotainment system that will make this model a leader among compact SUVs. Ford has also reworked the trim levels on the Escape. Gone are the familiar S, SE, SEL, and Titanium levels that had come to be a little stale. These have been replaced by six new trim levels. These range from the self-explanatory Base to the Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite. Each increases the comfort and performance levels as you ascend the lineup.
MSRP: $27,500 [a]
Screen Size (in): 13.2
Cargo Space (cu.ft.): 65.4
Horsepower (hp): 180-250
Performance
Turbocharged or Hybrid?
Ford has equipped the 2023 Escape with a choice of two turbocharged gas engines and two hybrid options. The base engine is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, which gets solid performance out of its three cylinders, delivering 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. This engine is featured on the Base, Active, and ST-Line, and is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The other turbocharged engine is a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which provides 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Escape ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite are equipped with this engine and also come standard with all-wheel drive.
The two hybrid options for the 2023 Ford Escape include a traditional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The Platinum and the three ST-Line trims are available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors to provide 192 hp. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available. The 2023 Escape Plug-In Hybrid features a larger battery pack and more powerful electric motors for 210 hp but is only available with front-wheel drive. In addition to regenerative braking, the lithium-ion battery can be charged at home or a public charging station. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid has an estimated range of 37 miles on electric power alone.
Efficiency and Handling
One of the biggest benefits of driving a Ford Escape is its fuel economy. No matter which model you choose, you are going to get exceptional fuel efficiency. This is why the Escape is an ideal SUV for commuters. It also works well for families on a budget who are looking to save on gas. If your biggest consideration is fuel economy, then your best bet is to choose one of the two hybrid models of the 2023 Ford Escape. The traditional hybrid will generally be more efficient when operating on gasoline power, but if you make a lot of short trips, the plug-in hybrid can avoid using gasoline entirely.
To help improve fuel economy, Ford has given the two turbocharged engines for the 2023 Escape an eight-speed automatic transmission. This will provide efficient performance. The two hybrid models have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT works well at blending the performance between the gas engine and electric motor on the Escape Hybrid.
No matter which model you choose, you will find the 2023 Ford Escape easy to handle. Its compact design gives it exceptional maneuverability. The models with all-wheel drive will deliver better traction, especially in inclement weather. The optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will provide the best acceleration, but the other three powertrains have more than enough speed to make it easy to get onto a busy highway.
Driver-Assist
Ford Co-Pilot360
Ford has made safety standard for the 2023 Ford Escape. This is because every trim comes equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of active driver-assistance features. This comprises four standard features, in addition to a number of other safety features that can be added as available equipment.
Pre-Collision Assist will help you avoid accidents or reduce damage if a crash is inevitable. It uses a set of forward sensors mounted above the rearview mirror to scan the road in front of your Escape. If it detects another vehicle or pedestrian, it will alert you so that you can take evasive action. The system will also engage Automatic Emergency Braking, which can bring your Escape to a stop, helping to significantly reduce the chances of a collision. Evasive Steering Assist is a very helpful available feature on the Escape. If you need to avoid a collision, this system will provide extra steering support when the Pre-Collision Assist warning goes off. This improves the Escape’s maneuverability in these emergency situations.
Stay in Control
You are sure to feel in control with standard BLIS. That stands for Blind Spot Information System, and this feature is designed to detect vehicles driving in your Escape’s blind spot. When you go to change lanes, BLIS will let you know if the coast is clear so you can avoid an accident. BLIS even works with the standard Rear View Camera to make backing out of a space in a crowded parking lot safer than ever by detecting if another vehicle or pedestrian is about to cross behind your Escape. If this happens, it will engage the Rear Cross-Traffic Braking system to stop your Escape before you crash into the other vehicle or pedestrian.
Similar to the BLIS is the Lane Keeping System. One of the most common causes of highway accidents is when drivers drift out of their lane. This can be due to factors such as fatigue and distraction. If you start to drift, this will sound a Driver Alert to get you focused on the road. It will also use a series of steering wheel vibrations referred to as Lane-Keeping Alert. Finally, the Lane-Keeping Aid will make steering adjustments to get you back in your lane. All three features will work in unison to keep you and your Escape on the straight and narrow.
Technology
Standard SYNC 4
The 2023 Ford Escape offers more standard comfort and convenience features than any prior model in Escape history. The biggest news is that Ford has made its SYNC 4 infotainment system standard on all trims of the Escape. This comes with a standard eight-inch touchscreen, which allows you to easily scroll through the various features available. There is also an available 13.2-inch touchscreen that comes standard on the ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims.
SYNC 4 is the most advanced infotainment system Ford has ever offered, and it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to access your favorite apps and make hands-free calls using SYNC 4. Some trims even offer wireless charging for your smartphones, so you can leave the annoying charging cables at home.
Connectivity Features
A free trial of SiriusXM with 360L comes standard with every 2023 Escape. This allows you to get the best in music, sports, news, and entertainment wherever you drive. The SUV comes with a standard six-speaker stereo. However, music lovers may want to spring for the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen. This optional stereo equipment features 10 speakers, including a subwoofer, and will turn your Escape into a self-propelled concert hall.
One of the most convenient features of the 2023 Escape is FordPass Connect. This app allows you to turn your Escape into a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices. You and your passengers are sure to enjoy staying connected wherever your Escape takes you. This hotspot provides coverage up to 50 feet from your vehicle, so it is really useful on trips and family picnics.
Your Future Should Include a Ford Escape!
If you are looking for your next vehicle, then the place to go is Future Ford of Sacramento. Our dealership is conveniently located right off I-80, and we proudly serve drivers from all over the Sacramento area. We carry the full lineup of Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs, including the 2023 Ford Escape. We also have a vast inventory of affordable used vehicles, allowing you to find the one you want at a great price.
Our goal is to put the customer first. Our friendly sales staff will work with you to help you find the model you want at a price you can afford. If you need financing, our finance team will help you get a lease or loan at competitive rates that are designed to fit your budget. When it comes time to service your vehicle, bring it here. Our team of trained technicians at our service department can help with everything from routine maintenance to major repairs. Come to Future Ford of Sacramento today. Let us show you why your future should include a 2023 Ford Escape!
