The Ford Escape compact SUV has been mildly revised for 2023 with a new ST-Line, a revised naming schedule, fresh styling and tech. Ford’s fourth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., the Escape shares a platform with the Bronco Sport and Maverick pickup, forming a trio of compact, efficient vehicles, each focused on a specific demographic.
The way Ford sees it, the Bronco Sport is for people heading out for recreation, and the Maverick is for buyers with the occasional need to haul something bulky. That leaves the Escape free to focus on adventures of the urban variety, and it’s nudged the model closer to that ideal with the latest version, which is nearly devoid of any off-road graphical hubris. Instead, it’s focused on snagging lunch or a night on the town with the benefit of compact size and modern tech to guide your travels.
New Escape Trim Line-Up
Ford told Forbes Wheels they began working on the new Escape almost immediately after the previous version hit showrooms. Through extensive consumer interfacings, they learned that most buyers are oblivious to the typical “S, SE Premium, Premium Plus” trim walks most manufacturers adhere to.
The new Escape lineup sorts out thusly: Base, Escape Active, Platinum, Plug-In Hybrid and the new stand-alone ST-Line. Base and Escape Active models come with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine with either front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). Platinum brings the 2.0L EcoBoost engine with AWD and a hybrid powertrain option with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
New Escape ST-Line
It was only a matter of time until Ford applied the ST formula to the Escape. Sadly, unlike its Explorer and Edge siblings that feature upgraded performance, the Edge ST is essentially a cosmetic package. But it’s a well-done package and shouldn’t tarnish the ST’s shine; at least they make it clear it’s called “ST-Line” to differentiate it slightly.
Ford offers the ST-Line in three levels of ST-ness: Base ST-Line with a 180 horsepower EcoBoost 1.8-liter four-cylinder with front- or all-wheel drive; a hybrid version is available with front-wheel drive. ST-Line Select and the ST-Line Elite open the door to an available 250 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive and an available hybrid option. (Both horsepower figures are awaiting final certification.)
Exterior tweaks include a monochromatic finish (ST-Line Elite gets 19-inch wheels), a specific black mesh grille, a unique rear skid plate, 18-inch wheels and a large rear spoiler. There’s also an available “coast to coast” LED light bar that runs from headlamp to headlamp just above the grille. The black interior gets a flat-bottom steering wheel, red stitching highlights on the steering wheel, seat trim, door panels, armrest, floor mats and console.
Freedom of Choice: Escape Hybrids
The Hybrid lineup breaks out into two distinct powertrains: The 2.5-liter hybrid, available on Platinum and the ST-Line, and the PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid) stand-alone model.
The full hybrid model with front-wheel drive targets 199 horsepower combined output and an EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles, but final certification is pending on both counts.
The Escape PHEV includes Ford’s advanced fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system, which consists of a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The front-wheel drive hybrid model is projected to produce a combined system of 210 hp. The projected range EV-only range is 37 miles. It offers Level 1 (110 volt) and Level 2 charging; Ford claims a full recharge takes 10 to 11 hours on 110 and just 3.5 hours on a Level 2 (240 volt) charger.
Fresh Technology
Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system with Enhanced Voice Recognition provides cloud-connected navigation with updates for road closures and other travel alerts and integrates standard wireless Apple CarPlay software features and Android Auto. The Alexa with complimentary connectivity for Alexa for up to three years makes it easy to listen to music, navigate, control smart home devices and perform the rest of the usual Alexa functions.
How Much Does the 2023 Ford Escape Cost and When will it be Available?
Pricing for the 2023 Ford Escape starts at $28,995 (including $1,495 destination) for the base FWD with the 1.5L EcoBoost; the Active FWD with the 1.5L EcoBoost increases by $1,345 to $30,340.
The Base ST-Line with the 1.5-liter and FWD rings in at $31,335; ST-Line Select with AWD and the 2.0-liter checks in a $35,535, a $4,200 increase over the Base ST-Line. The ST-Line Elite with the hybrid powertrain and AWD is $39,995.
Going Platinum with the FWD Hybrid is a comparatively reasonable $37,460, and the PHEV front-wheel drive is $39,995.
The order books for the 2023 Ford Escape are open now, and vehicles should begin arriving in early 2023. The Escape SUV is assembled at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky.
