2023 Ford Escape Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Key Features
- Starting at $27,500 MSRP*
- Choice of a standard 1.5L EcoBoost® engine with 181 horsepower or an optional 2.0L EcoBoost® with 250 horsepower
- Standard 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined MPG**
- Available All-Wheel Drive with AWD Disconnect
- Standard SYNC® 4 Technology, with 8-inch touchscreen, or available 13.2-inch touchscreen
- Optional Panoramic Vista Roof®
- Standard FordPass Connect™ with 4G LTE Wi-Fi® Hotspot
- Four Selectable Drive Modes with available 12.3-inch instrument cluster
About the Ford Escape
Perfectly suited to drivers who crave a balance of capability and practicality, the dynamic Ford Escape is packed with the technology and style you need to help make the most of your day. Eager to get a head start on your weekend plans? The Escape delivers a cavernous 60.8 cubic feet of cargo room made possible by its clever 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Drivers can choose between a standard 1.5L EcoBoost® engine with 181 horsepower or an optional 2.0L EcoBoost® with 250 horsepower – each designed specifically to deliver a blend of power and efficiency.
No matter what type of terrain or weather conditions you face, the Escape is able to excel thanks to its optional All-Wheel Drive with AWD Disconnect. Helping you save time and money at the pump, its specialized Auto Start-Stop Technology means you can go further with every fill-up. Other highlights and premium amenities found inside the interior of the Escape include comfortable leather upholstery and a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker audio system. Lending a helping hand when you need it the most, every Ford Escape comes standard with revolutionary Ford Co-Pilot360 active safety technology.
What the Critics Say
“Overall, we’re happy with the level of comfort the Escape offers. The front seats are well shaped and have a pleasing amount of cushioning. The rear seats are also comfortable and provide a suitable amount of thigh support for adults. Around town and on the highway, the Escape rides in a smooth and composed manner. It’s also fairly quiet at speed, with road noise the prevailing source of sound intrusion.” — Edmunds
“Driving the Ford Escape is a pleasant experience that yields few surprises. In our testing, the base turbocharged 3-cylinder engine is strong enough for the daily commute and returns good fuel economy. Upgrading to the available turbo 4-cylinder engine adds some extra excitement to this practical SUV. This engine is similar to the one that powered the now-discontinued Ford Focus ST, bringing back good memories of that hot hatch.” — U.S. News & World Report
What’s New for 2023
There have been some big changes to the Escape for 2023. The first one you’re likely to notice is the redesigned front end. This includes a bigger grille with a bigger blue oval, which has been moved from on top of the grille to right in the middle of it. The trim levels have all been changed, and the plug-in hybrid Escape is now its own dedicated trim. There are a number of new wheels available, some of them unique to specific trims. The SYNC® 3 system has been replaced with SYNC® 4, and there are two new and bigger screens for use with this system. The standard screen is now 8 inches, while the available upgraded screen is 13.2 inches. Similarly, the standard Escape now has an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, with the optional 12.3-inch version from last year’s model carrying over as the upgrade.
Ford Escape Features
Proven Performance & Style
There are two distinct powertrain choices available on the Ford Escape. Included as standard is an economical 181-horsepower 1.5L EcoBoost® engine that combines efficiency with responsive acceleration. Craving a bit more muscle? Drivers can also opt for the available 250-horsepower 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, tuned to deliver both power and fuel economy. Regardless of engine choice, you’ll also receive a responsive 8-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission along with Auto Stop-Start Technology to further boost fuel economy. An available All-Wheel Drive system featuring AWD Disconnect means that you can stay in control during harsh weather conditions. When properly equipped, the Ford Escape delivers a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds – perfect for a small utility trailer or even a pair of jet skis. LED signature lighting helps to further accentuate the eye-catching exterior styling found across the entire Escape model range.
Comfortable Interior
From the moment you take a seat behind the wheel of the Ford Escape, you’ll instantly appreciate the spaciousness and premium feel of the interior. A perfect example is its available Panoramic Vista Roof® that’s able to tilt upwards or fully open to fill the cabin with fresh air and natural lighting. Drivers can also outfit the interior to suit their needs thanks to a number of clever seating arrangements made possible by the standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Featuring 7 individual hues, you can also use the ambient lighting system to tailor the mood of the interior to match your preferences. Perfect for chilly winter mornings, the available leather-trimmed steering wheel inside the Ford Escape helps you stay warm with its handy heating function. Available ActiveX seating upholstery combines the premium feel of leather with outstanding durability.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Cutting-edge technology features help you stay connected to your social circle inside the Ford Escape. Standard SYNC® 4 lets you experience easy-to-use, responsive voice-activated technology via a standard 8-inch touchscreen, or an available 13.2-inch unit. Included as standard, FordPass Connect™ includes Wi-Fi® Hotspot capability that gives you the freedom to find parking, get key vehicle information, check fuel prices, and even unlock your Escape remotely. Helping you keep your eyes safely on the road ahead is an optional Head-Up Display that shows important information on a 6-inch widescreen in your line of vision. The Escape also includes 4 individual drive modes that give you more flexibility when traveling across a variety of different types of terrain. These four modes include Normal, Slippery, Sport, and ECO.
Groundbreaking Driver Assistance
Engineered to keep you protected from the unexpected, the Ford Escape is equipped with an impressive suite of active safety features known as Ford Co-Pilot360. Designed to take the uncertainty out of routine driving situations, standard Auto High-Beam Headlamps and Rear-View Camera provide protection against accidents or collisions. Additional safety features available on the Escape include Enhanced Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support, and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert. A Personal Safety System™ for the driver and front passenger along with a total of 7 standard airbags surround occupants in a cocoon of safety. Whether you’re an experienced driver or just hitting the road for the first time, the Ford Escape is an exceptional choice when it comes to safety.
Trims & Specs
Ford Escape Base
- Starting at $27,500 MSRP*
- 1.5L EcoBoost® Engine producing 181 horsepower
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- 17-inch steel wheels with Sparkle Silver-painted covers
- SYNC 4 with 8-inch screen
- Second-row sliding seats with 60/40 split-fold down
Active
- Starting at $28,845 MSRP*
- Ford C-Pilot360 technology
- FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- 17-inch Shadow Silver-painted aluminum wheels
- SiriusXM with 360L
- Intelligent Access with push-button start
ST-Line
- Starting at $29,840 MSRP*
- 18-inch Rock Metallic painted aluminum wheels
- Sport handling suspension/tuning on AWD models
- Aluminum SVT foot pedal
- Sport contour bucket seats
- Painted front and rear bumpers
ST-Line Select
- Starting at $34,040 MSRP*
- Standard 2.0L EcoBoost® Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology, producing 250 horsepower
- Available 19-inch machine-face Ebony-painted aluminum wheels
- LED fog lamps
- All-Wheel Drive with Sport Handling Suspension/Tuning
- Unique ST-Line badging
Platinum
- Starting at $37,465 MSRP*
- 19-inch machine-face Dark Tarnish-painted aluminum wheels
- 12.3-inch digital productivity screen
- Ambient lighting with floor lights
- Heated steering wheel
- Black roof-rack rails
ST-Line Elite
- Starting at $38,460 MSRP*
- 19-inch machine-face Ebony-painted aluminum wheels
- Unique interior accents
- Front rain-sensing wipers
- Wireless charging pad
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (also referred to as “MSRP”, “Base MSRP”, “Base Price” or the “Starting At” price), excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees, and total of options.
For authenticated AXZ Plan customers, the price displayed may represent Plan pricing. Not all AXZ Plan customers will qualify for the Plan pricing shown and not all offers or incentives are available to AXZ Plan customers.
**EPA estimated city/highway mpg based on base engine/transmission configuration. Actual mileage will vary.