The Ford Escape got a complete overhaul for 2020, and now the automaker has another update for its popular compact crossover. The 2023 Escape gets new styling, an available 13.2-inch display, and a group of new ST-Line trims. Production starts soon, and the order books are open now.
Ford Escape ST-Line
Ford brought its popular ST-Line styling to the Escape for 2023. The trim features a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower and either front- or all-wheel drive. Ford will offer the hybrid powertrain in the ST-Line, and the ST-Line Select and Elite models add a turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 250 horsepower.
2023 Ford Escape styling
Styling changes for the ST-Line include a rear spoiler, a monochromatic exterior appearance package, black exterior trim, and a unique LED lightbar for the top ST-Line Elite. Inside, the ST-Line models get a flat-bottom steering wheel and black trim throughout.
2023 Ford Escape powertrain
Two hybrid powertrains are available for 2023, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor for a combined 210 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid delivers 37 miles of electric range and can recharge in 3.5 hours using a level 2 charger. Ford claims a range of 400 miles per tank for all Escape models and more than 550 miles for hybrid front-wheel drive variants.
2023 Ford Escape tech and safety
All Escapes now come with Ford Sync 4 infotainment, which offers cloud-based navigation, over-the-air updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Ford says drivers can use voice controls to search the internet, look up driving directions, and find information on local restaurants. Owners get a regularly updated interface, but they’ll also get new features over time as the automaker rolls out future updates. Amazon Alexa comes standard with a three-year subscription. Owners can find music, directions and interact with smart home devices from the car.
Ford Co-Pilot360 is available, which now includes Intersection Assist, a function that helps avoid collisions with pedestrians when turning. A new Blind Spot Assist system is also available, which combines the standard mirror-based light alerts with steering nudges to help prevent collisions. Ford says the system is also capable of detecting pedestrians and motorcyclists.
What this means for you
We could grumble about another crossover hitting the market, but the Ford Escape is a good indicator of what’s to come. Even slow-moving automakers that won’t transition fully to electrics in the next few years are releasing more hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles that bridge the gap between gas and EV powertrains. That the Escape offers at least 400 miles of range on a tank and more than 550 miles with hybrid power is a huge benefit that will likely help usher people into more electrified vehicles down the road.
Ford’s move to efficiency also makes the Escape a reasonable alternative to EVs for many people, and it’s one that completely kills range anxiety with a gas engine to back up electric power. The new Escape is sleek, stylish and can keep going when battery power runs low. That should be Ford’s entire sales pitch.
