The new generation of Ford's Escape crossover launched in 2020 with smoother lines and a generally less rugged appearance. The design shift was meant to leave space for the Bronco Sport and give Ford options for those who want a sleek-looking crossover and those after an off-roader aesthetic. With the 2023 refresh of the Escape, Ford is moving to something a bit more aggressive.
It's still not rugged, but Ford wants to show you that the Escape is a little more athletic, now with an upright octagonal grille and narrower headlights as well as a top-of-grille LED light bar on select trims.
Ford is rehashing the trim level names with SE and SEL replaced by base and Active. The newly introduced ST-Line trim, meanwhile, gets a black mesh grille, black exterior trim, and black wheels along with red interior accents and a flat-bottom wheel – all to reinforce the idea that it is the sporty version of the Escape.
Tech changes inside include a move to Sync 4, Ford's latest infotainment system that offers improved voice recognition and connected navigation. It also comes with Ford's over-the-air software update capability, allowing for upgrades and improvements down the road. A new 13.2-inch screen is much larger than the 2022 Escape's biggest and is available as an option.
Ford's suite of optional driver assists on Escape includes adaptive cruise, predictive speed assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and evasive steering assist. New this year are Intersection Assist 2.0 which helps drivers avoid crashes when turning at an intersection and Blind Spot Assist which will nudge the steering wheel slightly if the driver ignores the usual warning lights in the mirror.
Engine options stay the same: a 180-hp 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder is standard, while a 250-hp 2.0L four is on the options list. Ford will continue to offer the hybrid model as well as the Ford Escape PHEV, which has an estimated electric-only range of 60 km.
The 2023 Ford Escape should start to arrive at dealers early in 2023, with pricing to be announced shortly before then.
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