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2023 Ford Escape

Rating6.7

Ranked #11 in

SUV

Write Review

$28,000 - $38,460

Starting Price

Year

Body Style

SUV Hybrid SUV

Nathan Dyer

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 8, 2024

Pros	Cons	What's New
Roomy and comfortable	Choppy transmission	Refreshed front and rear styling
Refined ride quality	Poor handling	New wheels
User-friendly controls	Poor acceleration	Infotainment system gets upgraded from Sync 3 to Sync 4
Fantastic exterior design		13.2-inch touchscreen, along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster

Specs & Features

$29,345

price

180 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

190 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

torque

8-Speed Automatic

transmission

1.5L 3cyl FWD 8A

engine

basic warranty

Overview

The Ford Escape has been the compact SUV of choice for many and for 2023, the model gets a major refresh. Ford chose to not reinvent the model completely but stick to making the existing model look more appealing and refined than ever. Buyers will be familiar with the cabin as much won’t change on the inside and the powertrain offering will be a carryover that contains a choice of two EcoBoost engines along with Hybrid and Plug-in-hybrid offerings available. The light bar that spans the top of the grille from one headlight to the other is the 2023 Ford Escape's most notable alteration. This row of LED lights makes the hood appear sleeker. It is supported by an oval grille with 3D-like features, new fog lights, and intakes on either side. On the revised crossover face, Ford reworked the trapezoidal grille. The front bumper is boxier and has more pronounced fog lights, while the grill has a smaller form. Under the main grille, there is a second grille as well.

Buying Advice

Since compact SUVs are majorly for short city commutes, we prefer sticking to the smaller engine and the SE trim with AWD carries the most value as it’s affordable and comes with all the necessary modern tech and connectivity.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The back of the Escape has seen fewer noticeable changes, with new upside-down U-shaped LED taillights. This version throws away black plastic cladding down the side of the car in favor of body-colored trim and leaves the rear bumper unaltered. The Ford Escape will stand against the SUVs like Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Hyundai Tucson, which are all similarly sized vehicles but are known to carry a much more refined interior. However, if you're prepared to spend for one of the higher trim levels, the Escape can be equipped with a wealth of optional luxury and convenience options in addition to desirable driver-assistance systems.

Features
7.0/10

Ford will carry forward the trim line similar to that on the outgoing model and will feature four variants, namely S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Most trims come standard with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine and an 8 automatic transmission. For those who need more power, the SEL and Titanium trim level offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The smaller engine can be configured with either FWD or AWS system while the four-cylinder motor can only be configured with AWD. The new 2023 Ford Escape is anticipated to start at around $27,000, with the price going up by a few hundred dollars to pay the changes. The cost of all-wheel drive increases by about $1,500. With a variety of compact SUV/crossover rivals, this price is comparatively competitive. The top Titanium trim would cost $37,000 and come loaded with larger wheels and features that make the cabin feel a bit more premium compared to the cheaper trims.

Trim	S	SE	SEL	Titanium
MSRP (RWD)	$27,000	$29,000	$31,000	NA
MSRP (AWD)	$28,500	$30,500	$32,500	$37,000
Key Features	17-inch steel wheels	17-inch alloy wheels	Remote engine start	19-inch alloy wheels
	4.2-inch display	Chrome exterior trim	Power liftgate	LED headlights and fog lights
	Height adjustable driver seat	Keyless ignition	Heated front seats	Ambient lighting
	6-speaker sound system	8-inch touchscreen	Dual-zone automatic climate control	Optional Bang & Olufsen audio system
	Onboard WiFi	Two rear USB	Power driver's seat	Power-adjustable passenger seat
	Forward collision mitigation	Satellite radio	18-inch alloy wheels	Optional leather upholstery
	Blind-spot monitor	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Roof rails	Â
	Lane departure mitigation	Â	Fog lights	Â
Â	Â	Â	Imitation leather upholstery	Â

We Recommend

Since compact SUVs are majorly for short city commutes, we prefer sticking to the smaller engine and the SE trim with AWD carries the most value as it's affordable and comes with all the necessary modern tech and connectivity.

Release Date

Ford will officially unveil the new and refreshed Escape towards the end of 2022.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

The non-hybrid Escape model with the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive is expected to have the best fuel economy estimates. Its ratings are 27 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg overall. These figures decrease to 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined when all-wheel drive is added. Rated for 23 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined is the bigger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with AWD.

Model	2023 Ford Escape	2023 Toyota RAV4	2023 Honda CR-V	2023 Hyundai Tucson
MPG (city)	27	27	28	26
MPG (highway)	33	35	34	33
MPG (combined)	30	30	30	29
Fuel capacity (gal.)	14.8	14.5	14.0	14.3
Range (City/Highway/Combined (miles)	400/488/444	392/508/435	392/476/420	372/472/415

Thanks to its largest tank, the Escape is able to put out the highest range in combined drive conditions but take the individual fuel efficiency and all the SUVs here offer very similar figures. All these vehicles are intended to be easy on the pocket but those looking to travel more distance can check out the plug-in hybrid variant of the Escape.

Interior
7.0/10

The interior will receive some changes as well but not as drastic as the exterior stay very familiar when compared to the outgoing model. Despite being tastefully designed and roomy for passengers in the front and back seats, the vehicle has some low-quality plastic panels, particularly those on the doors and lower center console. Standard seat upholstery is a highly textured fabric, while higher trim levels can choose between convincing faux leather and genuine leather in the Titanium model. Up to eight carry-on luggage can fit in the spacious cargo area located behind the Escape's back seat. SE Escapes and higher models get heated seats to add on to the convenience and the cushions have been redesigned to be more comfortable, while the rear seatbacks recline. To increase leg or cargo space, the second-row bench can be moved along a track, making the cabin very versatile. The quality is definitely something that the rivals do better at but the Escape sure is practical enough.

Model	2023 Ford Escape	2023 Toyota RAV4	2023 Honda CR-V	2023 Hyundai Tucson
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)	40./57.6/42.4	39.5/57.8/41.0	40.1/57.9/41.3	40.1/57.6/41.4
Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)	39.3/56.0/40.7	39.5/56.4/37.8	39.2/55.6/40.4	39.5/56.0/41.3
Trunk Capacity to the rear row seats (cu.-ft)	37.5	37.6	39.2	38.7
Trunk Capacity to the front row seats (cu.-ft)	65.4	69.8	75.8	74.8

The Ford Escape offers the best passenger room and can accommodate taller occupants when compared to the rivals. However, this has been achieved by slightly sacrificing some cargo space. The Honda and Hyundai offer the largest cargo area both with the rear seats upright as well as when folded.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Ford Escape include

Faux leather/genuine leather upholstery
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear row armrest
Height adjustable driver’s seat
Heated front seats
Power adjustable front seats

How intuitive is the 2023 Ford Escape infotainment system?

While the low S model only gets an AM/FM radio and a 4.2-inch radio display, SE trim levels and higher receive an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as Ford's newest Sync 3 infotainment system. All Escape models come with a smartphone app that allows for remote access to the vehicle's telematics and remote starting, but the Titanium model is the most connected and high-tech Escape because it includes a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display as standard equipment. The head-up display comes in as an optional feature.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Ford Escape are

Rear USB ports
8.0-inch touchscreen
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Ford Sync 3 infotainment system
12.3-inch digital gauge display

Exterior
7.0/10

The 2023 Ford Escape has a stylish redesign that makes it appear more contemporary and assured. The SUV's huge level of power is now matched by the aggressive design. The car is going to look pretty much the same from a side profile but users will be welcomed by the new front fascia and slightly refreshed rear section. Along with the new headlights, the grille has been raised and now prominently displays the Ford badge in the middle. At the moment, the logo is located on the hood's leading edge. You might be surprised to learn that the 2023 Escape's front end looks a lot like the Mustang Mach-E. On the back of the car, there aren't any really noticeable alterations. The liftgate is effectively accented by the small taillights, which are on the slim side. However, there is a new exhaust tip design and an upgraded fascia.

Model	2023 Ford Escape	2023 Toyota RAV4	2023 Honda CR-V	2023 Hyundai Tucson
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,200	3,655	3,708	3,651
Length (in.)	180.5	180.9	182.1	182.3
Width (in.)	74.1	73.0	73.0	73.4
Height (in.)	66.1	67.0	66.1	65.6
Ground Clearance (in.)	7.3	8.4	7.8	7.1
Wheelbase (in.)	106.7	105.9	104.8	108.5

The exterior dimensions of the Escape are on the smaller side when compared to its rivals but it sure is spacious enough. You might want to reconsider when driving off-road as the ground clearance can be an issue but the relatively lower height makes it easier for passengers to get in and out. The Toyota here offers the highest ground clearance and is also the tallest car, making it look like a vehicle of a bigger class.

Some of the standout exterior features include

17-inch steel wheels or 17/18/19-inch alloys
Chrome exterior trims
Power liftgate
Roof rails
Panoramic sunroof
LED headlights and fog lights

Safety
7.0/10

Every Escape model comes equipped with the Co-Pilot360 package of driver-assistance systems from Ford. The 2023 model hasn’t been crash tested but since the car is based on the exact same platform as the outgoing model that received 5-stars from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” rating from IIHS, a similar result can be expected for this model as well.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Ford Escape are

Adaptive cruise control
Parking sensors
Blind-spot monitor
Lane keep assist
Forward collision mitigation
Evasive steering assist

Competition

2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, which shows that consumers have made their preferences known and it is important to take them into account. Compared to the Escape, the RAV4 boasts a little bit more cargo capacity and more power in its base engine. In addition to the Escape Hybrid, Toyota also offers the RAV4 Hybrid. This makes the RAV4 a much more fun SUV to drive around.

2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Honda CR-V

Both these SUVs have a similar configuration under the hood and offer the same zippy acceleration off the line. The major advantage that the Honda CR-V holds over the Escape is its well-refined interior and snugly fitted cabin panels, which make it feel upscale. However, the Ford is the more spacious option and suitable for the crowd looking for a comfortable family hauler.

2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson feels like a more weighted-down SUV when compared to the Ford, making it a less engaging vehicle to be behind the wheel of. The Tucson however has a very modern and striking design despite the Ford being a redesigned model for 2023. The Tucson offers a much larger cargo space than the Ford but if passenger comfort and space are your priority, look no further than the Ford Escape.

Final Verdict

The 2023 Ford Escape is definitely a good option if you’re in the market for a compact crossover SUV. The new model isn’t a drastic upgrade from the outgoing version but it sure is distinguishable due to its new design that makes the car look more active and aggressive. The Ford Escape features ample features and cabin space for a hassle-free and quick family get-away but the interior quality can feel cheap and unrefined when compared to what the rivals offer. The car definitely offers what it’s priced for and this is one of the more spacious options available, making it the ideal pick for families.

Trims

Active
$28,000 onwards

Engine: 1.5L 3cyl FWD 8A
Horsepower: 180 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
Torque: 190 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.7 sec
Top Speed: 120 mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 30 mpg

Base
$28,000 onwards

Engine: 1.5L 3cyl AWD 8A
Horsepower: 181 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
Torque: 190 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.7 sec
Top Speed: 120 mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 28 mpg

ST-Line
$30,340 onwards

Engine: 1.5L 3cyl FWD 8A
Horsepower: 180 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
Torque: 199 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.7 sec
Top Speed: 120 mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 30 mpg

ST-Line Select
$34,040 onwards

Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
0-60 mph: 6 sec
Top Speed: 130 mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg

Platinum
$37,465 onwards

Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
0-60 mph: 6 sec
Top Speed: 130 mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg

ST-Line Elite
$38,460 onwards

Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
0-60 mph: 6 sec
Top Speed: 130 mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg

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600 hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque

280 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

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Read Review

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2023 Honda CR-V

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2023 Ford Escape vs competitor's 0-60

Car Name	0-60 MPH	Quarter Mile	Top Speed
2023 Ford Escape Ranked #4	7.7 sec	15.9 sec	120 mph
2023 Buick Envision Ranked #1	6.8 sec	15.2 sec	-
2023 Volkswagen Taos Ranked #2	7.4 sec	15.8 sec	-
2023 Jeep Compass Ranked #3	7.5 sec	15.7 sec	130 mph
2023 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #5	8.1 sec	-	-
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Ranked #5	8.1 sec	16.2 sec	-

Car Name	MPG City	MPG Highway	MPG Combined	Fuel Tank Capacity	Range (C/H)	Source
2023 Ford Escape Ranked #2	27 mpg	34 mpg	30 mpg	14.8 gal.	399.6/503.2 mi.
2023 Volkswagen Taos Ranked #1	28 mpg	36 mpg	31 mpg	13.2 gal.	369.6/475.2 mi.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #2	27 mpg	35 mpg	30 mpg	14.5 gal.	391.5/507.5 mi.
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #2	28 mpg	34 mpg	30 mpg	14 gal.	392/476 mi.
2023 Subaru Forester Ranked #3	26 mpg	33 mpg	29 mpg	16.6 gal.	-	-
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #3	26 mpg	31 mpg	29 mpg	14.9 gal.	-

2023 Ford Escape vs competitor's dimensions

Car Name	Length	Width	Height	Ground Clearance	Wheelbase	Source
2023 Ford Escape Ranked #10	180.1 in.	74.1 in.	66 in.	7.5 in.	106.7 in.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #1	188.4 in.	74.8 in.	66.3 in.	8.2 in.	108.9 in.	-
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #2	186.1 in.	72.4 in.	66.4 in.	7.4 in.	109.9 in.
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #3	184.8 in.	73.5 in.	66.2 in.	7.8 in.	106.3 in.	-
2023 Kia Sportage Ranked #4	183.5 in.	73.4 in.	65.4 in.	7.1 in.	108.5 in.	-
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #5	183.1 in.	72.6 in.	65.4 in.	7.6 in.	107.3 in.

2023 Ford Escape vs competitor's trunk space

Car Name	Trunk Capacity	Passenger Volume	Max Trunk Volume	Source
2023 Ford Escape Ranked #8	37.5 cu.ft.	104 cu.ft.	65.4 cu.ft.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #1	38.7 cu.ft.	108.2 cu.ft.	80.3 cu.ft.
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #2	39.3 cu.ft.	106 cu.ft.	76.5 cu.ft.
2023 Subaru Forester Ranked #3	-	111.6 cu.ft.	74.2 cu.ft.	-
2023 Kia Sportage Ranked #4	39.6 cu.ft.	-	74.1 cu.ft.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #5	36.4 cu.ft.	111.5 cu.ft.	72.1 cu.ft.

2023 Ford Escape vs competitor's cargo space

Car Name	Cargo Volume	Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area	Max Cargo Volume	Source
2023 Ford Escape Ranked #1	65.4 cu.ft.	37.5 cu.ft.	65.4 cu.ft.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Ranked #2	54.7 cu.ft.	-	54.7 cu.ft.	-
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Ranked #3	65.2 cu.ft.	32.5 cu.ft.	65.2 cu.ft.
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #4	65.3 cu.ft.	12 cu.ft.	65.3 cu.ft.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #5	80.3 cu.ft.	38.7 cu.ft.	80.3 cu.ft.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #6	72.1 cu.ft.	36.4 cu.ft.	72.1 cu.ft.

2023 Ford Escape vs competitor's towing capacity

Car Name	Towing Capacity	Payload Capacity	Weight
2023 Ford Escape Ranked #3	2000 lbs.	-	3298 lbs.
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #1	19980 lbs.	-	3472 lbs.
2023 Kia Sportage Ranked #2	2500 lbs.	1301 lbs.	3373 lbs.
2023 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #3	2000 lbs.	-	3728 lbs.
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Ranked #3	2000 lbs.	1171 lbs.	3467 lbs.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #3	2000 lbs.	1301 lbs.	3329 lbs.

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#10

2023 Ford Escape User Reviews

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[1 Reviews]

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MRK

MATTHEW R KEITH

2023 Ford Escape

Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A)

Not Rated

User Overall Rating

Posted On: August 1, 2024

Escape Hybrid great car

Pros - ["hybrid great fuel mileage", "Many safety features", "navigation"]

Cons - {"0": "button heavy", "1": "eco mode not have to put in everytime", "2": "Cost backup collison"}

I recently purchased the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid the car is great on fuel mileage and it is the recharging type not the plug in which is great dont have to worry about charging stations it has many safety features such as back up camera and warning chimes front camera collision assist cruise control lane keeping system tailgating settings as well as eco setting to further fuel economy the price w...