Ford has unveiled the refreshed 2023 Ford Escape, showing off an updated rival for the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain.
The refreshed 2023 Ford Escape starts with new styling for the crossover, including a sleeker, taut fascia with angled headlamp clusters. Those headlamps are equipped with LED lighting elements as standard, and also include a signature styling element.
One of the big headlines is the new ST-Line series, which includes a series-specific black mesh grille, a unique rear skid plate, a large rear spoiler, and monochromatic color treatment, all of which promise more curb appeal for the crossover.
Moving inside, we once again seating for five passengers, while the rear bench seat can slide nearly 6 inches forward or back to provide either more leg room or enhanced cargo space, as needed.
Tech features are abundant, with an available 13.2-inch display with cloud-connected SYNC 4 Technology, and optional optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s new advanced driver-assist tech too, such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Predictive Speed Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Reverse Brake Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities keep your device connected on the go.
Engine options include a turbocharged 1.5L EcoBoost making 180 horsepower, as well as a turbocharged 2.0L engine producing 250 horsepower. Hybrid options, including a plug-in hybrid, are offered as well. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available, depending on the trim level and powertrain selected.
Pricing for the 2023 Ford Escape starts at $28,995 (including destination) for base models with front-wheel drive, while the Plug-in Hybrid model sits at the top of the price list, starting at $39,995 (including destination).
The refreshed 2023 Ford Escape is available to order now, and is expected to hit dealerships early next year. Production takes place at Ford’s Louisville plant in Kentucky.
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Comments
GM not offering a hybrid is mind boggling.
This isn’t a rival to the Equinox or the Terrain…this is a statement to GM. I come from a GM family, but this blows the Terrain and Equinox out of the water. It looks nicer and has a wide variety of powertrains for everyone. And, unlike GM’s RS appearance package on the Equinox (which is a shame), the ST Escape actually has some performance added to it with a 2.0L Turbo. Though, I am sure Mary Barra is screaming at her computer screen looking at this thing saying “we have the Equinox EV!”
Except Ford is replacing the Escape with Bronco Sport unfortunately.
Looks like this has the tacked on super high center touch screen which would be number one reason i would not buy. It does look a lot better than the current one.
My wife does not like any of the new Fords nor Teslas because of that vertical touch screen. GM has engineered the touch screen into a horizontal form and she wants the Cadillac Lyriq or at least the Chevy Equinox EV ..
In 2009 I was searching for the Escape Hybrid but found that local Ford dealers were offering the Explorer on special because it was “cheaper”. Later I learned that a new Explorer model was coming so the Ford dealers were selling off the older models. I decided to visit my local GM dealer and discovered the Chevy Equinox for the first time. Since GM was going through the bankruptcy, the manager gave me a good price on its last 2009 Chevy Equinox with 0% interest by GMAC and 10% discount on accessories, I bought it. Now I still have my 2009 Equinox and it has never failed me. I will buy the EV model instead of any Escape.
As the current owner of a 2nd Gen Equinox, this new Escape would 100% be my choice if faced with choosing between it and a current Equinox/Terrain. I am also no Ford fan, bit this Escape is simply a better product. Slightly shorter in length than an Equinox, but *more* cargo capacity. Indicates a more efficient use of space. Also has more powertrain options and more sensible pricing.
It is painfully obvious that GM is in the process of sunsetting the current Equinox/Terrain models and simply isn’t doing anything to make them more compelling. The 2nd generation (2010-2017) ran for eight model years and only had a styling refresh in its final two (2016/2017). However it offered 2 engine choices (4cyl or V6). The current 3rd gen model is in its 6th model year and has only had 1 styling refresh. However it is only available with one engine (used to be two, but they dumped the 2.0LT due to “lack of sales”…yeah, right.) It will probably go until the 2025 model year and be replaced by the Equinox EV. For people that want an ICE crossover of a similar size they will be pointed to the Trax or upcoming revised Trailblazer (which is looking to grow in size compared to the current model.)
There used to be 3 engines with the Terrain. There was a very short-lived diesel that was supposed to be the fuel efficient model. That didn’t last long.
Because GM never produced enough to put on dealer lots and educate the public. Or advertise it.
If they put in a quarter of the effort behind the Diesel Equinox and Cruze that they are with promoting EVs then GM would of had a smashing success.
That is one of the hallmarks of a poorly run corporation like GM. Missing opportunities over and over again then jumping on the bandwagon way to late.
Interesting how Ford can keep the sliding rear seat in it’s mid size crossovers but GM eliminates it. Also Ford is keeping the performance 2.0T option along with both hybrid options compared to GM’s one mediocre 175 HP 1.5T with no other options on the ICE versions. kudos to Ford for at least having the common sense to offer customers options. The one achilles heel is the sound that emanates from Fords base 1.5T 3 cylinder which is a nasty noisy thing that doesn’t provide any clear benefit for mileage.
Can’t see it generating sales on looks…about as vanilla Mitsubishi as it gets. So the hard core Ford fans should be all in.
Much better cosmetically.
Except the Escape will be replaced by Bronco Sport unfortunately.
Should expect a huge recall notice on it soon!!!
My next vehicle will be an EV or plug in hybrid. So I’ve been waiting for the 2023 refreshed Escape to come out to see what it’s like. Because they will now offer the ST package, thus giving the painted trim around the wheels and bottom, made me think it could be my next vehicle. But with a starting price of $39,000 for a PHEV and an interior (tacky looking screen) that I can’t live with, I guess my next vehicle will be a 2023 Chevy Bolt. Just priced one out and I can order exactly what I want with an MSRP of $28,300. It has a much better interior than the Escape and is pure EV with a 11 grand lower price. For that amount, I will have those ugly black plastic moldings removed and painted on the Bolt and still save about 9 grand on price and zero gas to buy. Of course, the Bolt would only be till someone offers a nice sedan in EV (Buick, please!!).
Update: I was finally able to go onto Ford’s website and build the 2023 Escape. Apparently, Ford doesn’t feel that anyone wanting the plug in hybrid would also want the ST trim. So the only way to get the plug in is with that nasty black junk all over the bottom and around the wheels. Between that, the ugly dash/screen and the overly high price, I just committed myself to ordering a 2023 Bolt 1LT with the exact color and options I want. Nice dash. Integrated screen. Pure EV. Exact options I want with nothing I don’t want and with a price tag showing of $28,285.00 total. If I order it next month, I hope to have it by April next year, thus allowing me to take advantage of the tax incentive (not sure the amount yet, but hopeful it will be $7,500). This will hold me over until hopefully GM offers a sedan (car) in EV that I like.
Dan B, I ordered the same car 6 months ago here in Montreal. Salesman said it would probably take a year. Last week I was near the dealer and stopped in to find out if there was an update on delivery. No big surprise, he said probably another 6 months on top of what was said before. As for your car if you haven’t ordered yet you will be waiting until the end of 2023 and then they might tell you that you will get a 2024 instead. You mentioned options. I’m curious because the 1 LT does not have many options. A lot of stuff is standard equipment. I am getting a Silver Flare Metallic with jet black interior (no charge ). There are options for paint colors ($495 CDN ) and other stuff that I don’t really need. Go look at Edmunds.com for all the options available. That’s for an American car. Canadian options are a bit different. The car here will cost $34,000. This includes delivery and the other B.S. that they make you pay for. The price also includes government incentives. Good luck, you will love the Bolt, it is a great car.
Gentlemen, I live in the vast state of Texas and we travel between San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Corpus and anywhere in between. We simply don’t have the infrastructure for me to depend fully on an EV. However a hybrid/phev is what I’m looking for when as I’m ready to give up the Silverado/Sierra/Colorado life I’ve lived for the last 20 years. I’m holding out for a larger vehicle than the Bolt. I just don’t think GM will be able to fulfill my next order.
210golfer: Personally I’d prefer a PHEV myself, but my driving is such that a pure EV works great for me. Totally understanding if it doesn’t for you at this time. Like I’ve said before, GM messed up huge by dropping the Volt-tech power train. I’d absolutely love to have that in my Malibu.
kretch: It sounds like Canadian is different price from US based on valuation of the dollar?
Yes, I’m sure it will take some time to get the car once I order it. I actually have a 2021 Malibu that I just love and have had for just under a year now. So I’m really not ready to get the new car till later next year and going into 2024 would be ok as well. But if I order one and it comes in earlier in 2023, I can work with that too.
The 1LT in light blue with black cloth (only interior color available). The three options would be:
1. Driver Confidence for $495
2. Comfort and convenience for $945
3. Interior protection package for $250 (all weather mats and cargo mat)
That’s with a total MSRP of $28,285 with dest. I’m not a fan of the black around the wheels/bottom, but for that price I can afford to have them painted. Maybe even in a darker blue for a two-tone effect!