Even since the current-generation Ford Escape entered the market for the 2020 model year, many have complained about the crossover’s unassuming styling. Three years later, Ford is trying to address those complaints with the facelifted 2023 Escape, which not only brings improved aesthetics, but also a new trim structure.
In place of the S, SE, SEL and Titanium versions of the outgoing crossover, the Escape now adopts a more name-based structure to refer to its models. The range starts with the aptly named Base, followed by Active and Platinum versions. After that there’s the new ST-Line, which comes in three flavors: ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and ST-Line Elite. Finally, there’s the Plug-In Hybrid, which, as the name suggests, is the PHEV version of the Escape.
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The Escape’s current styling was more in line with Ford’s European hatchbacks like the Fiesta, Focus and Puma, but since we don’t have any of those vehicles here to solidify that type of design language, the compact crossover felt a little out of place. in American programming, leading to a rather mixed reception. This new facelift seeks to better align the Escape with the larger Edge and Explorer, while keeping it differentiated from the boxy Bronco Sport it shares a platform with.
It accomplishes this with an all-new front bumper design, which looks identical to the one spotted on an undisguised test vehicle in July. Along with that new bumper with its revised grille and fascia, the Escape also gets new headlights, which now come with a “coast-to-coast” LED light bar on some trims. to give it a more distinctive look. On top of that, the new ST-Line trim adds a black mesh grille, rear spoiler, new rear skid plate, body-color cladding, new wheels and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, among other sporty touches.
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Inside, upholstery options include Ebony on the base trim, while Active, Platinum and Plug-in Hybrid models add Space Gray to the mix. The ST-Line is only ebony like the base, but benefits from the addition of red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, door panels, floor mats and center armrest.
Driver assistance systems include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Predictive Speed Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Reverse Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and connected integrated navigation. The available rear parking sensors and 360-degree camera, which joins a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and wireless charger on the available equipment list, help with that. .
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Powertrain options for the 2023 Escape remain largely the same, with the main difference being the engines and drive types that are assigned to their respective trims. There’s the 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, 2.5-litre hybrid four-cylinder and 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid four-cylinder. 1.5L models aim for around 180 bhp (182 PS / 134 kW), 2.0 L models aim for 250 bhp (253 PS / 186 kW) and 2.5 L hybrid models are expected to reach around 210 bhp (213 PS / 157kW).
Price and availability
Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available depending on trim and Escape options selected. Ford is aiming for an EPA-estimated range of 400 miles (644 km) regardless of engine option, while the FWD full-hybrid model is aiming for more than 550 miles (885 km). Pricing for the new Escape starts at $27,500 before destination charges of $1,495, and order books are currently open.
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