2023 Ford Escape review
Ford Escape highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Smooth city and highway ride
- Intuitive SYNC® 4 infotainment system
- Plenty of engine choices
Cons
- Handling lacks liveliness
- Transmission can be abrupt when shifting
- Body roll in tight corners
Mileage (EPA estimate)
(data not available)
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The Ford Escape ticks many of the right buttons as practical, value-conscious compact SUV
The 2023 Ford Escape is a solid and sensible choice in the hugely competitive field of compact SUVs. What sets the Escape apart is its wide range of engines, including fuel-sipping hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, along with its user-friendly infotainment system. Cargo space and passenger room in the first and second rows also nicely competes with what rivals like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan offer.
For the 2023 model year the Escape receives new front and rear styling, a reshuffling and renaming of trim levels, and Ford’s latest SYNC® 4 infotainment system with larger optional touchscreens. To drive, the Escape emphasizes functionality more than fun, as its handling lacks some of the sparkle found in competitors like the Mazda CX-5. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available.
To its credit, EPA-estimated fuel economy is a major plus point, particularly with the available hybrid powertrains. Ride quality in town or on the highway is also controlled and comfortable.
All Ford Escape years
What is new for the 2023 Ford Escape?
- The Escape is available in a variety of new trims, including the Active, Base, Platinum, ST-Line, ST-Line Elite, and ST-Line Select.
- The S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trims have been discontinued for 2023.
- Escape trims have been upgraded with Leatherette & Cloth, Navigation System, and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Seat Heaters and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
Ford Escape photos
5 reasons to buy the 2023 Ford Escape
What We Like
Value: The Ford Escape is a lot of SUV for your money. Standard features include wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, and a pair of USB ports. It also comes with a number of standard driver-assist items, including lane keeping assistance, a driver attention monitor, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Powertrain choices: The Escape comes standard with a turbocharged three-cylinder, though a livelier 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is optional. And don’t forget the available hybrid and models, which deliver a stellar EPA fuel economy estimate of 39 mpg combined. The Escape plug-in also has 37 miles of electric-only driving range.
Infotainment controls: Ford's SYNC® 4 is quick to respond to driver inputs and has clear menus that are simple to navigate. This matters a lot because compact SUVs are the family-friendly vehicle of choice for many car shoppers. Items like wireless smartphone connectivity, onboard Wi-Fi, and user-friendly touchscreens are essential.
What Needs Improvement
Ho-hum steering feel: The Ford Escape does many things right, but its handling feels totally uninterested in offering anything close to driving fun. In fairness, compact SUVs aren’t known for offering scintillating performance. Yet a number of competing SUVs deliver sharper steering responses.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford Escape an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Escape 14th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford EscapeFord Escape features and specs
ST-Line 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sync System
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
181
Torque (ft-lbs)
190
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14.8
Wheelbase
106.7"
Overall length
180.5"
Width
74.1"
Height
66.1"
Leg room
F 42.4"/R 40.7"
Head room
F 40"/R 39.3"
Front tires
P225/60HR18
Rear tires
P225/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
200/2000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2023 Ford Escape FAQ
The Ford Escape received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ford Escape as 13 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2023 Ford Escape has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2023 Ford Escape, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2023 Ford Escape Reviews.
The 2023 Ford Escape has a maximum towing capacity of between 1500 and 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Ford Escape:
- Active
- Base
- Platinum
- ST-Line
- ST-Line Elite
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.