Known as Kuga in Europe and other markets, the Escape in its fourth iteration went on sale in fall 2019 and is now getting its signature mid-cycle update. This facelift comes with sharper headlights that interconnect if you step up to the ST-Line Elite and a “coast-to-coast” LED light bar. The new trim level sits at the top of the range and joins the ST-Line Select and ST-Line as part of the updated lineup.
Ford design boss Amko Leenarts says “not every customer wants a sturdy, boxy SUV,” which is why the Escape 2023 looks like a car. Thoughtful styling tweaks have been made to the exterior where new LED headlights are standard across the range. Standard on the ST-Line Elite and optional on the ST-Line Select is a larger 19-inch alloy to give the crossover a more compact street look.
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A more significant change is seen once you step into the cabin when the Ford Escape 2023 switches to the SYNC 4 Blue Oval infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as support for OTA updates. It has a generous 13.2-inch diagonal and features a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
Depending on the trim level and the boxes checked in the options list, the vehicle can be equipped with a large number of safety technologies: Evasive Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go), Predictive Speed Assist, 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors and Cross Traffic Braking.
Available at an additional cost, the Co-Pilot 360 Escape system now comes with Intersection Assist 2.0 to reduce the risk of collisions with pedestrians when turning. The model year change comes with Blind Spot Assist, which in addition to displaying lights embedded in the side mirrors, also vibrates the steering wheel to alert the driver in the event of a potential accident.
As for the engine, the Ford Escape ST-Line 2023 comes with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost with 180 horsepower sent to the front wheels or to the optional AWD system. Or, you can get a crossover with a full hybrid with FWD for an EPA estimate range of over 550 miles. The ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite get a larger 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 250 hp and standard AWD, along with a hybrid option.
The lineup also includes Plug-In Hybrid, which pairs a 2.5-liter gasoline engine running on the Atkinson cycle with an electric motor and CVT. It’s rated at a combined output of 210 hp sent to the front axle. The Escape PHEV will be able to cover up to 37 miles without inhaling any gasoline, according to the EPA. It takes a while to fully charge the battery, about 10 to 11 hours using a 110-volt Level 1 charge and three and a half hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charge.
Already available to order, the Ford Escape 2023 will arrive at dealerships early next year. In addition to the trio of newly added ST-Line trim levels and the PHEV, the crossover continues to be sold in Base, Active and Platinum variants.
