2023 Ford Escape First Look Review: Toughening Up a Softy
Few vehicles sharing the same basic platform are better differentiated than the Ford C2-based boxy, go-anywhere Bronco Sport and the urban-outfitted, lozenge-like Escape. Had they looked more similar, the former might have cannibalized the latter's sales. Both are selling at or near capacity three years into the fourth-generation Escape's model run, so Ford is toughening up the visage and demeanor of 2020's somewhat soft-looking Escape.
Fresh Front End
Most of the manning up comes courtesy of a bolder new hood, which sits atop a more deeply sculpted grille flanked by a pair of LED-outlined "four-eyed" headlamps that look much more expressive (also a skosh BMW-ish). On upper trim levels, a so-called "coast-to-coast" LED light strip connects these headlamp DRLs, illuminating the gap between the hood and grille. A new fascia incorporating a faux skidplate completes the beefier makeover. Other exterior changes are minimal: new 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheel designs, new LED taillamps, a false skidplate on the rear fascia, and the relocation of the hatch release from below to above the license plate.
![2023 Escape Hybrid Front End.jpg](https://fordtadvantage-com.cdn-convertus.com/uploads/sites/59/2023/01/2713397e43f9a30a31bbf5e26e2f6d2ex.jpg)
New ST-Line Trim
Further solidifying the Escape as the pavement-burner of the Ford C2 platform compact crossover lineup is a new ST Line package that blacks out all the main trim-grille, window-surround moldings, a large single-wing rear spoiler, etc. Even the 19-inch wheels go black on top models. Further downplaying the ST Line's off-road ambitions are body-color wheel-arch moldings instead of dark gray. Inside, there's red stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel, though the seating material changes with different trim grades. That's the cool thing about Escape ST Line-the look is generally available for about $995 more than an equivalent Escape built in any of the other trim series. That means the least expensive 1.5-liter Escape ST Line starts at $31,335. ST Line Select and Elite models feature content that aligns with the other trim levels. Ford expects half of all buyers to opt for the ST Line.
![2023 Escape Front Quarter.jpg](https://fordtadvantage-com.cdn-convertus.com/uploads/sites/59/2023/01/f7259e250b53a192a57877cad47fda56x.jpg)
Functionally Carryover Powertrains
The 2023 Ford Escape continues to offer two gas and two hybrid models with outputs that, on paper, seem to be virtually carryover. But both the 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder are essentially new engines, redesigned to comply with tightening emissions regulations. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models use the same 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, with some minor tweaks to the output ratings attributable to a new method of measurement for this complex gas-engine/two motor-generator setup. The eight-speed automatic transmissions (EcoBoost) and planetary CVTs (hybrids) are unchanged, as is the optional all-wheel-drive system. The PHEV offers four EV modes: Auto, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge, with a maximum possible fully electric speed of 85 mph.