2023 Ford Escape : What’s New When Released? – The 2023 Ford Escape hasn’t always been the most appealing compact SUV to most. The current model was introduced back in 2020,

but it didn’t stand out especially when the highly anticipated Ford Bronco Sport made its debut one year later. The grille has also been redesigned, sitting higher in the front fascia and with a boxier outline,

and the Ford logo has migrated into the middle of the grille. While it’s not as chunky-looking as the Bronco Sport, the Escape’s facelift definitely adds a degree of toughness with a faux skid plate in the front bumper.

2023 Escape appears far more refined than its somewhat anonymous predecessor. The changes are immediately apparent as the crossover adopts a more aggressive front fascia with a radically improved grille,

that is now mounted higher up and features a Ford logo in the center. While Ford hasn’t made any official announcements, spy photos we’ve seen show prototype Escape models with camouflaged front and rear bumpers,

suggesting that an update is on the way for 2023. The current-generation Escape model debuted in 2020, and mainstream cars and SUVs like the Escape tend to get full redesigns every five to six years.

Redesign

The 2023 Ford Escape is expected to be introduced in a few months and it will likely offer an assortment of familiar powertrains. This means choices could include 1.5- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines,

with outputs of up to 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS). Drivers looking for something more eco-friendly should be able to opt for the usual hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Although it looks sleek and stylish,

there are no real dramatic changes on the back of the vehicle. The taillights are on the thin side and flow nicely along the liftgate. There is, though, an updated fascia and a new design for the exhaust tips.

The changes don’t stop there as designers gave the model sleeker headlights that now flow into a new LED light bar. Elsewhere, there are minimalist fog lights, a sportier central intake, and a faux skid plate.

Ford has attempted to address this shortcoming with a mid-cycle update for the compact crossover. The rounded front end of the current Escape has made way for a tougher, blockier look on the updated model.

Variant And Transmission

The Escape is a small SUV available in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Titanium. By default, most trims are driven by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Titanium

Technology package (minus the charging pad and B&O audio system)
Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
19-inch wheels
LED headlights and foglights
Roof rails
Chrome exterior trim
Ambient lighting
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Front parking sensors

SE

17-inch alloy wheels
Chrome exterior trim
Keyless ignition and entry
8-inch touchscreen
Satellite radio
Two rear USB ports
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

SEL

Cold Weather package
Convenience package
18-inch wheels
Foglights
Roof rails
Imitation leather upholstery
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

Engine

The segment currently comes standard as a hybrid. With fuel prices still fairly right now, a standard Escape hybrid could make it a highly sought-after vehicle, since it returns 37 miles per gallon under highway driving conditions,

and 44 miles per gallon city. There is a 181-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3. A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 pumps out 250 horsepower. And if you want to save money at the gas pump,

you will certainly appreciate the 2.5-liter inline-4 available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. These engines produce 200 horsepower and 221 horsepower.

It isn’t clear what Ford has planned for the powertrains. The current Escape has a relatively diverse lineup starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 good for 181 hp.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 offers a meatier 250 hp, and for fuel-conscious buyers there’s a 2.5-liter inline-4 offered in hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. They offer up 200 and 221 hp, respectively.

2023 Ford Escape Price

The starting at $21,995 versus $28,620 for the entry level Escape. The starting price of the new 2023 Ford Escape is expected to be about $27,000, with the price increasing by a few hundred bucks to cover the upgrades.