2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Spied Uncovered With Corresponding Badges

July 7, 2022 10:28 am

With the refreshed 2023 Ford Escape on the way, Ford Authority spies have spotted a number of prototypes out driving around in recent months, though most of them have been wearing heavy camouflage. That all changed when those same spies came across a completely uncovered example of the refreshed crossover last month sporting some Kuga-like touches. That particular vehicle had us thinking that the 2023 Escape lineup should include an ST-Line trim, and as Ford Authority reported just yesterday, that will indeed be happening. Now, Ford Authority spies have spotted a 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line prototype driving around completely uncovered and wearing ST-Line badging, further confirming its existence and our previous report.

While the last uncovered prototype Ford Authority reported on was also an ST-Line model, it was not adorned with ST-Line badges, a feature that this new version is, in fact, equipped with. Like that other prototype, however, this Escape is also sporting a monochromatic appearance with body-color wheel well covers and an overall sporty appearance. The ST-Line badges are present on the front fenders, as we can see in these photos.

As is the case with Ford’s other ST-Line models, the 2023 Escape ST-Line will likely offer all of the styling present on full-blown ST models, but without the additional cost. The ST-Line adds some distinctiveness and sportiness to the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer for those that like the look but don’t want the extra performance, and it could do the same for the Escape, which could certainly use a boost in a crowded and competitive segment.

What’s particularly interesting about the 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line is the fact that FoMoCo doesn’t currently offer any ST-Line variant of a vehicle that doesn’t also have a proper ST performance counterpart. Regardless, we’ll know more about the 2023 Escape soon, as order banks for the refreshed crossover are scheduled to open up this September, as Ford Authority reported back in June.

We’ll have more on the 2023 Escape ST-Line soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escape news and comprehensive Ford news coverage.

By Brett Foote

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.