There are quite a few changes and updates for the 2023 Ford Escape, as it represents a comprehensive midcycle refresh for the compact crossover. This means a completely overhauled trim level lineup, revised styling both inside and out, all-new technologies and more.
2023 Ford Escape Model Line
As previously mentioned, the trim level lineup for the 2023 Ford Escape was totally revamped. As such, the crossover is offered in five trim levels, beginning with the appropriately named Base, followed by Active, PHEV, ST-Line and Platinum. It’s worth noting that Base was previously known as S, Active was previously referred to as SE, Platinum replaces Titanium, and PHEV is now its own trim level as opposed to simply being a powertrain option.
Additionally, it’s important to note that ST-Line breaks out into three levels of its own: the base ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and the range-topping ST-Line Elite.
2023 Ford Escape Exterior
The 2023 Ford Escape drops two exterior colors previously available for the 2022 model year, while gaining two new colors.
Deleted colors:
Added colors:
2022 Ford Escape in Stone Blue Metallic
2022 Ford Escape in Iced Blue Silver Metallic
2023 Ford Escape in Cinnabar Red Metallic
2023 Ford Escape in Vapor Blue Metallic
The 2023 Ford Escape was treated to a revamped set of front and rear fascias, featuring more aggressive styling than its 2022 model year counterpart, particularly for the ST-Line models. This model’s sportier features include a black mesh front grille, unique rear skid plate, a single-wing rear spoiler, and standard 18-inch wheels, as well as a monochromatic exterior with matching painted surfaces. The ST-Line Elite, meanwhile, features with a LED lighting strip between the headlights and 19-inch machine-faced Ebony-painted wheels.
Speaking of headlights, the 2023 Ford Escape features LED projector headlamps as standard, as previously reported by Ford Authority. These replace the standard halogen headlights for certain trim levels, while LED headlights were offered only on the higher-tiered trims. Now, though, LED headlamps are standard across the board.
2023 Ford Escape Interior
Most notably, inside the cabin, the 2023 Ford Escape offers a standard 8-inch infotainment screen or a larger 13.2-inch unit that’s optional on Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and PHEV trims, while being standard on the ST-Line Elite and Platinum. Both screens run Sync 4 with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel cluster is also available. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features has been updated with Intersection Assist and Blind Spot Assist, while the automaker’s Power-Up over-the-air update capability will keep the crossover up to date over time.
Meanwhile, the new ST-Line trim features black seats with red stitching door panels, arm rest, steering wheel, and floor mats, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel.
The 2023 Escape order bank currently offers SiriusXM removal options when microchip supply does not exist to include these features in the crossover. Another removal affects the hands-free liftgate function, although this is mandatory across the board, as no Escape will have the feature. Customers may also opt for manual key fob functionality to speed up deliveries of the crossover.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Escape has regained its mini spare tire as standard, replacing the patch kit available in 2022 model year vehicles. However, MyKey functionality is no longer available.
2023 Ford Escape Mechanical
There are four powertrain offerings available for the 2023 Ford Escape, beginning with the base turbocharged Ford 1.5L I3 EcoBoost engine, which provides 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque for the Escape Base, Active and ST-Line trims. Also available is the turbocharged Ford 2.0L I-4 EcoBoost, good for 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, optional for the ST-Line and standard for the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims.
Meanwhile, there are two electrified powertrains also available, each with an estimated driving range of 400 miles, while the hybrid with front-wheel-drive provides a range of more than 550 miles. The 2.5L hybrid powertrain is optional for the ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite and Platinum, good for a combined 192 system horsepower.
The PHEV features FoMoCo’s advanced fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system, which consists of the 2.5L Atkinson cycle gas engine and an electronic continuously variable transmission. The front-wheel-drive hybrid model is projected to produce a combined output of 210 horsepower, while the PHEV is targeting an EPA-estimated range of 37 miles in electric-only mode and can be charged in 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. This setup provides 210 combined system horsepower. In fact, this model has been praised as being rather impressive in the past.
2023 Ford Escape Packages
Several new packages are available for the 2023 Ford Escape. The Tech Pack No. 1 and No. 2 both add a variety of tech features, such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering Assist, Speed Sign Recognition, Connected Built-In Navigation, Evasive Steering Assist, Rear Parking Sensors. However, Tech Pack No. 2 adds a host of other convenience features including a 360 Degree Camera with Split View and Front/Rear Washer, a 10-way power driver seat, six-way power passenger seat, the B&O Sound System, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the aforementioned optional 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen.
Opting for the PHEV Premium Package, meanwhile, adds quite a few of the aforementioned tech features to the PHEV trim, while also adding a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, unique interior accents, a universal garage door opener, leather-trimmed seats with quilting design and mini-perforations, perimeter alarms and more. The same features are bundled for the ST-Line trim under the ST-Line Premium Technology Package.
The Platinum Premium Technology Package, meanwhile, adds features such as front row heated contour bucket seats, a second-row 60/40 split fold-flat and sliding seats along with a fold-down center armrest with cupholders.
The Cold Weather Package, which adds comfort features like heated seats, a remote starting system, heated sideview mirrors and heated steering wheel is now a standalone option across all trim levels.
Finally, the Convenience Package has been deleted, replaced by the aforementioned packages.
2023 Ford Escape Availabilty
The 2023 Ford Escape is built at the Louisville Assembly plant in Kentucky, with production kicking off on December 12th, 2022. Order banks for the PHEV specifically closed on January 30th, 2023. It’s worth noting that production of both the Escape and its corporate cousin, the Lincoln Corsair, recently experienced a pause to address a software issue. However, as of March 6th, 2023, production is back in full swing.
We’ll have more on the Escape soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Escape news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
Production is “back in full swing?” Says, who? My wife’s ’23 Escape Platinum got an updated “In Production” status – from 2/17 to 3/29. There’s been no progress since, and no estimated delivery date. PALSAPP knows nothing about the car, even though it is being trucked up to Michigan. Motorcraftservice.com’s module status says the BCE modules are alive, which may be true, but I suspect that the vehicle is still in a lot awaiting parts. Otherwise, the status should have said “Built.”
That doesn’t sound much like “in full swing.”
Ordered my 2023 Platinum Oct. 12 and finally got it last week (4/15/23).
The factory was down for almost 6 weeks.
As a retired 40 dealership veteran, I wonder when the domestics are going to stop with name changes and model name changes.
If there is one take-a-way to be learned from the big three Japanese, Toyota, Honda and Nissan, is that regardless of how many times a model is changed, refreshed or completely redone the names of the models remain the same and levels within the models mostly the same.
The public, even if on a 3 year lease cycle doesn’t follow the industry. Just one of many examples, Ford changes name from 500 to Taurus. Now dropping the Taurus name with such recognition was poor, then change the 500 back, dumb. The consumer interpits this as a car being ‘discontinued’. No mater how many times Toyota redesigns the Camrey offer 50 years it’s always a Camrey. Same as Hondas Accord.
To bad Ford doesn’t seem to have any updates for the Escape and Corsair past 2026, when it may be gone.
…that is very likely to happen. Sales are down in the toilet, Hyundai sells almost as many Palisades (yeah they’re large SUV!) as Ford sells Escapes now…
The Escape used to make sense when you had $5k off MSRP…@MSRP, one is better off with a RAV4, CRV or even the new CX-50….I had 3 Escapes up to 2020, but continue to not see any incentives or reason to come back.
Hyundai also sells that many Palisades or Santa Fe (similar size) because the quality control on a Hyundai is far superior to an Escape. As the owner of 2021 Escape SEL I continue down the always demanding road of recalls. I believe I’m at 6 now for my Escape and 7 for my 21 Explorer ST. Time to look at the Genesis GV70 which has none at this time.
I now have a 2015 Escape Titanium and a 2023 Escape Platinum.
I love both of them.
You can get Zero percent financing on them now.
I’m a Ford guy through and through but getting so disgusted. So the 23 is basically not available yet but they have closed the order banks. It’s mid April and you can’t find a 23. Then, the morons in charge will do a study and determine that since Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Honda, etc… sold more 23 models they will drop the escape/corsair from their line up. Funny, there is a Nissan dealership down the street from my house, they have plenty of rogues and qx50s. Ford has forgotten who they are and who is loyal to them
Specifically for the PHEVs…you can still order a 2023 hybrid or gas no problem
Remember this, there will be a test tomorrow.
“appropriately named Base, followed by Active, PHEV, ST-Line and Platinum. It’s worth noting that Base was previously known as S, Active was previously referred to as SE, Platinum replaces Titanium, and PHEV is now its own trim level as opposed to simply being a powertrain option.”
Nobody has wanted an escape since 2015. Get rid of this grille design it’s lazy
I’ve got a 2005 Ford Escape Limited V6. My Escape has 207, 000 miles . I bought it with 196, 000 miles. I repaired an oil leak and put new tires and a water pump on the SUV. Been a excellent vehicle.
Well I work for a ford dealer and can tell you first hand that supply issues are still very relevant. Features consistently are being removed to help speed up production. I think the problem is Ford continually increases their pricing, hoping that people will just accept it. Their product line pricing needs to be adjusted by thousands and then they can be more competitive. They think they are a premium brand but to be a premium brand you need to have top level quality!
The Ford Escape Ecoboost was faulty when it was manufactured and causes the coolant to leak which destroys or cause your engine to catch on fire. Ford is aware of this and will not stand by their safety error. With only 69,000 miles on it the engine has to be replaced. Please google before investing.
I own a 2015 Escape Titanium, my Daughter owns a 2019 Escape Titanium, and I recently got delivery of my 2023 Escape Platinum.
Ordered it Oct. 12 and got it April 15.
The factory was down for almost 6 weeks for “issues”.
The new “overhead and front view” cameras are great!
Heated steering wheel is my wife’s favorite.
The sliding rear seat is welcome.
The quilted, black leather seats are handsome.
LED headlights are a plus, but I hope to not have to pay to replace one.
It will take you some time to get this car set up because of all the menus you have to go into to pick and choose which settings you want.
You can set up you new car to be viewed on your phone, including remote start, tire pressure check, and updates.
I’m still trying to decide whether or not to use premium gas or regular gas.
Premium is recommended.
I love my ’09 Escape – looks great, runs great and with the six cylinder engine, it runs as well as it can. I love this car, but it’s getting long in the tooth, and I need better gas mileage per tank. I have on order a 2023 hybrid, and hope this vehicle also lasts 14 years.