The Ford Escape received a major refresh for the 2023 model year, including an updated model lineup. Notably, it introduced the ST-Line Elite trim for the first time. Today, Ford Authority is spotlighting the capable crossover in the following photo gallery, pointing out the features that set it apart from the rest of the Escape line.
This Ford Escape ST-Line is finished in Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, which is a $495 extra on the crossover. It features all of the same equipment as the ST-Line Select trim – including the turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engine, LED fog lamps, body color heated mirrors, and a power liftgate – plus a set of notable upgrades exclusive to the trim. That means body color fascia elements and rocker panels, a black mesh grille, painted front and rear bumpers, a coast-to-coast lightbar spanning the length of the grille between the headlights, and a set of 19-inch Machined-face Ebony-painted Aluminum wheels.
Inside, the Ford Escape ST-Line Elite gets red stitching on its seats, center console, and steering wheel. The instrument panel is handled by the 12.3-inch Digital Productivity screen, while it also gets power adjustable heated seats up front and a 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen for infotainment duties. Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ is standard, which bundles features like evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control, intersection assist, and a rearview camera.
Pricing for the 2025 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite starts at $36,540, excluding DFC, making it cheaper than its 2024 model year counterpart.
There are some changes on deck for the 2025 Ford Escape line. Ambient lighting is gone, as are the body color moldings on ST-Line series trims, and their aluminum pedals. Meanwhile, the Premium packages now feature ActiveX seating surfaces as part of their bundles. The 2025 Escape has also ditched its spare tire in non-hybrid models, which has been replaced by the Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit, though a spare is still available as an option for pure ICE models. Finally, rain-sensing wipers are no longer standard on the ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims, either.
Production of the 2025 Ford Escape, which is handled at the at the Louisville Assembly plant in Kentucky, started on September 19th, 2024.
Comments
I’d never want an Escape in that bright red. Don’t know what Ford was thinking. But I’d never pay close to $40K for an Escape, either. The smart thing for Ford to have done (too late now) would have been to make the 2.0L with FWD optional on all trims. THAT would have helped iffy sales tremendously. But Ford needs a brain transplant, as we know.
Rapid Red is not a bright red color, Race red was the bright red. They also lowered the price in 2025 by a few thousands of dollars. There are always incentives, so you don’t have to spend 40K, they start under 30K now.
My wife ordered a 2024 Ford Edge ST last year, as they were ending the order taking. We like the Rapid Red Metallic color and that is what she ordered. It is a very nice color in person. Does not jump out at you as much as my 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1, 5.0L with Grabber Yellow. Yes that is the V-8 with 480 HP, 5 speed manual.
The Edge ST has 330 HP, which is amazing in an SUV. That way she can get to the grocery store as fast as possible.
Escape is a great looking car since the refresh, I don’t get the attitude people have about it. It’s also quick and fun to drive with the 2.0L, way more than most. And then there is the excellent Hybrid, the only one of its kind among the Detroit automakers.
There is one person that is negative about everything Ford posts. The 2023 and up Escape is a very nice design, Lincoln Cosair is also a nice upgrade for not much more money