It was back in 2001 when Ford announced the arrival of the Escape. Skeptics might have looked upon the vehicle with suspicion, as it was almost a complete antithesis to what SUVs were at the time. Ford’s SUV fleet was a trifecta, consisting of the Explorer, Expedition, and the big and boisterous Excursion. The Escape was smaller than the Explorer, and while diminutive in size, it exhibited the same toughness synonymous with the brand.
The shift in style exhibited by Ford has now become the norm for the SUV market, with smaller and subcompact models being among the most popular. Ford’s dedication to quality and its craft has remained completely unhindered since then. To this end, the 2023 Ford Escape is about to take the market by storm as it gears up for a new model year. Come with us now as we examine that vehicle that’s almost too hot to handle.
New Year, New Design
Those who first looked upon the Escape years ago might have mistaken it for a smaller version of the Explorer, especially regarding its outward appearance. Through the years, the vehicle has undergone various cosmetic upgrades, and for 2023, the Escape is sportier and sharper than it’s ever been. A new front-end design accentuates the curvaceous design that catches the eye and appeals to our sense of style and aesthetic. If the exterior design is any indication, it appears that Ford once again has its finger on the pulse of what’s in vogue.
Potent Performance for a Modern World
As a brand that offers exquisite performance year after year, it’s no surprise that Ford offers engines for the 2023 Escape that are meant to benefit the lives of the average consumer. Continuing its tradition of practicality, the base engine for the Ford Escape takes the form of a 1.5L three-cylinder engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and producing 180 hp, it’s the ideal gasoline-powered combination that provides a smooth ride with conservative fuel consumption.
Achieving 27 MPG in the city and 34 on the highway for a combined MPG of 30, the EPA estimates savings of up to $500 over a five-year period. FWD is also standard, though AWD is available for those who need to combat the elements come wintertime. For those looking to limit the number of trips to the pump, the plug-in Hybrid edition of the Escape offers up a combined fuel economy of 39 MPG and is equipped with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) for the stop-and-go world of city driving.
Competitive Pricing
The marketplace for compact SUVs is easily one of the most competitive in the entire industry. The Ford Escape has a long-standing lineage, and it’s going head-to-head with several other makes and models looking to make an impact during the upcoming model year. Perhaps the biggest threat to Ford gaining supremacy in its class is the 2023 Honda CRV. With its starting MSRP of $27,500, the Escape underbids the CR-V and is close in the ballpark of the highly renowned Mazda CX-50. If there’s a consistent fact regarding Ford, it’s its ability to offer a superior vehicle at an affordable cost.
A Tech-Heavy Interior
If the exterior of the 2023 Ford Escape appeals to your enjoyment of style, then getting behind the wheel of the SUV will take your breath away from the moment you sit down. Anchoring the interior is the vehicle’s standard 8-inch infotainment screen. Upper trims have the option of upgrading to a screen that stretches out over thirteen inches. Similar to some of the designs we’ve seen implemented by Tesla, the larger screen sits on top of the dashboard and sits perfectly adjacent to the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to access the various features offered through Ford’s Sync 4 technology. One of the major advantages of Ford’s intuitive technology is the news from the brand that the system will automatically upgrade over the air to ensure that everything stays up to date for maximum efficiency.
Aside from its sleek technology with access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices, there are quite a few comforts and amenities that the Escape offers potential drivers. The base trim offers up some great features for the road, such as single-zone climate control and a six-speaker stereo system. From the next level up, a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system becomes available. Much like the F-150, there are various packages to outfit the Escape with the finest in luxury. Items such as heated front seats and faux-leather interiors can give you the kind of sophistication normally associated with a luxury sedan.
Innovative Safety and Driving Assistance Tools
Looking across the scope of the industry and the different manufacturers, one might find a lot of similarities in safety and driving assistance features that each make and model is equipped with. With the worldwide microchip shortage, several brands are doing everything possible to equip their vehicles with the necessary attributes to ensure peace of mind for drivers. Ford, who has long been known for its ability to cater to the growing needs of consumers, has realized this and has equipped a plethora of standard safety features across all trim levels of the 2023 Ford Escape.
These features, which are part of what Ford calls their Co-Pilot 360, include pre-collision assist with automated emergency braking. As many people who pilot SUVs are family-oriented consumers, these features are essential in assisting you with the necessary reaction time to avoid oncoming collisions. The lane-keeping system ensures an added layer of protection by alerting you when you begin to drift out of your lane. The blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert is essential for keeping things safe for the other drivers and pedestrians we share the road with by detecting any vehicle that may be in your blind spot when changing lanes.
Upper trims can be equipped with Co-Pilot 360+, which features advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. As with so many other packages available on the Escape, the level of protection you desire is at your disposal. While these features are at the forefront of innovation, they don’t replace the highly effective habits of a responsible driver. Obey traffic laws and maintain focus at all times.
Escaping From the Ordinary
In the past several decades, we’ve seen the SUV evolve into a smaller-sized and sporty version of the larger vehicles that were prominent in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While pinpointing the exact moment when this trend took over might be somewhat difficult, there’s no denying that the Ford Escape made a massive contribution to what the modern SUV would eventually turn into.
With a wide array of features that can be customized to your liking and a variety of power and engine options that adhere to the necessities of any driver, the 2023 Ford Escape is just as revolutionary now as it was when it first debuted all the way back in 2001. Whether you’re a family-oriented consumer who needs safe transportation or a commuter who just needs a daily driver that can handle the stop-and-go traffic patterns of the city, there’s no other SUV for the upcoming model year that will deliver on all the promises and expectations. Get behind the wheel today and escape from the ordinary.
