Athletes earn a gold medal when they win at the Olympics, but when a recording artist sells the most albums, they get a platinum album. In fact, platinum has always been the gold standard of precious metals, so to speak. This is why so many people choose to use platinum for an engagement ring instead of gold. It is stronger than gold, and better at holding the diamond or other precious stone setting in the ring. This is why Ford has also chosen Platinum to designate the most luxurious trim level of many of its models. If you are looking for a compact SUV for your family that truly has it all, you should choose the 2023 Ford Escape Platinum.
Ford first introduced the Escape in 2001 as an alternative to the routine of other compact SUVs. With its sporty looks and roomy interior, the Escape can be a vacation for drivers who appreciate practical features that improve comfort and convenience. The 2023 model is part of the fourth generation of the Escape, with improved exterior looks that give it a more aggressive and attractive stance. The 2023 Escape also features an upgraded SYNC 4 infotainment system that will improve connectivity and fun for you and your family.
Escape to a Stunning Selection of Engine Options
The 2023 Ford Escape features four different engine options, with two of them available on the Platinum model. The standard issue engine on the Platinum is a powerful 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo I-4. paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It features auto stop-start technology, which helps to enhance fuel economy by automatically turning the engine off when you are stopped at a traffic light, then restarting it as soon as you take off of the brake pedal. This engine comes with standard all-wheel drive in the Platinum model, so you will get exceptional traction when you drive in inclement weather. The engine itself has a dual overhead cam configuration with four valves per cylinder, and has Ford’s Ti-VCT system, a form of variable valve timing to improve efficient performance. As a result, the Escape Platinum with this engine can provide up to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
You can also get the Escape Platinum with an optional 2.5-liter Hybrid Atkinson-cycle I-4. This pairs the conventional gas engine with an AC synchronous electric motor, which is powered by a battery pack. The gas engine also has a DOHC configuration and features variable valve timing. It also keeps the battery pack charged when running. The combined output of the gas engine and the electric motor is 192 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. You can choose the Escape Platinum Hybrid with either front or all-wheel drive,
One of the keys to both engines on the Ford Escape Platinum is their fuel efficiency. If you choose the standard 2.0L EcoBoost engine, you should expect to get an impressive 26 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy. If you really want to save money on gas, you can opt for the available 2.5L Hybrid, which will give you an exceptional 39 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy regardless of whether you choose front or all-wheel drive. This is especially useful if you plan to use your Escape Platinum for local errands, as it delivers an incredible 42 miles per gallon in city driving.
Escape to a Platinum-Level Interior
When you open the door of the 2023 Ford Escape Platinum, you will be struck by the roominess of its two rows of seats. This is a compact SUV in name only, as the Escape Platinum has plenty of space for up to five passengers, with over 104 cubic feet of space to stretch out in. This is shown by the fact that rear seat passengers get 40.7 inches of maximum legroom and 39.3 inches of headroom. That is almost as much space as provided by the front row of seats.
As you look around the interior, you will see more than a roomy passenger cabin. You will also be struck by the high attention to detail inside of the Escape Platinum. The front seats are heated and feature power adjustments. The front and back seats come with a standard attractive fabric, but if you want something special, you can opt for leather-trimmed seats with a quilting design and mini-perforations. These not only look cool, but they will keep you cool in warm weather.
The designers at Ford have made sure to include plenty of amenities throughout the two rows of seats. There are eight cup holders, ensuring that each of your family members will have at least one place to put their drink. There are also plenty of USB-C ports as well, so everyone can keep their devices charged. If you forgot your charging cables at home, don’t worry since Ford includes a convenient, easy-to-use wireless charging pad. There is also a universal garage door opener that you can program to work at your home. It is little details like this that help set the Platinum apart from other trim levels on the 2023 Ford Escape.
Escape to Infotainment Worthy of a Platinum Record
One of the biggest upgrades on the 2023 Escape over the prior year’s model is the move to the all-new Ford SYNC 4 platform. This provides cloud-based software for the infotainment system, giving you the latest information on a real time basis. This is especially helpful with the Connected Built-In Navigation system that comes standard on the Escape Platinum. Ford includes three years of complimentary service.
The other significant upgrade with the SYNC 4 is that the Escape Platinum has a 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen. This is not only large, but easy to navigate with just the touch of a finger, whether you’re changing the music, looking for a restaurant, or adjusting the climate control. As a result, you can see objects more easily when using the standard 360-degree camera with split view, which enables you to see the front, sides, and back of your vehicle.
SYNC 4 will also help you stay connected with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You can make hands-free calls and texts and access your favorite smartphone apps, all with the touch of your finger. The Escape Platinum features a standard six-speaker audio system, so you can stream your favorite music apps or listen to the numerous channels on SiriusXM with 360L, another standard feature on the Escape Platinum. If you and your family love music, you might consider adding the available ten-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen. This premium audio system from one of the leading brands was designed specially for the Ford Escape.
Escape to the Platinum Standard in Safety
The 2023 Ford Escape Platinum features an amazing array of standard driver assistance systems. This is all part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology that is standard on all 2023 Escape models. It includes Pre-Collision Assist to help you avoid front end collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles, Lane-Keep Assist to avoid drifting into other lanes, Autolamp to control the high beam headlights in low lighting conditions, and the BLIS blind spot information system to help you change lanes safely.
When you choose the Platinum trim on the 2023 Escape, you get a number of additional safety features. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go will adjust your speed if you encounter slower traffic on your journey, and even bring you to a complete stop if that’s what traffic does. There is also a Lane Centering feature that provides steering assistance, reducing driver fatigue. Another feature is Speed Sign Recognition, which will adjust the cruise control speed to make sure you comply with posted speed limits.
The Escape Platinum also has Evasive Steering Assist. This improves the steering responsiveness when emergency braking alone will not avoid a collision. Ford has also equipped the Platinum trim with Rear Parking Sensors. These detect objects behind the vehicle, and use a series of sounds to alert you if you are getting too close to them. Each of these features will help keep you and your family safe no matter where you go in your Escape Platinum.
Choosing the Ford Escape Platinum Will Win You a Gold Medal
If you are like most folks, deciding on the right family vehicle is a balancing act between a number of competing requirements. You want a roomy vehicle that is safe, reliable, fuel-efficient, and practical. When you choose a 2023 Ford Escape Platinum, you check all of these boxes, and get even more for you and your family. This is why you’ll get a gold medal from your loved ones when you drive home a Ford Escape Platinum.