2023 Ford Escape for Sale

When you compare the designs of SUVs from a quarter-century ago to those available today, it is almost incomprehensible that such a drastic change could occur in such a short time. If it weren’t for the Ford Escape making its debut in 2001, this change might not have ever occurred.

In a time when the prevailing wisdom behind many designs was “go big or go home,” the Escape proved that the capability, practicality, and performance of the SUV could be just as successful in a scaled-down size. Since then, many manufacturers have followed this example, and the continued rise in popularity of SUVs is certain proof that Ford’s experiment paid off. This desire to change the game and alter the public’s perception of what an SUV can do has remained unchanged for the blue oval brand, and the 2023 Ford Escape is one more example of that tradition.

MSRP:$28,000^[a]
Horsepower (hp): 180-250
Torque (lb-ft): 199-280
Max. Cargo (cu.ft.): 65.4

Power

As the vehicle’s name suggests, the Ford Escape is ideal for those who wish to journey outside the ordinary and defy convention. Of course, the definition of what the ideal Escape constitutes will vary on who’s driving. Whether it’s high performance, conservative fuel consumption, or simply getting around the city, there are a variety of trim and powertrains ideal for any situation.

The base offering of the Ford Escape relies on a 1.5L EcoBoost Turbo I-3 engine that propels it forward with 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. For those who plan on maneuvering around the city limits, its conservative fuel consumption of 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway is certainly ideal for the consumer who has an eye for saving money. If you’re a driver who favors performance, then you’ll want to take advantage of the ST-Line, which features a high-performance engine in the form of a 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo I-4 engine that boasts 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both gasoline-powered engines are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available in AWD; note, however, that front-wheel drive is not available for the 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo I-4.

The options that Ford offers for the Escape aren’t limited to these two powertrains, as a 2.5L I-4 14.4-kWh PHEV version maximizes fuel efficiency for those interested in lowering their number of gas station visits. City dwellers will be pleased with a CVT formulated for the stop-and-go traffic patterns that accompany living in suburbia. This engine gets 210 hp, while the comparable 2.5L I-4 Hybrid gets 192 hp and manages a combined 39 MPG (or 42 in the city and 36 MPG on the highway) that will make SUV owners of yesteryear grimace with envy.

While it may not make or break your decision, those with a penchant for adventure ought to know how the towing capabilities differentiate between engines since no engine is alike. The two most comparable are the 2.5L I-4 Hybrid and the 2.5L I-4 PHEV; these both max out at 1,500 lbs, which is the lowest found in the Ford Escape—but is still enough to haul a buggy or a small trailer. The 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 has the next best towing capacity at 2,000 lbs, but the crown belongs to the 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 with its 3,500 lbs—enough to tow another Ford Escape, if you were so inclined.

Cabin

For those of you who remember the Ford Escape when it first debuted, one look at the current version might cause you to do a double-take. This vehicle’s updated exterior has taken on a more curvaceous form, mimicking that of a stylish coupe. And while the Escape is certainly rough and ready to take on a multitude of terrains and tasks, we can assure you that its focus on refinement and sophistication is just as impressive. The exterior certainly possesses a great amount of style, and the interior encapsulates a level of sophistication typically relegated to luxury brands while still providing all of the comforts and amenities you have come to expect from a Ford SUV.

The interior of this Ford Escape has a renewed emphasis on practicality and presentation. Not only does it appeal to our sensibilities in style and aesthetics, but the layout is ergonomic and nurtures a user-friendly experience that’s as intimate as a second skin. Nowhere is this concept of intuitive driving more apparent than with the vehicle’s stylish infotainment screen. The standard 8.0-inch screen found on the base trim is certainly practical, but the available 13.0-inch screen embodies the technological advantages that Ford continues to offer its drivers. Both screens are inlaid on the dash adjacent to the steering column for easy accessibility without becoming distracting.

Included with this infotainment system is Ford’s latest software and compatibility with Apple and Android products. It will update over the air on its own volition, courtesy of Ford, so you’ll always be on the cutting edge of technology. Audiophiles can further enhance their experience with a ten-speaker stereo system from B&O.

For those who are looking to immerse themselves in luxury, there are a variety of high-end features available, such as a head-up display (HUD) with navigation—a wonderful amenity for those eager to embrace the future. This gadget projects relevant drive data onto the lower windshield so that you don’t have to glance at your instrument panel and take your eyes off the road. As with any Escape, you’ll still have all the practical aspects of a Ford SUV to take advantage of, such as over 68 cu.ft. of storage space for those situations that warrant it.

Safety

With a glut of performance attributes and an interior rich with comfort and convenience, you might be wondering how else the 2023 Ford Escape will command attention. Well, the most important aspect of any vehicle purchase is how safe and reliable a vehicle is—not just in government-mandated collision ratings but the standard and available driver assistance features meant to provide oversight. The Ford brand has built its legacy on safety and durability, and the first aspect to speak to this is the 2023 Escape’s five-star safety rating, awarded to it by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This is an objective series of tests conducted yearly, and results are always transparent and made available to the public. Roadworthiness is evaluated, and all vehicles must meet certain requirements to be available for sale; not all vehicles, however, get as exemplary safety ratings as the 2023 Escape.

As for the driver’s side of innovative safety technology, Ford has made standard its Co-Pilot360 suite for the 2023 Ford Escape. This is a comprehensive suite of features that are meant to provide oversight and enhance the driving experience. One of the biggest aspects of remaining safe on the road is possessing adequate reaction time. While learned over time, through experience, it is essential for any driver to possess in order to avoid a collision. Some of the standard features that help maximize the brief moment between noticing a potential collision and avoiding it are Pre-Collision Assist and Automated Emergency Braking. Lane-Keeping Aid, Lane-Keeping Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, and Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking are also standard and are in place to keep you safe on the road, as well as keep safe those pedestrians and drivers you happen to share the road with. Integral to both this and other drivers is the inclusion of automatic headlights; these engage when visibility is limited and will dim automatically upon the detection of oncoming traffic.

If you’re looking to enhance your safety a bit further, you’ll want to peruse some of the available driving assistance features; these are among some of the most advanced in the industry. Tools such as Active Park Assist 2.0 are essential for drivers who call the city home and must employ intricate maneuvers to navigate traffic and find proper parking. Perhaps one of the most impressive features available for the Escape is Ford’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which adjusts your vehicle’s speed in accordance with traffic patterns and ensures reaction time. No matter if you decide to add extra features, the 2023 Ford Escape comes with the tech that will put your safety first.

Please Note: Driver assistance features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. Safety features do not replace safe driving practices—they enhance them.