2023 Ford Escape

The new Ford Escape crossover SUV is an update of last year's car, with refreshed looks and realigned trims. The powertrains remain mostly as before, with 180-horsepower 1.5-liter and 250-hp 2.0-liter engines available, as well as a hybrid and a PHEV version, although we review the Ford Escape hybrids separately. The sharpened looks and updates hone a competent offering, but its general talents are quite average and some of rivals, like the Mazda CX-50 and Volkswagen Tiguan are better to drive, while the all-conquering Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V sell in far greater numbers in the USA. The 2023 Ford Escape has to try harder to make an impression in this hotly contested corner of the market and faces tough competition not only from the above-mentioned rivals but also from within the family in the shape of the much more distinctive Ford Bronco Sport, with which it shares a platform. Ford is hoping that the 2023 updates will spark fresh interest in its compact crossover.

The price of the 2023 Ford Escape is competitive, starting at $28,000 for the Base trim, increasing to $29,345 for the Active, and $30,340 for the ST-Line with the gas engine; ST-Line models with the hybrid engine cost $3,000 more. Adding AWD to the Base will cost you $1,500, with $2,170 more needed to add AWD to the Active or ST-Line.

The ST-Line Select, priced at $34,040 with the gas engine, can also be had with the hybrid powertrain for $35,040. Next in line is the Platinum at $37,465 for the gas version, and surprisingly, the hybrid version is cheaper by $500. ST-Line Elite trims start at $38,460 with $1,000 extra needed to equip the hybrid powertrain. The PHEV tops the lineup with a $40,500 MSRP. These prices don't include the $1,495 destination fee, extras, packages, or any other charges.

The Escape has been on the market for a couple of years and its rivals are moving ahead of it in terms of driving dynamics. The Mazda CX-50 and VW Tiguan are more fun to drive and, by comparison, the Escape is starting to feel a bit soft and wallowy, with plenty of lean around corners and comparatively low grip levels - but at least the ride is compliant and commendably quiet. Even if you dial things down a few notches and drive sedately, there are complaints. The rather coarse three-cylinder base engine has adequate power, but the automatic transmission disappoints, not shifting particularly smoothly and often being slow to respond to commands from your right foot. Slowing down, you can feel every downshift, and the stop-start system is jerky and intrusive too. It's simply not as well-resolved and refined as it should be. At least the 2.0-liter engine provides plenty of shove and the steering has a bit of feel to it in Sport mode.

Compared to its natural rivals, the Escape is no longer the able contender it once was. It offers a good selection of powertrains and has two hybrid options - but so do other cars in this class that blend the compact crossover form factor with more luxurious cabins, better driving manners, and superior refinement. Its own stablemate, the Bronco Sport, arguably offers a wider breadth of abilities on the same platform and is a lot more interesting to look at than the somewhat bland Escape. On the plus side, there's a good towing capacity with the 2.0-liter engine, a comfortable cabin, and a long list of features to justify the purchase if you're set on an Escape.

It does an adequate job, but we don't love the gruff base engine, so the ST-Line Select makes the most sense to us, being the cheapest trim with the 2.0-liter engine and also coming with standard AWD and an impressive towing capacity. You could opt for the hybrid if you want more economy. Standard equipment is not overly generous, but at least it has a power driver's seat, heated front seats, remote start, and LED foglights, while a comprehensive list of driver assists is standard anyway on all Escapes. We'd add the high-value Tech Pack #1 which adds several desirable features and still come out more than $2k cheaper than the Platinum.