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Click Here for Featured Specials
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The competition among compact SUVs is strong, but the all-new 2023 Ford Escape is at the head of the pack. It boasts a great selection of powertrains, plenty of passenger space in the cabin, and a long list of infotainment features. Read below as our experts at Planet Ford in Dallas, Texas, take a closer look at the latest Escape edition, which has a few upgrades compared to previous model years. If you'd like to test-drive an Escape near Dallas, don't hesitate to contact us today.
Ford has given the 2023 edition of its two-row crossover a few noticeable upgrades. The front end has a new look, including a wider grill with a redesigned logo. The wheels also get a fresh appearance to modernize the side profile of this SUV. On top of that, Ford has added some new trims to the lineup, such as the ST-Line and Platinum.
The base engine for the 2023 Escape is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder unit that puts out 180 hp. It's a good choice if you drive mainly in the city, but you may want to upgrade to one of the other options if you spend a lot of time on the highway. There are two hybrid powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid setup with a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that puts out 210 hp. Finally, there's a turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of generating 250 hp.
The three-cylinder engine is a good bet for fuel economy, managing 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The larger turbocharged engine gets 23 mpg on city roads and 31 mpg at highway speeds. If you want the most efficient option, the plug-in hybrid gives you up to 37 miles of all-electric driving with its 11 kWh battery pack.
You can choose from six main trims and a seventh if you include the plug-in hybrid configuration. These trims are the Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. The starting price for the base setup is $27,500 for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and $29,000 for all-wheel drive (AWD). The range-topping Platinum starts at $36,020.
In addition to the three-cylinder engine, the Base trim gets cloth upholstery. You'll also benefit from an 8-inch infotainment touch screen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster to help you monitor your crossover's performance. The infotainment setup includes a six-speaker stereo, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. FordPass is another standard feature. It lets you start the engine remotely, use your Escape as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and perform many other convenient tasks.
The 2023 Escape Base has a long list of driver safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. The Escape rides on 17-inch silver steel wheels and features power side mirrors and remote keyless entry.
The Active trim adds a few helpful features. Convenience features in the cabin include rear-seat USB ports for charging your electronic devices, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power liftgate. You also get the optional 10-speaker premium stereo for added performance while cruising around Dallas and enjoying your favorite music.
Rear-seat passengers will enjoy the foldable armrest and sliding sunshades to create a more relaxing feel on longer trips. The Active has 17-inch alloy wheels and gets some visual exterior enhancements, including body-colored door handles and chrome accents.
One of the main differences with the ST-Line is its sportier appearance. It gets a black mesh grill, 18-inch painted alloy wheels, and body-colored front and rear fascias. The interior also receives an upgrade with vinyl and cloth bucket seats with red stitching, an aluminum footrest, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. You can add a hybrid powertrain to this trim and some infotainment upgrades with Tech Pack 1.
The ST-Line Select comes with standard AWD. You can choose between two powertrains: the hybrid setup or the larger four-cylinder turbocharged engine. You gain a heated steering wheel, front seats, and side mirrors. Optional upgrades include a sunroof and various infotainment features.
Living up to its name, the Elite adds quilted leather upholstery and a premium stereo. It has an active park assist feature to help you maneuver into tight spots. And it has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a head-up display, which projects the relevant information onto the windshield. If all of this isn't quite enough for you, there's always the option to add a sunroof or 19-inch dark-painted alloy wheels.
The standard powertrain in the Platinum is the four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which comes standard with AWD. You can choose between FWD and AWD if you'd prefer the hybrid powertrain. The Platinum comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels and remote start. The top trim stands out with a hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and LED fog lights. Inside the cabin, you'll find a wireless charging pad, driver's seat memory settings, and ambient lighting.
The plug-in hybrid has the Active trim's standard features. It gains adaptive cruise control, a navigation system, and rear parking sensors. On the infotainment and comfort fronts, you get a 13.2-inch screen and heated sport bucket seats.
As you can see, there's plenty on offer throughout Escape's lineup. If you're looking for a crossover suitable for your daily commute in Dallas on a modest budget, you'll struggle to do better than the 2023 Ford Escape Base. But if you'd like a few convenience add-ons, the Active and ST-Line trims are worth considering. The Platinum trim is the obvious choice if you prioritize luxury, while the plug-in hybrid is ideal for electric vehicle fans. To learn more about any of these trims and their features, don't hesitate to contact our team of Ford experts today.
