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The 2023 Ford Escape is a solid and sensible choice in the hugely competitive field of compact SUVs. What sets the Escape apart is its wide range of engines, including fuel-sipping hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, along with its user-friendly infotainment system. Cargo space and passenger room in the first and second rows also nicely competes with what rivals like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan offer.
For the 2023 model year the Escape receives new front and rear styling, a reshuffling and renaming of trim levels, and Ford’s latest SYNC® 4 infotainment system with larger optional touchscreens. To drive, the Escape emphasizes functionality more than fun, as its handling lacks some of the sparkle found in competitors like the Mazda CX-5. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available.
To its credit, EPA-estimated fuel economy is a major plus point, particularly with the available hybrid powertrains. Ride quality in town or on the highway is also controlled and comfortable.
Drive Wheels | Front Wheel Drive (2WD) |
Engine size | 1.5L |
Horsepower | 181 |
Torque (ft-lbs) | 190 |
Engine type | Turbo Gas |
Fuel capacity | 14.8 |
Wheelbase | 106.7" |
Overall length | 180.5" |
Width | 74.1" |
Height | 66.1" |
Leg room | F 42.4"/R 40.7" |
Head room | F 40"/R 39.3" |
Front tires | P225/60HR18 |
Rear tires | P225/60HR18 |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Max towing capacity | 200/2000 lbs. |
Transmission | Automatic |
Value: The Ford Escape is a lot of SUV for your money. Standard features include wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, and a pair of USB ports. It also comes with a number of standard driver-assist items, including lane keeping assistance, a driver attention monitor, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Powertrain choices: The Escape comes standard with a turbocharged three-cylinder, though a livelier 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is optional. And don’t forget the available hybrid and models, which deliver a stellar EPA fuel economy estimate of 39 mpg combined. The Escape plug-in also has 37 miles of electric-only driving range.
Infotainment controls: Ford's SYNC® 4 is quick to respond to driver inputs and has clear menus that are simple to navigate. This matters a lot because compact SUVs are the family-friendly vehicle of choice for many car shoppers. Items like wireless smartphone connectivity, onboard Wi-Fi, and user-friendly touchscreens are essential.
Ho-hum steering feel: The Ford Escape does many things right, but its handling feels totally uninterested in offering anything close to driving fun. In fairness, compact SUVs aren’t known for offering scintillating performance. Yet a number of competing SUVs deliver sharper steering responses.
The 2023 Ford Escape is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Ford Escape an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Ford Escape 14th out of 27 among Compact SUVs.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford Escape is $468, compared to an average of $489 for Compact SUVs and $619 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Ford Escape owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.0 times per year, compared to an average of 0.9 times for Compact SUVs and 1.4 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Ford Escape, compared to an average of 10% for Compact SUVs and 12% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
The Ford Escape received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Ford Escape as 13 out of 27 among Compact SUV
The 2023 Ford Escape has a maximum towing capacity of between 1500 and 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Ford Escape: