FordEscape

　　

2023 Ford Escape Review

byRonald MontoyaSenior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy

　　Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.

　　The 2023 Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV that's both one of Ford's most popular vehicles and one of the best-selling crossovers around today. Slotting below the larger Ford Edge and a rival to the well-known Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Escape offers multiple powertrains — gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid — plenty of in-car tech, and a variety of standard and available driver aids. We've found the Escape to be comfortable and roomy, and that hybrid powertrain nets some impressive fuel economy.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Ford Escape 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$127/mo  for Escape Base

　　Escape Base

　　4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $28,000 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $29,500 MSRPActive 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $29,345 MSRPActive 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $31,515 MSRPST-Line 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $30,340 MSRPST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $32,510 MSRPST-Line 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $33,340 MSRPActive Fleet 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $31,345 MSRPActive Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $33,215 MSRPST-Line Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $34,040 MSRPST-Line Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $35,040 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $36,965 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,465 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $38,465 MSRPST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,460 MSRPST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $39,460 MSRPPlug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $40,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2023, the Escape receives a significant refresh, with a new look in front and back, the new Sync 4 infotainment system, and an entire lineup that's been overhauled, with new trim levels and slightly different engine and feature availability. The new styling should be an upgrade for most shoppers, as it gives the small SUV a stronger presence with its more upright and squared-off front end. On the inside, the larger infotainment screens not only look more modern, they're also easier to use.

　　The Escape has rivals from just about every corner. Some of zzdcar' favorites include the CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue. Ford itself offers a wide array of SUVs as it's shifted its focus away from car production. Besides the Escape and Edge, Ford also offers the Bronco Sport, which is based on the Escape but has a more rugged, outdoorsy persona. Overall, we like the Escape and think it's worth checking out if you're shopping for a small SUV with a satisfying mix of features, comfort and utility. Check out the Expert Rating below to get our test team's full take on the Escape's utility, comfort and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the Escape drive? We tested the Escape with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This engine makes plenty of power, allowing it to easily squirt through traffic and accelerate up to highway speeds. In zzdcar' testing, our Escape covered 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is better than most rival small SUVs with an upgraded engine.

　　Unfortunately, the automatic transmission shifts slowly and can be jerky with its upshifts. Downshifts are similar, and you'll feel multiple small shocks as you decelerate. Even the engine stop-start system bucks the Escape when it restarts the engine as you take your foot off the brake. It all feels terribly unrefined.

　　The Escape's handling is disappointing too. It rolls a lot and has a ponderous feel as you go around turns. There's not much grip from the tires either. As for the steering, it's very light and low-effort in the default drive mode. Selecting Sport mode gives it more heft and makes it easier to figure out where the front wheels are pointed.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Escape? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort the Escape offers. The front seats are well shaped and have a pleasing amount of cushioning. The rear seats are also comfortable and provide a suitable amount of thigh support for adults. Around town and on the highway, the Escape rides in a smooth and composed manner. It's also fairly quiet at speed, with road noise the prevailing source of sound intrusion. Ventilated front seats are not available on any Escape trim.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below