FordEscape Hybrid

　　

2023 Ford Escape Hybrid 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 Active Fleet 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) 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

　　$97/mo  for Escape Active Fleet

　　Escape Active Fleet

　　Active 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 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $33,340 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 (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) (Most Popular) - $38,465 MSRPST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) - $39,460 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

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Escape Hybrid drive? Acceleration, or lack thereof, can be an issue with eco-minded hybrids. But the Escape Hybrid doesn't feel sluggish. At the zzdcar test track, our test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. That's similar to hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Around town, the Escape Hybrid feels peppy. Ford did a good job tuning the brakes, and there's no noticeable switch from regenerative braking to the friction brakes. That said, braking force doesn't ramp up quickly, so you may have to hit the pedal harder than expected during the last few mph.

　　The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is much smoother than the standard Escape's eight-speed automatic. The only fault is that it doesn't improve engine response in Sport mode as much as we'd like, so you're never really in the right powerband for aggressive driving. The Escape Hybrid has better steering and handling than similar small SUVs. Oddly, we found the Escape Hybrid to be more composed around turns than the regular Escape.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Escape Hybrid? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort offered. The front seats are well shaped and comfortable. The rear bench — though a little flat — is also nice, offering good thigh support. The ride quality is relaxed and never feels floaty or harsh, though midcorner bumps produce noticeably sharp impacts.The Escape Hybrid moves smoothly away from a stoplight with all-electric power. The experience is noticeably more pleasant than in non-hybrid Escapes; they have an engine stop-start system that roughly brings the engine to life after you leave a stop.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below