The 2023 model year has arrived, generating unprecedented excitement, and how could it not? Many new designs are gaining attention, and there’s no shortage of vehicles that defy our expectations and shift the paradigm of the particular class they belong to. Among the new additions is the 2023 Ford Escape. Equipped with a brand new design for 2023, the Escape is no stranger to being a game-changer.
When the SUV first arrived in the early 2000s, it heralded the direction in which the SUV would go. No longer needing larger engines and being just as effective when scaled down, the Escape would show that big things do indeed come in small packages. At Gengras Ford, we love nothing more than helping the people who live in the same community as us. We’re not just a Ford Escape dealer; we think of ourselves as providers of an important service, and today, we’ll be providing a buyer’s guide for the 2023 Ford Escape and what it has to offer.
Breaking It All Down
Like many other vehicles on the market, the Ford Escape is divided into different trim levels. The Ford Escape begins with an MSRP of $27,500.[a] This is average for an SUV of its size, and its new design is much more curvy and sporty than in previous years. The boxier body style has been abandoned for a design more aligned with a crossover or a hatchback, appealing to the sense of style and aesthetic many consumers look for in their vehicles. The Escape comes in seven trims: the Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and PHEV. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Ford Escape and what it has to offer.
The Ford Escape Base
All journeys have to begin somewhere, and ours begins with the Base trim. In keeping with the original Escape tradition established all those years ago, the base trim comes equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. The conservative fuel consumption is one of the vehicles’ biggest advantages, as a combined fuel economy of 30 MPG is attained. This number comes from the ability of the vehicle to get 27 MPG in the city, a number that is raised to 34 MPG when it takes to the highway.
An 8-inch infotainment screen and 6-speaker audio system appeal to our need for entertainment, but one of the biggest changes have to do with the Escape’s standard safety features. Equipped with Ford’s suite of safety features known as Co-Pilot360, pre-collision assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping system, and the blind spot information system are all standard across every level of trim.
The Ford Escape Active Trim
The difference between the base and active trims is quite noticeable. As its name suggests, the next level up is more than ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle and need a couple of extras to make things more interesting. It’s the ideal compromise of affordability and comfort that so many are constantly looking for. Features such as dual-zone climate control, lumbar support, and a power liftgate make things easier and much more comfortable.
The active trim allows for the ability to upgrade to high-quality features. For those looking for more entertainment features, the active trim allows one to upgrade to a premium ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which is perfect with the SiriusXM trial. Adding the Technology Package #2 grants the user a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, and there’s also the chance to upgrade to Ford Co-Pilot360+, which includes reverse braking assistance and intersection assist.
The Ford Escape ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and ST-Line Elite Trim
Here we are, in the middle of everything. Here, the ST-Line, St-Line Select, and ST-Line Elite are the trifecta that sits perfectly in between the lower and upper lower levels of trim. Sitting on a set of 18-inch wheels and sporting a black-mesh grill, this is the Escape for those looking to make an impactful statement wherever they go. The major change with these trims is the change of engine.
A 2.5L hybrid-electric four-cylinder equipped with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) is the perfect choice for city dwellers looking to save on fuel costs while braving stop-and-go traffic. With the ability to get 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, you’ll have some great advantages when it comes to cutting costs. For those who crave complete peace of mind when it comes to safety, the ST-Elite comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 2.0, which includes adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree monitor.
The Ford Escape Platinum Trim
The Platinum trim is for those who only want the best from their vehicle purchase. A standard 2.0L turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive is included, but the hybrid powertrain with front-wheel drive is also available for those who want it. A hands-free foot-activated liftgate makes for easier unloading, nineteen-inch wheels accentuate the aesthetic, and a heated steering wheel makes for the perfect touch on those cold mornings. You’ll have peace of mind from the same safety features available on the Elite trim, making for a commute that’s equipped with the latest and greatest in the way of driving assistance technology.
The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Trim
At the end of our examination is the plug-in hybrid version of the Escape. This is where efficient technology excels, providing a fuel-efficient commute with all the latest and greatest trappings of innovation. The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) not only has an electric-only range of 37 miles and a total range of 520 miles, making it the ideal commuter for those who are looking to get the most in-between trips to the gas station. The EPA estimates savings of upwards of $4,000 over a period of five years, which means you’ll be going green and having money in your pocket.
Speaking of which, you’ll also qualify for a tax break, as the government is encouraging others to purchase EVs. All of the exciting features we’ve mentioned come standard, and the ante is upped at the card game with the addition of LED fog lights and the ability to be towed in neutral. One available feature that has many talking is active park assist 2.0. Have you struggled with parallel parking? It’s now a worry of the past with this feature which takes the reins and does most of the parking work. With so much to offer, the PHEV version of the Ford Escape brings style and luxury to the world of the EV.
We’re Here to Help You Plan Your Escape
All these years later, the Ford Escape is still changing how we think of the SUV, and an exceptional vehicle like the Escape should be purchased from an exceptional dealership. At Gengras Ford, we pride ourselves on representing the same quality and efficiency that so many have come to expect from the Ford motor company. Whether it’s answering all of the important questions during the purchasing and selection process, providing you with financing options that work with your budget, or the routine service to keep your purchase on the road, we’re on your team and in your corner. Come in today, and let us show you everything the amazing 2023 Ford Escape has to offer.