What’s New for the 2023 Ford Escape?

The Ford Escape is a versatile SUV that has a lot to offer drivers, from a comfortable interior to a stylish exterior to a range of capable powertrains. We’re proud to offer the Ford Escape for sale here at Pearson Ford, and we always love seeing what’s different when the new model year rolls around. For the 2023 model year, Ford has brought some exciting new things to the table, both inside the vehicle and out. While some are cosmetic changes, others are fairly significant upgrades.

Since we offer both new and used Ford models here at the dealership, we want to make sure that you have all of the information you need to decide which is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, letting you know what makes the 2023 Escape stand out from the models that came before it. From trim levels to tech features, there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.

Styling

Whether you follow cars or fashion, it’s easy to notice that different styles have come and gone over the years. Staying on top of the latest looks is part of the appeal of getting a new car, like a cherry on top of more significant changes. Just a quick glance at the front of the 2023 Escape makes it clear that it looks different from the 2022 model. The grille is wider, and the iconic Ford logo is at home in the center of it instead of floating above it. The design of the headlights is different, too, giving the Escape a more athletic look, and the hood and front bumper have been altered to make these new elements feel at home and give the Escape a comprehensive aesthetic.

There are new wheel designs across the Escape lineup as well. Each trim level has its own geometric pattern, giving each one a unique style and personality.

• The Base trim comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels that have a simple design and sparkle silver-painted covers.
• The Active model gets 17-inch shadow silver-painted aluminum wheels that have a more complex pattern.
• The ST-Line and ST-Line Select trims come standard with 18-inch rock metallic painted aluminum wheels, while the ST-Line Elite comes with 19-inch machine-face ebony-painted aluminum wheels. All of them have a unique design with negative space that evokes the look of a five-petalled flower.
• The Platinum Escape gets 19-inch machine-face aluminum with dark tarnished painted pockets that create a sense of depth. The pattern features sharp angles, providing a sporty look.
• The PHEV trim has 18-inch machine-face magnetic aluminum wheels with painted pockets. The intricate design features several spokes, which looks like an homage to bicycle wheels, which is fitting for this eco-friendly option.

SYNC 4

No matter which trim you choose, you’ll be getting a major upgrade when it comes to tech. While the 2022 Escape used Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, the 2023 model has SYNC 4 technology. For one thing, the new system comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, letting you connect your smartphone to the Escape’s interface without using a cord. SYNC 4 also has enhanced voice recognition tech, making it easier to control various features hands-free so that you can keep your eyes on the road.

Probably the biggest draw of SYNC 4 is that it’s connected to the cloud. That means that you can use that new voice-recognition software to get up-to-date information from the internet, like information about nearby restaurants or attractions. The built-in navigation system also has access to more data, like current road closures and traffic information. Internet access also gives the system the ability to get over-the-air software updates, so your system will stay up to date as Ford improves its infotainment system in the years to come, and you won’t have to come into our service department to get the new software; you’ll get it automatically at whatever time is convenient for you.

Trim Names

If you’ve bought an Escape before, then you may be a bit confused when you see the trim level options for the 2023 model since the names have been changed for this model year. For newcomers, the new names provide a little extra clarity, but if you’re looking to upgrade your current Escape to an equivalent 2023 model, then it can be a little trickier. While you won’t find the S, SE, SEL, or Titanium in this year’s lineup, you’ll still find a great selection of options that can help you get an Escape that’s perfect for your driving habits and your budget.

The base trim is now simply called Base, which lets you know that it’s the most affordable trim level and won’t have the kinds of luxury features you’ll find on other options. Still, it comes standard with plenty of useful features, like Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance technology, a compact rotary gear shift dial that leaves room for extra cup holders, and sliding second-row seats with a 60/40 split. Upgrade to the next level up, the Active, and you’ll get extras like dual-zone automatic climate control and a power liftgate.

On the high end, the Platinum trim has more tech features, like a 360-degree camera view and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, plus physical features like standard black roof-rack side rails and dual chrome exhaust tips. The Plug-In Hybrid now is a stand-alone trim level, though both the traditional hybrid and PHEV powertrains are available options on the ST-Line trim and up. The PHEV trim doesn’t come standard with all of the niceties of the Platinum trim, but many are available as optional add-ons, and you can certainly get a lot out of the efficient powertrain.

ST-Line

The sporty Escape ST-Line is new to the lineup for this year and is broken down into three trim levels. These trims fit in between the Active trim and the Platinum trim in terms of included features and pricing. There are exclusive styling features that all three have in common, like a black mesh grille design and a racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel shape that aren’t available on any of the other trim levels.

The most affordable of the three is simply called the ST-Line. Upgrade to the ST-Line Select, and you’ll get extras like heated front-row seats and bright LED fog lamps standard. You‘ll also have the more powerful 2.0L EcoBoost engine under the hood instead of the base 1.5L engine. On the ST-Line Elite trim, you’ll get even more standard features, including a wireless charging pad, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and a SecuriCode keyless-entry keypad.

See This New Model at Our Dealership

Whether you’re eager to see how the Escape has changed since the last time you got one or are taking a look at this model for the very first time, we can help you out here at Pearson Ford. We have experience working with all kinds of drivers, so we can meet you where you’re at and give you the information you’re looking for without wasting your time telling you what you already know. That’s part of our commitment to give all of our customers a smooth and stress-free experience.

You can look at our current inventory here on our website or in person at the dealership. Our sales team is happy to answer any questions you may have and get you set up with a test drive so you can really get a feel for what it’s like behind the wheel of a 2023 Escape. Reach out today, and we can get started. We’re sure that you’ll be glad you decided to work with us.