Refreshed 2023 Ford Escape Revealed

For 2023, Ford is giving its popular compact crossover a nip and tuck both inside and out. The exterior changes include a redesigned grille that contributes to a smoother surface and less stubby appearance. It seems that Ford is finally done trying the Aston-Martin grille thing on all of its cars, and while we can’t blame them for trying, we can’t knock them for finally deciding it was time to move on. The new grille design adopts the theme found on new Ford models coming out of China, so expect this look to proliferate throughout the North American lineup soon. Out back things look pretty identical to the previous model year, though the LED signatures in the taillights have a new configuration. There is a new ST-Line trim that darkens up the grille and trim around the windows. This is one area where the side profile actually changes a bit. Instead of the thick chrome border at the rear of the greenhouse, the ST-Line keeps the black trim here closer in thickness to the rest of the surround.

The engine lineup remains unchanged over last year, however now the Plug-in Hybrid is its own exclusive trim level. The structure includes Base, Active, Platinum, Plug-in Hybrid, and ST-Line. The standard engine (Base, Active, ST-Line) is still the 1.3L turbo 3-cylinder producing 180 horsepower with front-wheel drive only. The larger 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (Platinum, ST-Line) still makes 250 horsepower with either front- or all-wheel drive. The standard 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid (Active, Platinum, ST-Line) makes 199 horsepower with front- or all-wheel drive. Finally, the 2.5L 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid makes 210 horsepower and can go 37 miles on electricity only, but it is only front-wheel drive. The ST-Line receives sportier suspension tuning if you order it with all-wheel drive and the 2.0L or Hybrid.

More on the 2023 Ford Escape here.