Escape gets some aggression for 2023
ST-Line adds black trim, red highlights
Ford is giving the Escape crossover a facelift for 2023. The smallest Ford is getting a more aggressive nose, some tech upgrades including the latest version of Sync, and a sporty new ST-Line trim that will offer a big spoiler but not any performance changes.
The new nose changes the look of the Ford Escape from friendly and swept back to upright and angry. It’s also quite close to the nose and grille treatment that Honda has just started to use with the HR-V and CR-V, which will probably result in some design department finger-pointing. Changes at the rear are nearly non-existent unless you opt for the new ST-Line.
The new ST-Line trim starts with a black mesh grille and LED light bar that runs between the headlights. At the back, the under-bumper treatment (Ford calls it a skidplate) is unique to the trim and there is a big rear spoiler sitting at the top of the hatch. The ST-Line gets black-out trim around the windows as well.
There are cabin changes in-store for the ST-Line as well, with black leather highlighted by red stitching on the doors, seats, center armrests, and the steering wheel. The steering wheel is a flat-bottom unit to let you know it’s the sporty model.
Tech upgrades to the whole escape line start with Sync 4, Ford’s latest infotainment system. It has enhanced voice recognition, connected navigation, and will support Ford’s Power-Up over-the-air software updates. The 2023 Escape offers a 13.2-inch center screen to let you see and use the new system.
Safety tech upgrades include Ford’s Intersection Assist 2.0 which is meant to help avoid collisions with pedestrians when turning. It also debuts Ford’s Blind Spot Assist, which will give you a steering nudge and not just a mirror alert.
Ford’s 1.5L three-cylinder making 181 hp and the 2.0L four with 250 hp will carry over. Same for the 200 hp hybrid and 209 hp PHEV model. Ford is changing up the trim names and we’ll see Base, Active, and Platinum instead of SE and SEL. The 2023 Ford Escape hits dealers early next year.
