The 2023 Ford Escape Starts at $35,044 in Canada

• The refreshed Escape is now offered in six trim levels, including new ST-Line models

• This makes the Escape $2,600 more expensive to start than before.

• Selecting every option on the Plug-in model can push the price past $56,000.

Ford thoroughly refreshed the Escape for the 2023 model year, bringing a new front end and more dynamic trim levels.

Still offered in gasoline, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid form, the 2023 Ford Escape can be ordered in six trim levels, including three from the new ST-Line group of sporty models.

Every trim level can be ordered in gasoline or hybrid form except for the entry-level Active which is only offered with the gasoline powertrain. The plug-in powertrain is only available on a single trim level called “Plug-in” which sits at the top of the Escape lineup in terms of prices.

Under the hood of the Active and gasoline-powered ST-Line models is a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque to the road via a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on both of these models, with all-wheel drive being a $2,600 option.

The standard engine in every other Escape is a 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Every Escape except the Active is also available with a hybrid powertrain that uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and an electric motor that works in combination with an eCVT transmission to allow driving only on electricity or gasoline, or a mix of both.

The plug-in version uses the same powertrain, but a larger battery increases the output from 192 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque up to 210 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, and it allows up to 60 kilometres of electric range. Keep in mind that this model is only available in a front-wheel drive configuration, however.

Active

The Entry-level Escape for 2023 is the $35,044 Active. This trim level includes features such as pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, an engine block heater, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a roof-mounted sunglass storage console, an 8-inch LCD screen in the instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, selectable drive modes, automatic headlamps, proximity key with push-button start, an 8-inch touchscreen for the SYNC 4 infotainment system, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8-way power driver’s seat, LED daytime running lights, a body-colour rear spoiler, black mirror caps, chromed window mouldings, dual chrome exhaust tips, a power liftgate, 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, and LED headlamps with automatic high beams.

The Escape Active is available with a few optional packages that complete its list of equipment, such as the Tech 1 and 2 packages which cost $1,500 and $4,530 respectively.

The first includes technologies such as the Co-Pilot 360 suite of features that include adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition, navigation, evasive steering assist and rear parking sensors, as well as a digital rear-view mirror, and a 13,2-inch screen for the infotainment system.

The Tech 2 package keeps the same elements but adds reverse brake assist, intersection assist, a 360-degree camera system, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a 6-way power passenger’s seat, a 10-speaker B&O sound system, a 12,3-inch digital instrument panel, a memory function for the mirrors and the driver’s seat, the keyless entry pad, and a wireless charging station.

A $1,100 Cold Weather package also adds heated front seats, heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel and remote start. Its content come standard with the Tech package 2 or when buyers select AWD.

ST-Line

The Escape ST-Line starts at 36,544 and it adds a flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching, aluminum SVT sport pedals, a dark headliner, vinyl and cloth upholstery with red stitching, a black mesh grille, a larger rear spoiler, black roof rack side rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interestingly, this version does not offer the Tech package 2, leaving only the Tech package 1 and Cold Weather package as options.

ST-Line Select

The ST-Line Select further builds upon the ST-Line features by making AWD and the Cold Weather package standard and by adding auto up & down front and rear windows and LED fog lamps.

This model can also be ordered with the Tech package 1 or the Tech package 2, the price of which drops to $3,430 due to the inclusion of the Cold Weather package. A $700 Class 2 Trailer Tow package is also available on this version of the Escape, as are larger, $1,000 19-inch wheels.

Platinum

Since the $44,074 Platinum model is not part of the ST-Line family, its equipment builds upon the Escape Active in some respects and upon the ST-Line Select in others. For example, this model comes standard with the Tech package 2, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, additional chrome on the window mouldings, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, ambient lighting, a HomeLink garage door opener, ActiveX perforated upholstery, LED lightbar headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and a perimeter alarm, but not the red stitching, larger spoiler, or flat-bottom steering wheel.

The $700 Trailer Towing package is still available and it is joined by a $2,200 Premium Technology package that contains the Active Park Assist system, a head-up display, the B&O sound system, and quilted leather upholstery.

ST-Line Elite

Choosing the $45,574 ST-Line Elite brings back all of the ST-Line-specific items in addition to the same luxuries that are found in the Platinum model, with the exception of different 19-inch alloy wheels.

Options are the same as the Platinum model except for black-painted 19-inch wheels at a cost of $1,000.

PHEV

Finally, the Escape Plug-in Hybrid is at the top of the lineup in terms of price ($46,944), but it is positioned towards the middle in terms of features since it has a level of standard features comparable to the ST-Line Select model equipped with the Tech 1 Package. Still, it offers many of the Platinum’s features as options. The only notable exceptions are the model-specific 18-inch wheels.

Indeed, this version of the Escape can be ordered with a unique $4,930 Plug-In Hybrid Premium package that includes all of the standard features of the Platinum model as well as all of the items added by this model’s own Premium Technology package. The $700 Trailer Towing package is also offered.

Standalone options offered on every 2023 Ford Escape model include $845 black roof crossbars, a $1,750 panoramic sunroof, multiple floor liner and cargo management options, as well as a $585 safe with combination lock mounted inside of the center console, among many others.