Used 2023 Ford Escape for Sale near California

Compare 2023 Ford Escape Trims

The 2023 Ford Escape offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to sportier models, catering to various preferences and needs.

• Starting at $18,685
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Most Popular: ST-Line AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Active FWD — "Who It's For"

The Active FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option with great fuel efficiency without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $19,938 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 1,295 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Active FWD listings

AWD — "Who It's For"

The AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive capability without a hefty price tag. It's a solid choice for those needing versatility.

• Avg. market price: $18,685 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 22 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View AWD listings

ST-Line FWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line FWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty styling and features without stepping up to an AWD model. It balances performance and value.

• Avg. market price: $21,007 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 1,221 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line FWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

The Active AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the benefits of all-wheel drive with a good mix of features. It's ideal for those needing versatility.

• Avg. market price: $22,410 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 2,471 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty driving experience with all-wheel drive. It's the most popular trim for a reason.

• Avg. market price: $23,133 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 2,477 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line AWD listings

ST-Line Select AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line Select AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier experience with added luxury features. It's perfect for those who desire more comfort.

• Avg. market price: $25,239 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 930 listings
• View ST-Line Select AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features and performance. It's ideal for those who prioritize luxury in their vehicle.

• Avg. market price: $25,827 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 902 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST-Line Elite AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line Elite AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate in sporty features and technology. It's designed for those who want it all.

• Avg. market price: $26,412 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 179 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line Elite AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST-Line AWD

With 2,477 active listings, the ST-Line AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST-Line AWD listings

Best Budget Option — AWD

At $18,685 avg market price — below the lineup median of $22,771 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active FWD

The Active FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 27/34 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Active FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2023 Ford Escape cost?

Prices have softened 4.90% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 8,069 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2023 Ford Escape a good car?

Yes — owners rate it 5/5, and the expert rating is 7.17/10. The model scores 8/10 across Performance, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its performance, interior comfort, and modern features, and they also call out its spaciousness, smooth handling, and commendable fuel efficiency. In practical terms, that lines up well with an SUV that aims to feel comfortable and tech-forward rather than rugged.

The trade-offs are clear: it can feel a bit cramped, and it sits on the higher end of the segment. The overview also points to a cabin that may feel less premium than the styling suggests, even if the design itself looks upscale.

With its compact-crossover packaging and available stronger engine, it makes the most sense if you want a practical SUV with a polished feel and extra passing power. The market shows 33.8% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Ford Escape reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a vehicle that feels reliable, dependable, and trouble-free, with praise for its long-term appeal and everyday usability. That kind of language matters because it suggests buyers feel comfortable counting on it over time.

From the expert side, the Escape’s powertrain is described as potent and well-suited to real-world driving, with predictable braking and a compliant ride that should help reduce day-to-day wear-and-tear stress. The cost-effectiveness notes also mention that the 1.5-liter version can save you at the pump.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about whether you’re paying too much for the trim and equipment you want.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Ford Escape?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are strong but not universal. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re looking at a higher-mileage example or a trim with more equipment. Focus on cabin condition, since the interior materials are a known weak point and can show wear more quickly than you’d expect.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup starts at the base trim and moves through Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite. The base trim uses the smaller 8-inch touchscreen, while the larger 13.2-inch screen is standard on Platinum and ST-Line Elite. If you want the most upscale presentation, the top trim adds the most polished cabin and equipment.
• Powertrain: You can get a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The stronger engine is limited to ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite, and it is paired with AWD only.
• Safety package: Every trim comes with Co-Pilot360, which includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Co-Pilot360 2.0 adds adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, lane-centering technology, and a surround-view camera.
• Infotainment: Lower trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, while all trims can be equipped with a 13.2-inch screen, standard on Platinum and ST-Line Elite. The system uses Sync 4 and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: The ST-Line Elite is rated at 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined. A 1.5-liter FWD version returns 27 mpg city, 34 highway, and 30 combined. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are more efficient, but they are covered separately.

Which 2023 Ford Escape trim should I buy?

The 2023 Ford Escape is offered in 5 trim levels: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite.

Here's the short version:

• Active: This is the entry point if you want the Escape’s core tech and safety features without stretching too far on price. It makes sense if you value the model’s comfort and standard driver-assistance equipment more than upscale extras.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it keeps the Escape’s appealing tech-forward character while staying below the pricier upper trims. It’s a smart pick if you want a well-equipped version without paying for the strongest engine.
• ST-Line Select: Choose this one if you want the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and the stronger passing power that comes with it. It’s the right middle ground for buyers who care more about performance than luxury touches.
• Platinum: This trim adds a more upscale feel and gets the larger 13.2-inch screen standard. It suits you if you want a more premium presentation and are willing to pay for it.
• ST-Line Elite: This is the most fully equipped version, with the 13.2-inch screen standard and the 2.0-liter engine. It’s the trim to buy if you want the most features, but it also carries the highest price and the weakest value proposition.

Co-Pilot360 is standard across the lineup, while Co-Pilot360 2.0 is the upgrade to look for if you want the more advanced driver-assistance features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Ford Escape?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 8,069 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.90% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,774, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Ford Escape's resale value?

The current average of $23,015 sits slightly below last year's $24,201.

That price movement suggests the Escape has softened enough to give used buyers more leverage today than a year ago. For a future seller, that means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on trim, condition, and how well the vehicle is equipped.

Because the market still shows meaningful inventory and a decent share of good deals, buyers have options, which can keep pressure on asking prices. Well-kept examples with desirable equipment should hold up better than stripped or worn ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Ford Escape safe?

The 2023 Ford Escape earns five-star ratings in frontal- and side-crash tests and four stars in the rollover test from NHTSA. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety did not award it a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation, noting a Marginal result in the updated side-impact test, while it earned Good ratings in the other IIHS tests.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford includes Co-Pilot360 on every trim, with forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Co-Pilot360 2.0 adds adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, lane-centering technology, and a surround-view camera.

The main safety caveat is the IIHS side-impact result, which is worth keeping in mind if crash-test performance is a top priority for you.

Should I buy a 2023 Ford Escape or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.90% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines strong available power with a major 2023 refresh and a tech-heavy cabin.

Consider the 2024 if:

• At $22,951, the 2024 costs less than the current year's $23,015 average.
• It carries forward the 2023 makeover with no major changes.

The bottom line: If you want the broader selection and the benefit of the 2023 refresh, the 2023 is the better all-around target. If your priority is simply paying a bit less for a very similar package, the 2024 is the more price-sensitive path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.