The Escape is Ford’s second-smallest crossover, and the Louisville, KY-built model offers many of the automaker’s best features in a compact package. Ford offers the 2023 Escape Hybrid in ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims.

What’s New for the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford gave the entire Escape lineup a mid-cycle refresh for 2023, bringing updated styling, new tech features, and a line of new trim names.

Design

The new Ford Escape, which got its last full redesign for the 2020 model year, is much more grown-up and refined than its predecessor. Ford updated its exterior styling for 2023 with new LED light fixtures, a wider grille, and a reshaped hood and front bumper. There are also new wheel designs and exterior trim options.

Powertrain

The hybrid powertrain includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine for 192 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available, and all models come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). That combination provides surprisingly strong acceleration, making the Escape Hybrid a quick urban runabout and a capable highway cruiser. That said, the CVT lets the engine wail and drone at times, especially under heavy throttle.

Fuel economy is solid, with both the AWD and FWD variants delivering 42 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined. Those numbers are significantly better than the standard Escape, which returns up to 30 mpg combined in its most efficient form.

Interior

The 2023 Escape and Escape Hybrid come well-equipped from the factory, and interior finishes are nicer than they have to be for the price point. Cloth and vinyl upholstery comes standard, but it’s not the sticky, rubbery vinyl found in work trucks and school buses. The ST-Line trims add unique stitching colors and interior accents. The front buckets are spacious, well-padded, and supportive. There’s good space for adults in the front, and the Escape’s back seat is accommodating, even for taller adults. The rear bench also slides to open more legroom or allow storage for larger items on the floor.

Technology

An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, running Ford’s excellent SYNC infotainment system. It’s easily one of the best interfaces on the market, with colorful displays and fluid transitions between menus. Settings and navigation are clearly labeled and easy to access, and the system brings plenty of great features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, HD radio, SiriusXM radio, and more. Ford also offers a larger 13.2-inch display that brings enhanced voice-recognition features.

Safety

The 2022 Escape earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but its successor missed the mark when the IIHS updated its side crash test criteria, adding more force to the equation. The 2023 Escape earned a “Marginal” score in the test, dropping it from contention for an award.

That said, standard safety equipment is generous, as Ford equips the 2023 Escape lineup with automatic high beams, blind -pot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, a rearview camera, and road-departure warnings.

Pricing

The 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid starts at $33,340 before options, taxes, and destination. Buyers choosing the top ST-Line Elite see a price tag that nears $40,000. Ford offers several packages and standalone options that can drive the price higher, making the Escape a seriously expensive small SUV.