The Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-In started life with delays and recalls, but the efficient compact crossover offers a compelling mix of fuel economy, performance, and tech. While the standard Escape and Escape Hybrid are offered in multiple trims, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant comes in a single, well-equipped package.

What’s New for the 2023 Ford Escape

The whole Escape lineup got a new look for 2023, with a reshaped bumper and a larger grille. A larger 13.2-inch touchscreen comes standard for the new model year.

Design

Ford has moved the Escape from its somewhat awkwardly styled previous generation to a much more modern, grown-up look. The 2023 refresh gives the compact crossover even more curb appeal, bringing it in line with the larger and more expensive Ford Edge.

Powertrain

The plug-in hybrid powertrain uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 210 horsepower. Acceleration is decent but not impressive, with the run from zero to 60 mph taking almost eight seconds. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comes standard, but the Escape PHEV is only offered with front-wheel drive (FWD).

Thanks to its larger battery over the standard hybrid, the Escape PHEV offers an all-electric range of 37 miles. It’s also the most efficient Escape model, with city fuel economy ratings of up to 44 mpg.

Interior

The 2023 Escape’s interior is a nice place to spend time, with plenty of space for people in both rows. Partial vinyl and cloth upholstery comes standard, but buyers can add leather with the $4,350 PHEV Premium Package. An eight-way power driver’s seat and folding second-row seats are standard, and the sliding second row allows taller people or larger items to ride with ease.

Technology

The standard Escape and Escape Hybrid come with an 8-inch touchscreen by default but can be upgraded to a 13.2-inch unit. The Escape PHEV gets the larger display as standard kit. It offers Ford SYNC 4 infotainment software, when runs flawlessly on the large screen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, HD radio, and more. The new interface also brings over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing Ford to refine existing features and add new functions over time.

Safety

The 2023 Ford Escape missed out on a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), falling from the high marks set by its predecessor. That’s not an indication that it’s less safe, however, as the lower scores are due to the IIHS’s new side crash test. The updated format uses more force in testing, and a vehicle must earn a “Good” or “Acceptable” score to qualify for a Top Safety Pick award. The Escape’s “Marginal” rating in the category knocked it out of contention.

Standard safety kit is plentiful, as Ford equips automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, a rearview camera, and road-departure warnings.

Pricing

A single trim level makes pricing the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV simple. The SUV starts at $40,500, which reaches $42,640 after the $1,495 destination and $645 acquisition fees.