Colorado’s automotive inhabitants is closely comprised of Subarus and Toyota 4Runners and Tacomas whereas Detroit’s Huge Three crossover and truck choices are much less frequent. Rivians are in abundance – particularly in Boulder and Rocky Mountain ski resort parking heaps. Crosstreks will at some point outnumber people out right here at present progress charges. I used to be excited to be seen in one thing completely different, when a Cinnabar Crimson Metallic 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite with full-time all-wheel drive, the Premium Know-how Package deal, and 260 horsepower was delivered to my home for every week. I had some plans for this absolutely loaded compact household crossover.
These of us who hail from Colorado critically love snowboarding and snowboarding in winter, yours really particularly. So I drove out to Keystone and Arapahoe Basin for 2 days of snowboarding, which meant coping with some gnarly freeway circumstances and one significantly horrible driver on the way in which – the proper alternative to see whether or not the Escape supplies a enjoyable and thrilling drive to flee the town.
Fashion: Thank Goodness For The Refresh
The present, fourth-generation Escape was launched for the 2019 mannequin 12 months to a lot applause however little pleasure. Its first-gen boxy styling has now been assumed by the Bronco Sport, which additionally rides on the Blue Oval’s C2 platform. The Escape, in distinction, acquired a raised station wagon look. It appeared good however didn’t stand out on this extremely aggressive section. Ford took be aware.
The 2023 refresh introduced sharper, sportier exterior styling that appears stable on the ST-Line. The mid-range trim provides a black mesh grille, black roof rails and crossbars, bigger rear spoiler and skid plates, and the mandatory ‘ST-Line’ badging to the aesthetics. Mixed with the Cinnabar Crimson Metallic paint (an added price choice), the Escape is extra good-looking than the earlier 12 months, however nonetheless not fashionable in our opinion. The Mazda CX-50 is fashionable and undoubtedly steals consideration when parked side-by-side.
There are six trims on provide with the ST-Line beginning close to the center. There’s additionally a PHEV model and a hybrid choice. Our tester got here with 19-inch machine-face Ebony-painted aluminum wheels, all-season rubber and a panoramic roof. It helps make it look good, however its nowhere close to attention-grabbing.
Inside Consolation
Step inside, and also you’re handled to a cabin that does its job, however not far more. Our tester was outfitted with the 13.2-inch LCD show that is normal on the ST-Line Elite (an eight-inch display screen does obligation decrease down within the trim ladder) imbued with Ford’s easy-to-use Sync4 infotainment system with voice recognition. A retractable head-up show, a wi-fi charging pad, and ambient lighting rounded issues out. Regardless of the latter, I discovered it difficult to find one of many two cupholders within the heart console when it was darkish outdoors. For a automobile at this worth level, it will’ve been good for Ford to encircle these holders with extra lighting.
Ebony leather-based with crimson stitching adorns the seats (you may must pay for this improve over the partial vinyl and fabric) and the 10-way energy driver’s bucket seat is comfy and straightforward to search out the best seating place. A flat-bottom steering wheel, a part of the ST-Line bundle, is cool to have however not a necessity on this automobile. I discovered the aluminum sport pedals might use some extra grip, nevertheless, one thing I instantly seen with snow-soaked Vans.
Storage, Cargo, and Construct High quality
With a complete of 37.5 cu-ft. of area behind the rear seats, the Escape simply swallowed two snowboards and a big bag full of gear. Due to the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, there was nonetheless sufficient area for 2 second-row passengers, though it’d in all probability be a decent squeeze. When the seats are fully flat, a complete of 65.4 cu-ft awaits all your stuff.
The Escape has six cupholders unfold across the cabin, not together with the aforementioned two within the heart console. If there’s one basic problem I’ve with the inside as a complete, it’s this: plastic high quality. The glovebox lid, specifically, screams low cost with its exhausting plastic development. For a automobile costing what it does, Ford ought to have spent just a few further bucks per unit for improved supplies. General, the match and end was good however not class-leading. Step inside the newest Toyota RAV4, for instance, and also you’ll discover a distinction.
Powertrain: EcoBoost Has Some
Of the assorted powertrain choices, the ST-Line Elite comes normal with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing a complete of 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, with energy channeled to all 4 wheels via an eight-speed automated gearbox. Acceleration is stable however not earth-shattering; it makes freeway passing a breeze.
This is similar engine discovered within the Maverick pickup truck; I didn’t discover any dramatic variations between the heavier Escape and the Maverick in total efficiency. Would extra energy be good? After all. However the Escape – regardless of which trim – doesn’t want it contemplating its audience is household oriented. Carrying individuals and their stuff is its specialty.
On the highway and thru site visitors, the Escape stays the acquainted, assured, crossover thousands and thousands of homeowners recognize. Regardless of its ST-Line moniker and some exterior tweaks and that flat-bottom steering wheel, it’s not sporty. It is also solely barely participating to drive, and never memorable in some ways. And as for gas economic system, I averaged about 27 mpg mixed, which is definitely one mpg higher than the EPA’s official determine.
1.5L 3-cylinder FWD
1.5L 3-cylinder AWD
2.0L 4-cylinder AWD
Outputs
180 hp | 199 lb-ft
180 hp | 199 lb-ft
250 hp | 280 lb-ft
MPG
27/34/30
26/32/28
23/31/26
Security: Talking From Expertise
No matter trim, the Escape comes normal with seven airbags, ABS, stability management, a rearview digicam, and the Co-Pilot360 security suite that includes goodies like ahead collision avoidance, lane-keep help, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Pre-Collision Help system with automated emergency braking prevented me from getting right into a critical accident, so it is value elaborating:
A driver a number of automobiles forward of me determined to cross via the stable line into the Specific Lane the place I used to be driving at round 70 mph, presumably resulting from heavy site visitors of their lane. This unlawful maneuver was made worse when that driver didn’t speed up upon coming into my lane, immediately obstructing my path. The Escape’s security system sensors rang “Crimson Alert” by catching this instantly, making use of the Lively Braking which, together with my very own frantic brake slam, prevented what would have been a horrible collision.
Verdict and Conclusion
The 2023 Ford Escape stays a stable selection for the compact crossover shopper whose principal focus is secure household transport – these wanting pleasure ought to store elsewhere. Whereas not plain vanilla, even the ST-Line Elite bundle doesn’t give the Escape the higher hand towards rivals. Whereas the Escape does every part it is speculated to, it’s not memorable. If that fits you, then you definately’ll be thrilled with what the Blue Oval has to supply. However there are extra thrilling section selections, and Ford needs to be paying consideration, specifically to the Mazda CX-50 and the Kia Sportage.
With a base worth starting at $28,000, the 2023 Escape is not unreasonably priced. Our ST-Line Elite sampler got here to a grand complete of $44,150, together with the $1,495 vacation spot payment. There was additionally a $500 low cost for the EcoBoost engine. Learn that once more: $44k for a Ford Escape – that is greater than what you pay for a mid-range Lincoln Corsair, a automobile with far more premium aspirations.
Although the Escape is just not an exciting automobile, it does get the job accomplished and has received us over by way of security tech division and practicality. For my cash, I’d persist with a decrease, extra fairly priced trim; the two.0-liter EcoBoost engine is preferable over the usual 1.5-liter three-cylinder, nevertheless it’s not obtainable on all of the cheaper trims, so you may must make a sacrifice someplace. The $33,450 ST-Line Choose might make an excellent compromise, then, and I think a majority of patrons would agree.