As one of the first hybrid crossovers on the scene, the Ford Escape Hybrid is a very important vehicle for the American automaker. The 2023 model gets updated styling touches and continues to offer a hybrid power plant in two flavors; standard and plug-in. Here's what’s new from Ford for this latest Escape in hybrid guise.
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
- Refreshed Styling
- 13.2-Inch Screen
- Modern Looks
- Wireless Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
- Outstanding Range
- Great Safety Scores
- Model: Escape Hybrid
- Engine:: 2.5-Liter Four Cylinder
- Power Output: 192 - 210 HP
- Torque: N/A
- Range: 550+ Miles
- Transmission: CVT
- Driveline: FWD / AWD
- Bang and Olufsen Stereo
- Huge Center Screen
- Two Different Hybrid Power Plants
- High Starting Price
- Safety Tech Is Optional
- So So Power
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid Performance And Capability
For 2023, Ford is offering two different hybrid power plant configurations on the Escape. A standard hybrid, with no plug, and a hybrid with a plug. Both models combine a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission. This configuration is very typical for this size SUV, and it reminds us of the powertrain used in the Toyota RAV4, which uses the same size engine and transmission setup.
In the Ford, this setup produces 192 horsepower in the standard hybrid and 210 horsepower in the plug-in version. If you’re keeping score, that’s less than rivals like the Toyota RAV4. We keep going back to the RAV4 as we feel it’s the benchmark for hybrid technology in the compact SUV class. While the Escape Hybrid isn’t as powerful as other rivals, it should be enough power for most people.
This is still a very practical vehicle for power and power delivery through a CVT transmission. Expect a driving range of over 550 miles, while the plug-in Hybrid offers 37 miles of all-electric range. Ford has not rated combined torque numbers just yet. The Rav4 Prime offers up to 42 miles of pure EV range and also packs AWD.
Front-wheel drive is standard, while a mechanical AWD is available only on the base hybrid model. AWD is not available on the plug-in hybrid, which we think is a problem. If we look at competing vehicles, on other plug-in models, AWD is available, and sometimes it’s standard. We think Ford should strongly consider adding AWD to the plug-in model. This could also help in the power department.
If this Ford SUV were to have an electric motor driving the rear axle, as we see in other competing models, it could boost power and give the Escape an edge over other plug-in rivals. However, the AWD system available on the standard hybrid version is a great system and we really have no complaints about it.
Engine | 2.5-Liter |
Power | 192 - 210 HP |
Torque | Not Rated |
Transmission | CVT |
Weight | 3,519 - 3,904 Pounds |
Drive | FWD or AWD |
Mileage/Range | 550+ Miles |
Exterior Design
The exterior of the Escape got a facelift for 2023. The old style, which looked very happy to us, almost like the car was smiling at you, is now replaced by a much more contemporary design that reminds us of the Ford Edge.
Starting at the front, this is where most of the changes occurred. The badge is now moved into the grille, instead of up near the hood. We like this treatment as it makes the vehicle look more “normal” and less playful. While we like playful designs, the pre-refreshed model looked a little too whimsical in our opinion. This new design looks modern and sleek.
There’s a nice dose of aggression in the Escape now. Large headlights complete the look, and they remind us of a BMW with its dual-halo design. Below the headlights are fog lights, something that is dying in automotive design, and we’re glad to see them here. Tying it all together is a satin piece on the bottom of the bumper.
Moving around to the side of the car, things don’t look any different than older models. We like the large windows and blacked-out chrome trim on certain models. There’s a large indent on the sheet metal, which adds depth and style.
We see lots of influence from the Audi Q5 in the window and door design of the Escape. Even the door handles resemble those of an Audi. Wheel options on hybrid trims are attractive with some models getting darker wheels, and some getting chrome wheels with graphite inserts. We like the Platinum model wheels the best. They’re a turbine design, and they look elegant and upscale.
In the rear of, there's a hint of Mazda CX-5 in the way the lower bumper looks with the exhaust. The vehicle has more of a coupe-ish design rather than an SUV design. The back window is sloped heavily towards the interior of the vehicle, which is why this looks like a coupe. The tail lamps are distinctive and attractive, and they’re LED.
We also like how Escape is spelled out across the tailgate now. This helps create a modern design for the vehicle. The Ford badge is above the Escape badging and is at an angle, almost on a little shelf. Below all this are two exhaust tips, which is something that we really like. It adds a sporty appearance. Not every model in this segment has genuine exhaust tips, and we appreciate Ford including them with the Escape.
Agate Black Metallic | Included |
Rapid Red Metallic | $495 |
Star White Metallic | $995 |
Iconic Silver Metallic | Included |
Atlas Blue Metallic | Included |
Carbonized Gray Metallic | Included |
Cinnabar Red Metallic | $495 |
Vapor Blue Metallic | Included |
Length | 180.1 - 181.2 Inches |
Width | 85.6 Inches |
Height | 66.0 - 66.1 Inches |
Wheelbase | 106.7 Inches |
Interior Quality And Technology
Past Escape models, especially those from 10-15 years ago were known for very cheap interiors with lots of hard plastics and uncomfortable seats. That simply isn’t the case anymore for the most part. The compact Crossover / SUV has a modern tech-laden interior with loads of space. Material quality still isn’t up to the class leaders on the dash, but the parts that you touch on a daily basis (doors and the center console) are much better in quality and are just fine.
Unfortunately, some of the older Ford parts bin switchgear is still here, which doesn’t have a very high-quality feeling. But they get the job done and look good. The steering wheel reminds us of the now-defunct Ford Focus. We love the fact that a heated wheel comes standard on high trims. That’s not common in this class of vehicle, and some models don’t even offer it. The seats are large and inviting, with high models getting optional and elegant quilted designs.
As for technology, a 12.0-inch fully digital gauge cluster and a B&O stereo are available. This is a very nice touch, and something that definitely leads the class in terms of stereo technology. There’s also an optional huge 13.2-inch screen that looks fantastic and reminds us of the Mustang Mach-E. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present and we’re so glad to see that it’s wireless. A rotary dial-style gear selector is how the transmission is controlled, which we’re not a big fan of. We would’ve preferred a traditional lever; however, this is a very modern touch, and we think it integrates nicely into the interior.
Headroom | 40.0 - 39.3 Inches |
Legroom | 42.2 - 40.7 Inches |
Cargo Volume | 34.4 Cubic Feet |
Seating Room | 5 |
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid Price
The 2023 Ford Hybrid Escape starts at a lofty $33,340 plus a standard destination fee of $1,495. That’s a pretty penny for a compact hybrid SUV. Competitors like the RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson start for thousands less. We recommend the Platinum model for the best tech and most inviting interior, and that model starts at $36,965. That’s still pretty pricey… and the Escape is lacking some of the features that other competitors have. We think Ford should consider offering the Escape in lower trims, as the hybrid is only available on higher trims, or flat out lowering the price. Thankfully, AWD comes at no extra charge.
Build your 2023 Escape Hybrid.
ST-Line | $33,340 |
ST-Line Select | $35,040 |
Platinum | $36,965 |
ST-Line Elite | $38,460 |
Plug-In | $38,500 |
Safety
The Ford Escape scores very well in the NHTSA tests and earns a 5/5-star overall rating. Unfortunately, the Escape doesn’t come standard with lots of safety features. They’re part of option packages. Things like adaptive cruise control, steering assist, intersection assist, and road sign assist are all part of packages for a hefty price. We really think Ford should consider offering these features out of the box because many competitors offer them as standard for a lower starting price. Features like TPMS, ABS, stability control, and traction control are standard, but that’s to be expected. We think Ford needs to step up their safety game.
Main Competition
Unfortunately, we don’t think the hybrid Escape compares very well to the class leaders. It’s lacking power, and safety, and starts at too high of a price. Competitors from Japan and Korea are a much better buy in terms of value and safety. However, the Ford does start to show some of its strengths in the technology of the interior.
The large optional screen is welcomed and the Bang and Olufsen stereo is also a huge surprise. The Escape is a decent choice if you want an American SUV, however, we feel competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage are a better buy. They offer more competitive pricing, more power, and more standard equipment.
FAQ
Q: Is the Escape Hybrid turbo?
No, there's no turbo engine for the hybrid model.
Q: What's the range of the Escape Hybrid?
Ford says to expect 550+ miles on a tank.
Q: Is there a moon roof on the Escape Hybrid?
There's an optional panoramic moon roof that is highly recommended.
Q: How safe is the Escape Hybrid?
NHTSA gave the Escape Hybrid 5/5 stars. However, most advanced safety tech is optional.
Q: Is the Escape Hybrid a CVT?
Yes, the Escape Hybrid is only offered as a CVT.
Q: Is there a plug-in version of the Escape Hybrid?
Yes, there's a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid available.