2023 Ford Escape: A Trim Comparison
The 2023 Ford Escape is a fantastic choice for small families or even weekend warriors who would rather spend their weekends by a lake with no cell reception. New for 2023, the Ford Escape offers a refreshed front and trim lineup.
Choosing a 2023 Ford Escape
Regardless of why you’re considering the Ford Escape, you’ll be happy to know that it has a five-star crash test rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With five main trim levels to choose from, this breakdown will help you figure out which one is right for your needs and price point.
Escape
First up is the 2023 Ford Escape base trim – the least expensive model – but it packs plenty into its starting MSRP of $27,500. This SUV is perfect for most buyers, and one reason is the gas mileage. Drivers can get up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the 181-horsepower, 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Those are solid ratings for the compact crossover segment.
On the inside, the Escape comes with am 8-inch display infotainment system and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Six-speaker audio and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard as well.
Furthermore, families will be happy to know that it has Ford’s MyKey, which is a teen driver monitor system for parents. Also included are advanced safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.
Active
As the second trim option, the 2023 Ford Escape Active starts at $28,845. It’s a step up above the base trim but not a giant leap. The most notable upgrades are the exterior styling elements like chrome molding, tinted glass and 17-inch wheels. The inside also offers some upgrades, including features like 8-way power driver seating, upgraded cloth upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate controls. As for the infotainment system, you’ll get the inclusion of satellite radio.
Other standard features include Ford’s Intelligent Access, which can unlock the door by touching the handles and start the vehicle with the push of a button, and a power liftgate.
Optional packages include two Tech packages that add additional safety features, an upgraded rearview camera and 13.2-inch display, and so much more. On top of this, there’s the Panoramic Vista Roof and the Cold Weather Package.
ST-Line
Next we have the 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line, which offers a bridge between the Escape Active and top-tier Platinum trim. It starts at $29,840 and uses the same 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine as the previous trim levels. However, you can get it with an available 2.5-liter hybrid engine that delivers a fuel economy of 44 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway.
The biggest upgrade differences can be found on the exterior. The vehicle features a sportier look thanks to a singe-wing spoiler, colored front and rear fascias and 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, you’ll get a dark headliner, sport seats with red stitching and an aluminum footrest.
Optional packages are mostly the same with this trim
ST-Line Select
The ST-Line Select is a step above that lets you choose between a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine or the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. The additions with this model are LED foglights, heated side mirrors, sport suspension, a heated steering wheel and remote start.
Options are the same as the previous trim but with the additional offering of the Class II Trailer Tow Package that allows you to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
ST-Line Elite
Finally, this version of the ST-Line gives you most of the content from the tech packages plus a few more. Those features include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, navigation, evasive steering assist, reverse automatic emergency braking and rear parking sensors. Additionally, you’ll get an upgraded infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and navigation.
However, what you don’t get with this trim is the Premium Technology Package. The premium package features a 10-speaker B&O sound system, a self-parking system, real leather seats and a heads-up display. Other options include the Panoramic Vista Roof package and 19-inch ebony wheels.
Titanium
Lastly, the 2023 Ford Escape Platinum is an amazing compact SUV starting at $36,020. This trim comes standard with the 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecoboost engine and a wide array of standard features.
This trim includes everything in the active trim, as well as a few more. Some of those features are a hands-free liftgate, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, and 19-inch wheels. On top of that, you’ll get a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, power front seats with driver’s memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and special ActiveX upholstery. A 360-degree monitor also comes standard.
The Escape Platinum trim offers most of the available packages at an additional cost.