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The Ford Kuga, which is also known as the Escape in North America, has been given a mid-cycle facelift. This comes more than three years after the midsize SUV built on Ford’s C2 platform first made its debut back in April 2019.
Ford's design boss Amko Leenarts says "not every customer wants a rugged, boxy SUV," hence why the 2023 Escape's appearance remains car-like. Discreet styling tweaks have been made on the outside where the new LED headlights are standard across the range. Standard on the ST-Line Elite and optional on the ST-Line Select are larger 19-inch alloys to give the compact crossover more road presence.
A more significant change is visible once you step inside the cabin as the 2023 Ford Escape switches to the Blue Oval's SYNC 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as support for OTA updates. It has a generous 13.2-inch diagonal and is complemented by a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
Depending on the trim level and the boxes ticked on the options list, the vehicle can be equipped with a plethora of safety tech: Evasive Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go), Predictive Speed Assist, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, and Cross Traffic Braking.
Available at an additional cost, the Escape's Co-Pilot 360 system now comes bundled with Intersection Assist 2.0 to diminish the risks of a collision with pedestrians when making a turn. The model year change comes along with Blind Spot Assist, which aside from featuring a light embedded in the side mirror, it also vibrates the steering wheel to alert the driver in case of a potential crash.
As for engines, the 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line comes with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost with 180 horsepower sent to the front wheels or to an optional AWD system. Alternatively, you can get the crossover with a full hybrid with FWD for an EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles. The ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite get a bigger 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 250 hp and standard AWD, along with a hybrid option.
The lineup also includes the Plug-In Hybrid, which pairs a 2.5-liter gasoline engine running on the Atkinson cycle with an electric motor and a CVT. It's rated at a combined output of 210 hp delivered to the front axle. The Escape PHEV will be able to cover up to 37 miles without sipping any gasoline, according to the EPA. It'll take a while to fully juice up the battery, about 10 to 11 hours using a 110-volt Level 1 charge and three and a half hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charge.
Already available to order, the 2023 Ford Escape will arrive at dealerships early next year. Aside from the trio of newly added ST-Line trim levels and the PHEV, the crossover continues to be sold in Base, Active, and Platinum flavors.
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A more significant change is visible once you step inside the cabin as the 2023 Ford Escape switches to the Blue Oval's SYNC 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as support for OTA updates. It has a generous 13.2-inch diagonal and is complemented by a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
Depending on the trim level and the boxes ticked on the options list, the vehicle can be equipped with a plethora of safety tech: Evasive Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go), Predictive Speed Assist, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, and Cross Traffic Braking.
Available at an additional cost, the Escape's Co-Pilot 360 system now comes bundled with Intersection Assist 2.0 to diminish the risks of a collision with pedestrians when making a turn. The model year change comes along with Blind Spot Assist, which aside from featuring a light embedded in the side mirror, it also vibrates the steering wheel to alert the driver in case of a potential crash.
As for engines, the 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line comes with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost with 180 horsepower sent to the front wheels or to an optional AWD system. Alternatively, you can get the crossover with a full hybrid with FWD for an EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles. The ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite get a bigger 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 250 hp and standard AWD, along with a hybrid option.
The lineup also includes the Plug-In Hybrid, which pairs a 2.5-liter gasoline engine running on the Atkinson cycle with an electric motor and a CVT. It's rated at a combined output of 210 hp delivered to the front axle. The Escape PHEV will be able to cover up to 37 miles without sipping any gasoline, according to the EPA. It'll take a while to fully juice up the battery, about 10 to 11 hours using a 110-volt Level 1 charge and three and a half hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charge.
Already available to order, the 2023 Ford Escape will arrive at dealerships early next year. Aside from the trio of newly added ST-Line trim levels and the PHEV, the crossover continues to be sold in Base, Active, and Platinum flavors.
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