The Ford Escape came back from plastic surgeon with more chiseled face.
Visually, the Escape 2023 is distinguished by a bolder front end design. Similar to the new one Public transport there is a new eight-sided grille. On higher spec models, the grille is covered by a thin light bar.
There’s a new pair of wider and sharper LED headlights, accompanied by a sharper new bonnet. The bumper design has sharper and more defined creases than before.
At the rear, these changes are a bit more subtle, with the main difference being the smoke-finished taillights.
Inside the most notable upgrade is the availability of a much larger 13.2-inch horizontal touchscreen that’s connected to the latest Sync 4 infotainment system with over-the-air updates.
With the climate buttons now located at the bottom of the screen, the button group for the climate control system has been removed, and the physical controls for the audio system are now located under the main air vent.
Other highlights in the cabin include a 12.3-inch digital device display, wireless smartphone charging, and a rear bench that slides forward 15cm.
On the safety front, there’s adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic rear cross-traffic braking and evasive steering assist.
In the US, the Escape has been focused on sport more – sorry – with three ST-Line variants to give it a clearer identity along with its platform peers, tough styling. Bronco Sport and Maverick scruffy.
ST-Line models come with 18- or 19-inch painted alloy wheels, as well as black mesh, different rear apron designs, rear spoiler and color-coded door sills.
Besides the revised Escape is available with four powertrain choices, which appear to be carried over with some changes, if any,. The entry-level models come with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 135kW and 258Nm.
The sportiest ST-Line Elite model combines a 186kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo with all-wheel drive. Both these turbo engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The plug-in hybrid makes 165kW and has a larger 11kWh battery pack good for about 60km of zero-emissions driving (EPA), but is front-wheel drive only.
In addition, 2.5-liter hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are also available, both using an e-CVT transmission. The first engine is available in both front- and all-wheel drive, and has a total output of 149kW at your disposal.
It should be noted that the Escape models in Australia are made in Spain, so there may be some styling differences from their American counterparts.
The updated version of the European model – sold there as the Kuga – is yet to launch.
THAN: Everything Ford Escape
