What’s the difference between the newly refreshed 2023 Ford Escape and last year’s 2022 Ford Escape? Our side-by-side comparison helps you differentiate between Ford’s compact crossovers.
MSRP
The 2023 Ford Escape is only slightly more expensive than its predecessor, with an MSRP of $27,500. The 2022 Escape, meanwhile, starts at $27,185.
Power & Performance
Although availability is slightly different between each model year, both the 2023 and 2022 Ford Escape offer the same four engine options:
- Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain (221 total hp, 155 lb-ft)
- 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain (200 total hp, 155 lb-ft)
Both turbocharged engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are paired with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, except with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which comes with all-wheel drive. The other engines are available with all-wheel drive as an option, except the plug-in hybrid, which is front-wheel-drive only.
Trim Models
Thanks to the 2023 Ford Escape’s slightly more rugged exterior style, it’s easy to spot. And the 2023 Ford Escape also rolls out a new trim lineup. Now shoppers can choose between the Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid. As usual, though, moving up the trim levels means more interior luxury and a longer list of tech features.
For Ford shoppers, the 2022 Ford Escape trim offerings will look a little more familiar. They are the S, SE, SE, SEL, and Titanium. This Escape also offers different levels of luxury, leaving you to decide how much to spend on creature comforts.
Available Features
These Ford Escape model years offer many of the same options. For example, higher trim models add luxuries like leather upholstery and heated front seats. And both crossovers come standard with an impressive array of safety aids, from forward collision mitigation to blind-spot monitoring.
However, the new 2023 Escape has a few tech upgrades you’ll appreciate. Every trim model comes standard with the latest infotainment technology, SYNC 4. Lower trim models have an 8-inch touchscreen, and higher trim models use a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The new system includes a faster processor and the newly wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
Back on the 2022 Escape, you’ll find the SYNC 3 system. It includes an 8-inch touchscreen and the wired versions of the aforementioned smartphone connectivity technology. SYNC 3 doesn’t come standard on the 2022 Escape, but you’ll find it on the SE and up.
Choose Your Escape
Since they have such similar price tags, the new updated 2023 Ford Escape has more appeal. With it, you get newly rugged exterior styling, updated tech features, and your choice of a longer list of upscale trim models.