2023 Ford Escape Review: Can’t Escape Its Flaws

The Escape ST-Line Elite has a lot to offer from a driving performance perspective, particularly with its 2.0-liter EcoBoost powertrain. Aaron and Brian enjoyed driving the Escape on the twisty roads above Palm Springs, Calif., which isn’t something they can say about every compact SUV. But the Escape is not without its flaws: Our experts weren’t fans of the Escape’s interior despite its big, user-friendly touchscreen display. Materials quality could be better, especially for something as expensive as the Escape they tested, and the Escape just isn’t all that comfortable when compared with others in the class.

0:00 - Intro
0:13 - Driving and fuel economy
1:17 - Interior

[stuntmanstu]

Are you guys insane? We must be looking at different vehicles

[jibosnjak]

Honestly I’m a big fan. The interior isn’t the greatest, but I’m driving a Genesis now and having leather everywhere is really just superficial. What it has is a fantastic cargo hold with sliding seats (amazing if you have two big dogs like me), and is surprisingly great to drive, is actually quite fast, and still is efficient. For me (I’ve driven the Tiguan, RAV4, CX-5, CR-V) it’s one of the top in its segment of you can get past a few cheap interior bits. Oh, and if you’re taller like me you won’t suffer like you do in the Mazda and Toyota of this segment.

[shawnsteinman]

I can't agree. I think its a great car for the Value.

[timjones]

People need to understand its a Ford. Ford is not known for having nice lush interiors unless you upgrade to a Lincoln. There are other brands out there that have much nicer interiors but they are less reliable and not as fun to drive. I have a 2023 Escape and its the best vehicle I've ever had.

[reeeddd]

We have a 21' Tiguan SEL...I also have 22" Escape as my work vehicle....the smaller size is great in city areas and for parking...But I actually like the way the escape drives, regardless of powertrain. It has more blind spots than our Tiguan...but is way quicker with its 2.0 than the Tiguan...even the 3 cyl is decent. Controls are simple and where you need them. I think ride quality is on par with most. If a small family or just two of you..the Escape is great. If you need more room..then Tiguan, CRV, Rav-4 are better...the Hyundai/Kia twins aren't bad considering their warranties.

[lucaparisi]

Might I know why this model is different than the one that we get here in Australia ?
This it waaayy better

[FalconWing]

I honestly dont like the instrument panel being a display. Just bring back the old school steam gauges please. If they are going to force the electronic display at least make it an option to have a customer set up to look like old school gauges / layout.

[jamesscarano]

I've had mine for a little over a year now. Has overheated twice on me so far. Not horrible, and still not used to auto stop/start engine at red lights/etc, but, not as reliable so far as the 2015 Escape I bought new and gave to my daughter to now drive this one.

[nateisright]

We had a Lincoln Corsair for a year. Same platform, shared with Maverick, Escape and Corsair. I think the wheelbase needs six more inches to make it ride and handle better.

[OrdinaryGK-SF]

I was excited about this car’s release, until it actually CAME OUT, and I saw that price tag! It’s a complete nonstarter. Maybe if they knock $10, 000 off the price. Until then, I’ll look elsewhere.

[scupking]

I think they should just stop the escape and have the Bronco Sport replace it's spot. Bronco Sport offers more utility and is only 1k more than the escape.

[dsell]

Not surprised one bit that the interior got dinged

[sarahdso]

The 2020 seats are so uncomfortable. I will never get another escape.

[Sheepleton]

After Ford's horrendous Maverick launch I just can't get interested in this platform. The Maverick forums are full of complete failures. The Ranger launch in 2019 went much better. Can't blame poor quality vehicles on the pandemic forever.