The long Memorial Day weekend became an unforgettable escape for our family of four, thanks to the 2023 Ford Escape. Embracing Ford’s commitment to allure both commuters and adventure seekers, this compact SUV underwent a stunning redesign, proving itself as the ideal companion for our 3-hour road trip to Boston. The standout features, safety enhancements, technology, and spacious comfort are a few of the characteristics that make the 2023 Ford Escape the perfect compact SUV for small families seeking an economical and reliable road-tripping vehicle.
Design and Efficiency
The 2023 Ford Escape has a sleek exterior and spacious interior. With an outstanding real-world average of approximately 37 mpg, this compact SUV offers incredible fuel efficiency. Starting at just $28,000, the Escape stands out as an excellent value for the features it provides.
Related: 2023 Car Prices: From Soaring Surges to Surprising Savings
Sporty Elegance: The 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite AWD
For our Boston getaway, we had the pleasure of driving the ST-Line Elite AWD, a sportier variant among the five available trims. Boasting a distinctive design, LED lighting strip, and 19-inch Ebony-painted wheels, this compact SUV combines sporty elegance with practicality. The carbonized gray metallic exterior, was instantly my favorite, as it’s been the exterior color of all my personal cars. I find this color hides dirt well, which is great for busy moms like me who can’t get to the car wash often.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside the ST-Line Elite, an ebony leather interior with red stitching, heated seats, and a 10-way power driver seat provide a luxurious driving experience. Safety features like blind spot information and cross-traffic alert enhance peace of mind during road trips. The 360-degree camera and evasive steering assist shine in unexpected situations, showcasing the Escape’s commitment to safety.
Entertainment and Connectivity
The 2023 Ford Escape elevates the entertainment system with a large 13.2-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The absence of physical climate controls may take some adjustment, but Ford simplifies the experience with on-screen touch controls. The inclusion of Alexa voice services, wireless charging, and a premium B&O audio system adds a touch of luxury to the driving experience.
Spacious Comfort for Every Passenger
The Escape defies compact SUV norms, offering ample legroom for front passengers and customizable rear seating. Heated seats, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and a wireless charging pad ensure everyone stays comfortable and connected throughout the journey. The generous cargo space, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the back seats and expandable to 65.5 cubic feet, makes the 2023 Ford Escape a practical choice for families on the go.
Pricing and Trim Levels: A Range for Every Preference
The 2023 Ford Escape caters to various preferences with its range of trims. Starting at $28,000 for the base model, each trim level offers unique features to suit different needs. The ST-Line Elite, the model we test-drove, starts at $38,460, providing a 360-degree camera, SYNC4 with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. However, it’s worth noting that it didn’t include one of my personal favorites—the Panoramic Vista roof, which can be added for an extra $1,495.
- Base – starts at $28,000 and includes Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility, second-row sliding seats with 60/40 split-fold down, and Ford co-pilot360.
- Active – starts at $29,345 and includes dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, a power liftgate, and a rotary gear shift dial.
- ST-Line – starts at $30,340 and includes unique exterior & interior ST-line styling and 18-inch rock metallic-painted aluminum wheels.
- ST-Line Select – starts at $34,040 and includes an LED reflector with LED signature lighting and heated front-row seats.
- ST-Line Elite (the model I test-drove) – starts at $38,460 and includes a 360-degree camera with split view, sync4 with a 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen, 2.0l EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop technology.
- Platinum – starts at $37,465 and includes intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition, premium-wrapped heated steering wheels with cruise and audio controls, privacy glass – 2nd-row side, and liftgate.
- Plug-In Hybrid – starts at $40,500 and includes, connected built-in navigation (with 3 years of service), piano black grille with chrome strip, plug-in hybrid 2.5l IVCT Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine.
The 2023 Ford Escape Exceeds Expectations
The 2023 Ford Escape exceeds expectations, proving that a compact SUV can be the perfect companion for family road trips. Its combination of sporty design, safety features, advanced technology, and spacious comfort makes it an economical and reliable choice.
Learn more about the Ford Escape here: Ford.com
Disclosure: Ford provided the Escape for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Kim is a Black millennial, working full-time in managed healthcare, all while juggling the roles of a wife and a hands-on mom to her two daughters, her rainbow babies. She is the proud owner of Beauty and the Bump NYC, a platform where she shares her perspective on all the things that bring joy to her life: family, travel, cars, food, and more.
Recognizing the need to create a dedicated space for her automotive content, Kim established WhatDrivesKim.com. Here, fellow millennial moms can find authentic and valuable insights into all things car-related. Kim’s goal is to provide the real deal on cars, helping moms make informed decisions about their vehicles.
As a contributor to A Girl’s Guide to Cars, Kim extends her passion for cars by offering helpful tips and car reviews from the unique perspective of a modern working mom. With Kim, you can trust that you’re getting practical and relatable advice about the world of automobiles.
