What is the Escape?
Going on its fourth year in the current generation, the Ford Escape is a small SUV that sits below the Edge and the Bronco in the automaker's lineup. The Escape appeals to anyone looking for an SUV that's compact but large enough to comfortably fit the family and some cargo.
The 2023 model received a midcycle refresh with updates to the exterior, including a more attractive front end. On the inside, the Escape offers comfortable seating with easy-to-use tech. Higher trim levels give you the option to upgrade cabin materials and other features for a more premium experience. Powertrains available are a base turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, a hybrid powertrain for better fuel economy, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower for more gusto. (A plug-in version of the Escape is available and we review it separately.)
The Escape fulfills much of what you want from a small SUV, from its comfortable and spacious interior to helpful tech, but it doesn't fare as well as some rivals in its handling and refinement on the road. It competes in a hotly contested segment against some crowd favorites like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 that are worth taking a look at.