2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape ''Base'' AWD with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine serves as the entry point into the Escape lineup for that model year, following a refresh that streamlined the trim levels. It offers a practical and efficient compact SUV experience with the added benefit of all-wheel drive.   Powertrain and Performance:Engine: 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder with Auto Start-Stop Technology.   Horsepower: 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm   Torque: 199 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpmTransmission: 8-speed automatic.   Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with an AWD Disconnect feature, which helps to improve fuel economy by disengaging the rear axle when not needed.   Fuel Economy (EPA estimated): Around 26 MPG city / 32 MPG highway / 28 MPG combined.   Towing Capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs when properly equipped.Selectable Drive Modes: Standard feature, allowing the driver to tailor the vehicle's performance to different conditions (e.g., Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery).Exterior Features:17-inch steel wheels with Sparkle Silver-painted covers.New front bumper design and wider grille with the Ford oval logo (part of the 2023 refresh).Halogen reflector headlamps with auto on/off and LED taillamps.Black grille and black lower body cladding (wheel well trim, bodyside cladding).Body-colored door handles.Power, heated side mirrorsRear spoiler.Manual liftgateInterior Features:Unique Cloth seating surfaces.6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger seat.   60/40 split-folding rear seat with slide and recline functionality for flexible passenger and cargo configurations.Single-zone manual air conditioning.Power windows with one-touch-up/down for the driver.Power door locks.Manual tilt/telescoping steering column with audio and cruise controls.   Rotary gear shift dial.Center floor console with armrest and cup holders.Driver and passenger visor vanity mirrors.Technology and Infotainment:8-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen display.SYNC 4 infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition. This was a significant upgrade for 2023.   Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibilityFordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot capability.   AM/FM stereo with 6 speakers.   USB-A and USB-C ports (front).Radio with seek-scan, clock, and Radio Data System.Safety and Driver Assistance (Ford Co-Pilot360™ - Standard Suite):Rear View Camera.Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Dynamic Brake Support.   Lane-Keeping System: Includes Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert, and Driver Alert.Auto High-Beam Headlamps.   BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert.   Rear Parking Sensors.Post-Collision Braking.Curve Control.Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).   Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).Driver attention alert.Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).Multiple airbags including dual-stage front, side-mounted, front and rear head airbags, and a driver knee airbag.   Remote Keyless Entry with Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry, and Panic Button.Remote Start System.Overall:The 2023 Ford Escape Base AWD with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine offers a practical and efficient package for a compact SUV. Despite being the ''Base'' model, it comes surprisingly well-equipped with modern essentials, notably the larger SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite. The 1.5L three-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient and provides adequate power for daily driving, while the AWD system offers enhanced traction and confidence in various weather conditions. It's a strong value proposition for those seeking a modern, safe, and versatile compact SUV without needing all the bells and whistles of higher trims.