The Ford Escape has received a facelift for the 2023 model year, three years after entering the fourth generation. Like the previous model, the updated model is available in a plug-in hybrid variant. Here’s everything we know about the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV:
Design
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV has a refreshed exterior that offers a more expressive character to overcome the dullness of the Euro-styled previous model. At the front, it features a new hood, new headlamps in a sharper design, a new higher-positioned and octagonal-shaped radiator grille, a more assertive bumper, and new fog lamp housing. While the previous model had LED projector headlamps, the new model has LED reflector headlamps. Moreover, it has an LED light bar connecting the headlamps, a feature unavailable in the old model.
On the sides, everything looks the same. Ford didn’t bother changing even the 18-inch multi-spoke wheels of the Escape PHEV. At the rear, the 2023 Escape PHEV has tweaked tail lamps and a revised skid plate.
Ford has discontinued the Stone Blue and Iced Blue Silver Metallic colors and introduced two new paint options for the Escape PHEV with the MY2023 update – Cinnabar Red Metallic and Vapor Blue Metallic [pictured above].
Interior
Inside, the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV has only one noteworthy design change, which is with the touchscreen infotainment system. Instead of the old model’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, the new model has the SYNC 4 infotainment system with a much bigger, 13.2-inch touchscreen.
The 13.2-inch display has much lesser bezels and gives the dashboard a more upscale look. Cloud-connected navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa, enhanced voice recognition, and Ford Power-Up OTA software updates are some of the key features of the SYNC 4 infotainment system. As for interior color options, customers choose the carried-over Ebony or the new Space Gray or Ebony Black.
Specifications
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV carries over the previous model’s plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor that gets its energy from a 14.4 lithium-ion battery pack. The combined power of the electrified engine is 210 hp. Charging the battery pack takes 10-11 hours [Level 1 charger]/3.5 hours [Level 2 charger]. Ford expects the EPA-est. electric range to be the same as that of the previous model – 37 miles.
The restyled plug-in hybrid SUV will be very fuel efficient and that should be its top selling point. If a customer drives less than 30 miles a day, they can rely mostly on the electric power of the Escape PHEV and charge the battery once they get home.
Price & Release Date
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV is only available in one fully-loaded trim, costing USD 38,500 [plus USD 1,495 destination charges]. In comparison, the previous model was available in three grades [SE, SEL, and Titanium], with prices starting at USD 35,455, because of which it was more accessible.
TopElectricSUV says
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV is a decent upgrade over the previous model, offering a more appealing design, a more intuitive infotainment system, and new color choices with the familiar frugal plug-in hybrid powertrain that has the potential to deliver over 100 MPGe. We only wish it had a lower starting price.
What is the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV release date?
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV will begin arriving at dealerships in early 2023.
What will be the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV price?
The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV costs USD 38,500 [plus USD 1,495 destination charges].
Which models rival the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid?
Featured Image Source: Ford
With a Master’s Degree in Business Management & Administration, I’ve been working as an International Automotive News Editor since 2014, and have gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into hybrid and electric vehicles.