“2023 Ford Escape ST Line Review: Stylish Upgrade

Ford has refreshed its Escape model for the 2023 model year, and the new ST-Line Elite trim has made it even easier to recommend. While the Escape still faces stiff competition in the small SUV segment, its subtle exterior updates have gone a long way in making it more attractive. The new grille, which mimics the handsome looks of the Ford Edge, and the new LED headlights give the Escape a more serious look. The ST-Line Elite trim, with its unique black mesh grille, body color cladding, and black-painted wheels, exudes significantly more athleticism than before.

However, in terms of performance, there is nothing additionally athletic about the 2023 Escape. The same powertrain options remain, including a 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline three-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. The updated Escape interior is highlighted by an available 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Sync 4 software. The ST-Line trims get a nice flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching, while the tech package's leather seats go the extra mile with perforated quilting that contributes to a particularly upscale look and feel for an Escape.

Driving this refreshed Escape is a familiar affair. Acceleration from the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is quicker than you might expect, getting this thing moving down the road with a sense of urgency when asked. The Escape's suspension is a good match for this peppy turbo motor, as both work to encourage you to drive it just a little harder than you normally would most mainstream compact crossovers. There's some good road feel through the suspension and enough stiffness to keep it feeling pinned down in corners.

There's one thing that may give buyers pause: the price. This ST-Line Elite starts at $39,955, including $1,495 in destination (though Ford's configurator currently shows an available $500 "2.0L EcoBoost Discount Package"). At least that gets you the 2.0-liter turbo, all-wheel drive, those improved looks and upgraded tech. Our tester, with its optional paint finish, panoramic sunroof, those slick black wheels, and Premium Technology Package, along with that aforementioned 2.0L discount, rings in at $43,650. That's a hefty price tag for the segment, but with the Escape's good driving dynamics and the improvements Ford implemented for 2023, including the sharp ST-Line look, that price pill gets easier to swallow.