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2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite
Ford
DETROIT — Ford Motor is updating its popular Escape as part of a two-pronged sales strategy with the newer, more rugged Bronco Sport in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
Ford expects the redesigned 2023 Escape, along with additional comfort and safety technologies, to help it maintain, if not grow, vehicle sales.
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“The Escape is our fourth best-selling vehicle within our portfolio, and we think we have an opportunity to grow even more,” said Craig Patterson, Ford SUV marketing manager, in a media briefing.
With the update, Ford is also adding a new ST sport package that the company expects will account for nearly half of the vehicle’s sales going forward. It’s available in three models, starting at $995. It features darker styling, larger wheels and other features.
Starting prices for the 2023 Escape range from about $29,000 for an entry-level model to $40,000 for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. That compares to the current lineup which ranges from about $27,000 to $41,000.
The 2023 Escape is expected to start arriving in dealer showrooms early next year. The automaker started taking reservations for the vehicle on Tuesday.
The goal is to differentiate the basic Escape from the more rugged Bronco Sport, allowing each vehicle to carve out a niche in the compact vehicle segment, according to Adrienne Zaski, Escape brand manager.
“This segment is big. It can feel commoditized. We think with the enhancements that we have here we’re going to be able to break out of the sea of sameness,” she said.
US sales of the Escape surpassed the Bronco Sport by about 30,000 units in the third quarter of this year. The Bronco Sport started arriving at Ford dealerships in the middle of last year.
Both vehicles have the same vehicle platform, or underpinnings, but are manufactured in different plants. The Bronco Sport is made at a factory in Mexico, while the Escape is made at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky.
The 2023 Escape features headlights similar to the electric Mustang Mach-E and is also available with a full LED light bar at the front of the vehicle. Other updates include a refreshed interior, including larger screens; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; and additional safety features.
The Escape retains its powertrain options, including a traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Each model in the new lineup targets an EPA-estimated range of at least 400 miles per tank, according to Ford. The hybrid with front-wheel drive targets an EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles.
Ford says the plug-in hybrid electric model accounts for only about 7% to 8% of current unit sales. Depending on parts and raw material costs, the automaker may look to expand sales of those vehicles, according to Zaski. Traditional hybrid sales have been held back by supply chain issues and account for about 15% to 20% of sales, Patterson said.
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