2023 FORD ESCAPE | 1FMCU9MN8PUA33581

Body Styles

The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV with a unibody layout and a refined, low-profile silhouette that blends the practicality of a family vehicle with the sleekness of a lifted hatchback. The 2020 redesign introduced a longer wheelbase, reduced roofline height, and a more aerodynamic, rounded front fascia, creating a silhouette closer to a wagon than a traditional SUV. The front features wide, swept-back headlights and an oval grille reminiscent of Ford’s passenger car designs, especially the Focus and Mondeo. Its fluid side character lines, gently rising beltline, and sloped tailgate give the Escape a clean and sculpted appearance. Though compact on the outside, interior space is maximized by clever proportions and rear sliding seats, ensuring comfort for both passengers and cargo.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The “Escape” nameplate has long signified freedom and adventure in Ford’s lineup. Introduced in 2000, it was designed to appeal to urban buyers seeking SUV practicality without bulk. For the current generation, Ford continues to market the Escape as a versatile, do-it-all crossover that enables spontaneous journeys and suburban freedom. The name reinforces the brand’s image of mobility, choice, and everyday exploration without constraint.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Escape” is an English word universally recognized across many languages and markets, referring to liberation, avoidance, or getting away from the routine. The word carries strong emotional connotations—freedom, spontaneity, and escape from the ordinary—which makes it ideal for a vehicle aimed at balancing daily practicality with weekend potential. Its smooth phonetics and familiar meaning give it instant global appeal and memorability.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Ford Escape is offered in a variety of expressive exterior colors to suit both conservative and bold tastes. Standard colors include Oxford White, Iconic Silver, and Agate Black, while premium and sportier choices like Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Vapor Blue Metallic, Atlas Blue Metallic, and Star White Metallic Tri-Coat elevate its visual appeal. The ST-Line trims offer exclusive darkened exterior accents including black mirror caps, unique mesh grilles, body-color bumpers, and black roof rails, reinforcing their dynamic intent. Later model years introduced more two-tone combinations, especially with contrasting roof options on high trims.

Interior designs range from basic Ebony cloth in entry-level versions to ActiveX synthetic leather in ST-Line trims, and genuine leather seating in Platinum and Titanium models. The ST-Line Elite adds red contrast stitching on seats, doors, and steering wheel, plus unique trim inserts with carbon-look textures. Upper trims offer ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and soft-touch dash materials. Dash shapes are curved and horizontal in layout, improving forward visibility and giving the cabin a more spacious feel.

Wheel designs begin with 17-inch painted aluminum alloys on base trims, progressing to 18- and 19-inch machined-face wheels with high-gloss pockets. ST-Line and Platinum versions feature 19-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with unique Y-spoke or split-spoke designs. The low-profile tires on these wheels not only enhance the stance but also hint at performance ambitions. Available gloss-black, dark tarnished, or dual-tone finishes allow buyers to tailor the Escape’s appearance to match either premium elegance or urban sportiness.

Top Expensive Options

• Titanium Elite Package (Leather, Navigation, 19-inch wheels): $2,300
• ST-Line Elite Package (Sport Appearance, Navigation, Digital Cluster): $2,100
• Panoramic Vista Roof: $1,495
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering: $995
• Premium B&O 10-Speaker Audio System: $895
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+: $795
• Head-Up Display: $695
• Power Liftgate with Hands-Free Function: $595
• Wireless Charging Pad: $350
• Heated Steering Wheel and Front Seats: $300

vs Competitors

The Ford Escape’s greatest strength lies in its versatility. Against rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5, the Escape stands out with its wide array of powertrain options, including a high-output 2.0L turbo, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants. The 2.0L EcoBoost model delivers performance that rivals or exceeds many in the segment, while the hybrid models maintain strong fuel economy leadership. Compared to the CR-V and RAV4, the Escape offers more dynamic styling and a lower driving position, giving it a car-like feel. Against the CX-5, it may lack the same tactile steering feel but compensates with more interior tech and broader powertrain diversity. Its ST-Line trims help it straddle the line between functionality and emotional appeal, making it especially attractive to drivers who want just a hint of sportiness in a daily vehicle.

Fun Fact

The 2020 Ford Escape marked the first time the model was built with Ford’s modular C2 platform, shared with the European Focus. This transition not only improved chassis stiffness and crash safety but also enabled the integration of advanced driver assistance features and electrified powertrains, including the return of a plug-in hybrid version for the first time since the early 2010s. Thanks to this architecture, the Escape offers more hybrid variants than any other Ford SUV in the U.S. market.