2023 Ford Escape Review: Can’t Escape Its Flaws

Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman and Road Test Editor Brian Normile got behind the wheel of the refreshed 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite for the first time as part of Cars.com’s 2023 Compact SUV Challenge. The Escape ST-Line Elite has a lot to offer from a driving performance perspective, particularly with its 2.0-liter EcoBoost powertrain. Aaron and Brian enjoyed driving the Escape on the twisty roads above Palm Springs, Calif., which isn’t something they can say about every compact SUV. But the Escape is not without its flaws: Our experts weren’t fans of the Escape’s interior despite its big, user-friendly touchscreen display. Materials quality could be better, especially for something as expensive as the Escape they tested, and the Escape just isn’t all that comfortable when compared with others in the class. If this review only whets your appetite, check out Cars.com’s full comparison here on YouTube or head to Cars.com to (gasp) read the full results and see how the Escape fared against five other compact SUVs. See the results of our 2023 Compact SUV Challenge: https://www.cars.com/articles/whats-the-best-compact-suv-of-2023-464432/ Find a 2023 Ford Escape for sale near you: https://www.cars.com/shopping/ford-escape-2023/ See the 2023 Ford Escape’s’s pricing, trims and specs: https://www.cars.com/research/ford-escape-2023/ Read more about the 2023 Ford Escape: https://www.cars.com/articles/2023-ford-escape-review-stepping-on-the-gas-and-some-rakes-466069 0:00 - Intro 0:13 - Driving and fuel economy 1:17 - Interior Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Added 5 Jun 2026