Embracing Ford’s slogan for the 2023 Escape: It’s time to get away.
Our family embarked on a three-hour road trip from New York to Boston in the stylish and versatile 2023 Ford Escape. Family travel and road trips are always delightful adventures for us. The redesigned Ford Escape exceeded our expectations, aligning with Ford’s commitment to appeal to both commuters and adventure seekers. With its sleek exterior, spacious interior, impressive mileage, and starting MSRP of $28,000, this compact SUV proved to be the perfect companion for our Memorial Day weekend getaway.
Related: A Family Weekend in Boston: Exploring the City in 36 Hours
Vehicle Features: Sporty Elegance
For our trip, Ford provided us with the ST-Line Elite AWD. It is one of the five available trims in the 2023 Ford Escape lineup. Anything reminiscent of a sports car steals my heart. The ST-Line Elite was impressive. I loved the look of the sleek black mesh front grille, distinctive rear skid plate, and stylish single-wing rear spoiler. The LED lighting strip between the headlights and 19-inch Ebony-painted wheels added an extra sophistication. The carbonized gray metallic exterior of the trim we test-drove was my personal favorite, exuding a modern and refined look. Inside, the ST-Line Elite boasted an ebony leather interior accentuated by eye-catching red stitching, creating a dynamic and sporty ambiance. The sport bucket 10-way power driver seat provided a comfortable ride. This allowed us to navigate smoothly through the holiday weekend traffic as needed.
Enhanced Safety and Agile Performance: Confidence on the Road
Safety is a top priority for any family road trip. The 2023 Ford Escape offers enhanced safety features that provided peace of mind throughout our journey. The blind spot information system and cross-traffic alert heightened our awareness, ensuring a safer experience on the road. However, I must admit that I missed the feature that displays traffic patterns, indicating heavy, moderate, or no traffic. Nonetheless, the 360-degree bird’s eye view camera impressed us, providing crystal-clear views that made parking and maneuvering into tight spaces a breeze. The agility of the vehicle, especially while navigating unpredictable interstate traffic patterns, was incredible. The seamless stop-and-go movements and the hybrid 2.5L engine with 165 horsepower and 155 lb. of torque offered a responsive and efficient driving experience.
Modern Conveniences for the Connected Family
The 2023 Ford Escape comes equipped with upgraded technology features that cater to the needs of the modern family. The entertainment system supports over-the-air updates and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, enhancing connectivity and convenience. The large 13.2-inch touchscreen display, available on most trims, provided a visually engaging interface for controlling various features of the vehicle. While adjusting to the absence of physical climate controls took some getting used to, Ford streamlined the experience by placing the controls in a permanent strip across the bottom, ensuring quick and easy access. Ford’s SYNC 4 includes embedded Alexa voice services, bringing the conveniences of a virtual assistant right inside the Escape. Additionally, wireless charging and a premium 10-speaker B&O sound system added to the overall modern and immersive experience.
Interior Comfort: Spaciousness and Relaxation
Compact SUVs are often associated with limited interior space, but the Ford Escape defied those expectations. Front passengers can expect ample legroom. With our rear-facing toddler’s car seat installed, my 5’11” husband found the front seat incredibly comfortable. In the rear seating area, we were pleasantly surprised by the available space. With our toddler’s all-in-one car seat secured using the LATCH tethers, there was still enough room for another small child to sit comfortably. The adjustable rear passenger seats, with their 60/40 split-fold feature, provided additional legroom of up to 5.9 inches, accommodating taller passengers with ease. As the weather cooled down, we appreciated the heated seating and steering wheel, enhancing our comfort during the drive.
Cargo Capacity: Space for All Your Adventures
The Ford Escape’s cargo capacity proved to be a valuable asset during our road trip. With 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, we had more than enough room to carry our everyday essentials and more. Folding down the rear seats expanded the cargo capacity to a generous 65.5 cubic feet, allowing us to accommodate:
- my 19″ rolling suitcase
- a large duffle bag
- a sizable tote
- a case of water.
The versatility of the Escape’s cargo area ensured that we had everything we needed for a comfortable journey, without compromising on passenger space.
So How Much Does it Cost?
The 2023 Ford Escape offers various trim levels to suit different preferences and budgets. The configuration I test drove, the ST-Line Elite AWD HEV, starts at a base MSRP of $39,460, with a total MSRP of $43,510. The Premium Technology package, available on the ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims, offers advanced features for an additional $1,950. The Panoramic Vista roof, a personal favorite, can be added for an extra $1,495. The wide range of customization options allows families to choose the Escape that best fits their needs and desires.
Related: Harbor Views: Our One-Night Stay at Boston Marriott Long Wharf
Adventure Awaits in the 2023 Ford Escape
Our Memorial Day weekend road trip in the 2023 Ford Escape was a memorable experience that exceeded our expectations. The enhanced safety features, technology, spacious interior, and versatile cargo capacity made the Escape the ideal vehicle for our family road trip. From its comfortable and stylish design to its agile performance and modern conveniences, the Escape proved to be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle for both commuting and family travel. With its starting MSRP of $28,000, the 2023 Ford Escape offers great value for those seeking a compact SUV that can handle both everyday life and exciting road trips.