Ford Motor Company announced it is updating its popular Escape model in an effort to differentiate it from the Bronco Sport. The company is adding convenience and safety technologies to an updated design for the 2023 Escape – a move it hopes will sustain and grow sales in the future.
“The Escape is already our fourth best-selling vehicle within our portfolio, and we think we’ve got an opportunity to grow further,” said Ford SUV marketing manager Craig Patterson during a media briefing.
Additions to the 2023 Escape include updated headlights, similar to the Mustang Mach-E, and available as a full LED lightbar across the front of the vehicle. An updated interior, larger screens, and the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as additional safety features, will also be included.
Also included with the updates will be Ford’s new ST sport package, which the company expects will account for roughly half of the vehicle’s future sales. Starting at $995, it will be available across all three ST trims.
The starting price for the entry-level version will be roughly $29,000. Plug-in hybrid electric models will have a starting price of $40,000. That’s a slight increase over current pricing, which ranges from $27,000 to $41,000.
Escape brand manager, Adrienne Zaski, said the goal of the updates is to create two distinct niches in the compact SUV segment.
“This segment is large. 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,” Zaski said.
The 2023 Escape is expected to hit showrooms early next year. Ford opened reservations for the vehicle on Tuesday.
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