Inspired by Ford Performance Vehicles, The ST-Line
Enhances An Already Sporty Package
A Week-Long Test Drive Of The Efficient Hybrid AWD Edition
by Peter Ciani & Rich Taber
The Ford Escape takes a different approach to small SUV styling than its boxy, retro-inspired, platform mate – the Bronco Sport. In our week-long test drive, RPM News Weekly found the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid ST-Line Elite to be more sleek than boxy, and more comfort-driven than adventure-ready.
For 2023, the Escape underwent several styling updates, including a redesigned front fascia featuring new headlights and a larger, more prominent grille that sits higher than before. An available, all new “coast-to-coast LED light bar” (as Ford describes it) runs along the top of the grille. This feature, commonly found on higher-priced SUVs, adds a touch of sophistication and modernity to the Escape’s exterior. Meanwhile, LED headlights are only found in upper trims such as our test vehicle as seen in the video.
The ST-Line trim, first introduced on the Ford Focus and Fiesta in 2016, finally made its debut on the Escape for the 2023 model year. Inspired by Ford Performance vehicles, the ST-Line enhances what is already a sporty package.
For the Escape, the ST-Line features a black mesh grille pattern, performance-tuned suspension, and a single-wing rear spoiler. There are three available ST-Line grade levels – Standard, Select and Elite. All of them get body colored rocker panel moldings, which give the vehicle a more upscale look.
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Even though the 5-passenger Escape is Ford’s SUV entry-point, it’s not stripped down, plus there are plenty of interior tech and convenience features that can be added depending on trim. For example, sports seats are available in vinyl, ActiveX synthetic leather, or genuine leather trim surfaces. The sport seats in our ST-Line Elite test car came with the heated option in the front row and quilted, leather-trimmed upholstery featuring striking red contrast stitching.
Although the front seats look firm, they’re well-padded and quite comfortable on longer drives. Passengers in the second-row benefit from sliding seats that when moved back offer an additional 5.9 inches of legroom.
Available ST-Line Elite interior features include a Panoramic Vista roof, wireless phone charger, and a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system. All-trims feature front USB A and C PowerPoints as well as two rear smart USB charging connectors.
Our test-vehicle included a 13.2-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen featuring SYNC 4 with connected navigation, Amazon Alexa built-in, and wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.
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The hybrid version of the Escape that we’re driving comes equipped with a 2.5-liter EcoBoost engine, but Ford offers shoppers a range of powertrains within the full lineup including gasoline-only models with either a 180 horsepower 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine or a 250-horsepower 2-liter one. A plug-in hybrid variant with a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain provides up to 37 emission-free miles on a full charge.
All-wheel-drive – as in our test vehicle – is available on all except the plug-in hybrid trim. Otherwise, it’s front wheel drive as standard.
The hybrid version is rated to deliver a respectable 42 mpg in the city and a combined 39 city / highway mpg. We didn’t exactly achieve those numbers but fared quite better than the ratings for the gasoline-only models. Over the course of five years, the EPA estimates that with the ST-Line Hybrid you’ll save $2500 in fuel costs compared to the average new vehicle. That’s $2000 better than with the base model.
Pricing for the base Ford Escape starts at $29,495. For this more upmarket, sporty Ford Escape Hybrid ST-Line Elite, total MSRP comes to $43,065 once you add in the Destination & Delivery charges.
All things considered, after a week with the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid ST-Line Elite, we can comfortably say that if you’re seeking a budget-friendly SUV that’s efficient, and has the sporty styling of pricier vehicles, this model is worth a look.
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