Follow your path with the Ford Escape PHEV

Ford's 2023 Escape PHEV is the perfect hybrid crossover for the family. In addition to a sleek new exterior design and standard driver-assist features, all versions in the lineup now include LED reflector headlights, upgraded lighting and a sliding rear seat that adjusts 6 inches front to back for more space between cargo, child seats and passengers. This upgraded SUV is spacious, modern and suitable for all daily activities.

The Performance Hybrid

Compared to the standard 210-horsepower hybrid, the Ford Escape PHEV boasts a combined 221 horsepower from a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and an electric motor powered by a 14.4 kWh battery. With the lowest fuel economy rating in its class, the SUV can travel 60 km on pure electric power. Plugged into a 110-volt wall outlet, it will recharge in about 10 hours. This time is reduced to just over 3 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charging station.

Hybrid driving mode

With firmer suspension damping, a flat-bottom steering wheel and shod with 18-inch wheels, Ford's front-wheel-drive 2023 Espace PHEV can travel about 5,000 miles per tank. Drivers can also choose from four PHEV modes: automatic hybrid-electric operation, electric-only, retain the stored charge for later use, or use the gasoline engine to charge the battery. When the reserve charge is depleted, the system automatically changes the driving mode back to conventional hybrid operation and the vehicle then runs on fuel in the tank.

New generation of technology

The Ford Escape PHEV has migrated to Sync 4 for 2023, banking on the most modern infotainment system available. The system now performs its updates over-the-air in addition to being connected to the cloud and having voice recognition with Alexa Built-in. The standard 8-inch touchscreen is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, but the SUV can be equipped with a 13.2-inch screen with a higher trim level. The crossover also offers the available digital gauge display and a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, in-dash navigation, and an optional pop-up heads-up display.

Design and safety

The enlarged grille that now wraps around the Ford blue oval badge, small changes to the hood and bumpers do not detract from the safety aspect offered in the 2023 Escape PHEV. The standard CoPilot 360 on each model offers a suite of driver assistance features that includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, front and rear emergency braking, blind spot assistant and intersection assistant, which detects any oncoming traffic if the driver turns left and applies the brakes if necessary.

To remember:

• 221 horsepower
• 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine
• Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
• 14.4 kWh battery
• 60 km of electric range
• 3-hour charge time (Level 2)
• 1,721 L of cargo capacity behind the 1st row
• Digital gauge display
• Sync 4
• 8-inch touch screen
• Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Alexa Built-in
• CoPilot 360