Getting Away From the Ordinary: A 2022 Ford Escape Buyer’s Guide

November 23rd, 2022 by

A blue 2023 Ford Escape is shown from the front driving on a winding road.

When it debuted for the 2001 model year, the Ford Escape was one of the first indications of what the modern SUV would eventually become. In an age where the school of thought for SUV design was “bigger is better,” the Escape was scaled down and smaller than many of its contemporaries. Over the years, the vehicle has evolved into a sporty crossover vehicle that permits consumers to have all of the capabilities of an SUV in a smaller package that’s versatile and affordable.

Perhaps you’re in the market for an SUV, and the Escape has successfully piqued your interest. Which one do you get? There are a variety of trims available, each one offering its own distinct advantages. To help you make a decision, we have put together a buyer’s guide for you, perfect for those who are looking for a 2023 Ford Escape for sale.

Cost Effective in the Modern World

A concern for many consumers is finding a vehicle that’s cost-effective. Understandable. The prevailing logic with most purchases is that you often get what you pay for. This is because it’s often assumed that anything of exceptional quality comes with a heavy price tag. Not so much with the Ford Escape. With a starting MSRP of only $27,500, the Escape is more affordable than competing offers from Honda and Mazda.[a] Of course, the sticker price is only part of the equation when it comes to being cost-effective.

For many, the number of times they have to fill their tanks and how far they can go in between each trip is of the utmost importance. Luckily, the Escape offers something that many have a keen eye on––conservative fuel consumption. For those who choose the 1.5L three-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, you’ll get around 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. Of course, those looking to get the most for their money should take advantage of the PHEV, which achieves roughly 105 MPGe.

A purple 2023 Ford Escape for sale is shown parked on the side of a street.

Standard Safety

Because most people who utilize the SUV are family-oriented, safety is a major concern for a fair amount of customers. Fear not; the Escape not only has a wide variety of standard safety features but also performs exceptionally well in government-mandated testing. Each year, the NHTSA (National Highway & Traffic Safety Association) conducts testing to evaluate how safe vehicles are in the event of a collision. This is information that’s made readily available to any consumer who’s curious. The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall safety rating, which speaks to the level of commitment to quality that Ford has constantly upheld.

From the base trim on up, the Ford Escape comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360. This suite of driving assistance features includes the blind spot information system, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic alert, and the lane keeping system. The SE trim and up features adaptive cruise control, evasive steering control, and navigation, as well as traffic sign recognition.

Infotainment and Interior

The interior of the 2022 Ford Escape is everything you want in an SUV. Comfortable with a knack for storage space, you’ll have 65.4 available cubic feet of cargo room. Available features such as ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof can elevate the aesthetic of the interior, making any trip serene and enjoyable. As with several other vehicles, the interior of the Ford Escape is anchored by its infotainment screen. The standard offering for 2023 is an eight-inch infotainment screen. However, upgrading packages or trims can net you the larger 13.2-inch screen.

The level of how much entertainment you wish to take advantage of differs as you gradually climb up the various trims. Starting with the Base trim, one received some wonderful amenities such as Bluetooth audio and a wi-fi hotspot. The eight-inch infotainment screen comes with SYNC 4, Ford’s intuitive platform that features compatibility with both Apple and Android products, in addition to SiriusXM and rear USB ports to keep passengers entertained. Dual-zone climate control is also included.

For those who like to make entertainment a priority, the higher trim levels feature options that many will find enticing. If you love having a grand sound system, upgrade to the available ten-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen that features a subwoofer. Enhance your wire-free journey with the available wireless charging pad. You can also get the available Alexa built-in, so you can access Amazon Prime shopping and control your home devices while on the go.

A blue 2023 Ford Escape is shown parked in a driveway.

Performance Personified

Earlier, we took a brief look at some of the performance aspects of the 2022 Ford Escape in order to gauge its cost-effectiveness in terms of fuel consumption. Well, we’re going back to this topic to assess the different available powertrains in hopes that you can evaluate which one might work best for you.

When the Escape first came out, it challenged the conceptions of what SUVs could be like. These days, we’re completely removed from the days of larger-than-life powertrains. Look no further than the introductory engine to see this method of thought still in practice today. A 1.5L three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Don’t judge this engine by size; testing it out with an all-wheel drivetrain netted a result of going from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds.

For those who want an increase in engine power, ask, and you shall receive. The other gasoline-fueled option takes the form of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. Horsepower increases to 250 hp, and it shares the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the 1.5L. When it ran the same test conducted by Car & Driver magazine, it beat the three-cylinder by two whole seconds, going from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds flat. Both of these options are more than capable of performing exceptionally well for you.

As we explained in our section regarding fuel efficiency, the hybrid powertrain is ideal for those looking to get the most mileage out of their drive. Both hybrid versions of the Escape have a 2.5L four-cylinder that works in conjunction with two electric motors to offer drivers 200-221 horsepower. No matter your ultimate goal, there’s a powertrain that’s ideally suited for you.

Escaping From the Ordinary

With so much to offer, it’s quite apparent that the 2023 Ford Escape has many advantages that are not just geared towards the family-oriented consumer but all sorts of drivers, no matter what their tastes and preferences might be. If anyone was skeptical when the vehicle first debuted, they’re certainly believers now. Of course, with such an exceptional vehicle that delivers so much, the need for a dealership that adheres to the same standards of quality is of the utmost importance.

If you’re in the market for a new or used Ford Escape, look no further than The Faricy Boys Automotive. With a selection that encompasses not only the Ford brand but multiple vehicles that are ideal for any situation, service is our forte. Our team will help you through every buying process step and make it as easy as possible. Our commitment to our customers is why more people trust us with their vehicle purchases and routine maintenance.


[a]MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.