2023 Ford Escape

The entry-level Escape S has 17-inch steel wheels, while a step up to the SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry. Another step up to the SEL trim gets you 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a hands-free liftgate, and roof rails. Ford added a new Stealth AWD package for the SEL, which has 19-inch black-painted wheels and black exterior trim elements. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option for the SEL, along with a tow package.

Moving up to the top-level Escape Titanium gets you 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and the option for chrome exterior trim elements and a panoramic sunroof.

The base engine for the Escape is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine that develops 181 horsepower. It works with Ford's eight-speed automatic transmission. The Titanium now comes standard with a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain that puts out 200 horsepower, which is optional for the SE and SEL. Drivers who want more power can opt for the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower.

Any of the engines efficiently power the Escape with ease. Upgrading to the 2.0-liter gets you quicker acceleration and some extra passing power. When equipped with the 2.0 EcoBoost and the tow package, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Inside, the Escape has room for five. Ford added some unique convenience features, such as sliding rear seats, to give passengers more legroom or expand the cargo area. Stepping up from the base to the SE gets you a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and automatic climate control, while the SEL adds simulated leather upholstery and a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The upscale Titanium adds genuine leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Starting with the SE, you'll get an 8-inch touch screen, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices. Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto also come in the SE and above, along with Ford+ Alexa and WAZE.

Every Escape has a rearview camera and comes with the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver aids. This group includes a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning with mitigation, and a forward-collision warning system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking. The SE adds Co-Pilot360 Assst+ with adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. Stepping up to the SEL adds parking sensors and offers the option of the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ group of safety aids. Front parking sensors come with the Titanium, which also adds the option for a head-up display.