The 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid should be your immediate go-to for a gas-saving SUV that is going to be reliable for years to come. With the added benefit of a Ford Tough vehicle, you’re getting an SUV that is built for power that also won’t break the gas budget. Different from the standard hybrid, the plug-in hybrid is Ford’s closest answer to an all-electric SUV. Our review guide will walk you through all the features of the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid to help you decide if this is the right new SUV for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Extremely spacious cabin for both driver and driver’s passengers as well as second-row passengers.
- Updated and upgraded systems and features, surmounting in a giant infotainment system.
- Most notable features: are its great fuel economy and ability to travel solely on the battery.
THE POWER BEHIND GAS SAVINGS
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid has an engine under the hood that is primarily meant for gas savings. With the Escape PHEV, you’re going to have a 2.5-liter V4 (more powerful than the standard hybrid) that reaches up to 221 horsepower and has 155 lb-ft of torque, while working in tandem with its electric motor. What makes the Plug-In special is that it is going to significantly reduce the number of times you have to make a trip to the gas station if you consistently plug it in and keep the battery charged. And while the Escape doesn’t offer any all-electric options, the PHEV is the closest you’ll find as it allows for up to 37 mph of silent, fuel-free driving. It has a larger battery than the regular hybrid and is going to get you a stellar gas rating of 40 mpg combined once you’ve surpassed 37 miles on electric power.
WHAT’S STANDARD FOR THE ESCAPE?
The Escape family has long been viewed as a very safe and practical SUV, with all the standard features one could need when transporting passengers in comfort. While the exterior isn’t too show-stopping, the interior has plenty of room for your passengers which is a staple with the Escape lineup. It has 42 inches of front legroom and 38 inches of rear legroom, with 34 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and 60 cubic feet with the seats down. It comes with a fully loaded B&O sound system with over-the-air updates for Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, semi-autonomous park assist, and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control are bundled into every vehicle.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THE PHEV?
There are some new features for this edition of the Escape that are going to pair well with your new, gas-saving motor. With the Sync 4 system and Fordpass on the Limited, you can get connected navigation for up to three years of service. You’re able to get access to live traffic updates with real-time, on-road guidance. It pairs with the heads-up display to keep you focused on stop-and-go traffic and it also comes with enhanced voice recognition. All this pairs well with the 13-inch touchscreen. Intersection collision avoidance is on PHEV as well as LED headlights, LED light strips, and new wheel designs.
ESCAPE THE HASSLE OF RISING GAS PRICES
For anyone looking to better capitalize on their gas budget and get the most out of what they can at the pump, it’s best to pair your efforts with a plug-in battery. The 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid will get you and your passengers where you need to safely, with enough leftover gas in the tank to get you there and back twice over depending on where you go and how you use your hybrid.