The 2023 Escape comes standard with a 9" infotainment screen and physical buttons to control HVAC. For those of us who prefer smaller infotainment screens, physical buttons/knobs, and a lower cost vehicle - simply don't get the expensive $3,000+ Technology Package. The Technology Package adds many electronic features that many of us don't want, including the bigger 13.2" screen which replaces the HVAC buttons with on-screen controls. It's best to do some research of your own, instead of relying on the video reviewers to tell you everything. The reviewer also didn't mention another key feature - the rear seats can be adjusted forwards & backwards just like the front seats. This is a cool feature of the Escape that isn't offered by very many competitors. If optioned right, the Escape can please many buyers.
Love the screen size and display but I really dislike Fords move to screen based adjustments. That’s why I love my Maverick. All the proper button are layer out perfectly. They just need to combine the 2 things.
The Maverick was done a LOT better than this hunk of junk (I do agree the Maverick was done right). However, Ford is overcharging for a very bland and ordinary SUV. Other competitors are making better SUVs with better features for the same or less than Ford.
I'm glad they fixed the bug-eye look of the Escape with this refresh I liked the look of the '20 sans-headlights so it's nice to see they fixed that look.
I think I’d still go with the Subaru Crosstrek. Cheaper in price and better AWD. The escape was originally made as a cheaper alternative to the Explorer and Expedition. No way in Hades an Escape is worth $40,000+. Not sure why Ford and GM are recently trying to price their cars like they’re German luxury brands. Can spend a pinch more and get a BMW/Mercedes at this point.
I think you could probably get a new Subaru Crosstrek Sport for less than what they want for this Escape, and, they ride remarkably well for their size and type of vehicle.. And, you're right - the Subaru AWD system is hard to beat, though the Ford AWD system in this Escape did noticeably better than Mazda's, for example.
I bought a 2021 Hybrid AWD SE Escape brand new. $32,000 and I average 40 mpg. It's pretty sweet. I would never go for the Platinum trim, the SE is just fine.
@@aboutface102: that’s the thing-they always review the top end trim for some reason. I also have the hybrid and it’s the way to go-Ford should just stop making the 1.5 and 2.0 powertrains for this car and make them all hybrid.
The screen would be a deal breaker for me. Climate control should be three knobs (four with dual zone) only. No buttons. No screens. Heated seats? Buttons. Anything driving related? Dedicated buttons. Screens are too distracting.
Most other competitors in this segment offer more for less, it's not a deal at all. Typical Ford overcharge for nothing special. Do people not even bother looking at the competition anymore... "well someone said Ford is a deal, so I'm just gonna take their word for it and buy it".
@@freshtowels3917 Try again pal... this is why Ford keeps selling, because the Ford fanboi's don't spend 3 seconds Googling the competition, they just say "ugh, Ford be good car, me buy Ford" and don't do a lick of research. For example... Ford Escape HP ranged from 163Hp to 250Hp depending on the engine option... the Hyundai Tucson is 187Hp to 261Hp depending on the engine option... and the Tucson is cheaper... Ford fanboi's do themselves absolutely zero favors, they are out of touch with what other companies are doing and they pay more for less.
I don't think this is really a focus successor when it costs literally 2x as much as my 2016 did (and also still have heated seats, wheel), and I don't think you'll be allowed to throw that escape around the autocross like I get to with the focus.
I purchased a car a Todd Judy Ford in Charleston. I was told it had blind spot detection and driver assist. Before I made it home the check engine light came on after I got gas. I took it back and they said they would fix the light and the backup camera that is blurry and points at my plate. I picked up the car and drove home realizing there were no driver assist options or blind spot warnings. I contacted them and they said that they were sorry they thought the 2019 Ford Escape Titanium had those options. I could trade it on for a more expensive car but there was nothing they could do. When asked about the backup camera they responded they didn’t see anything wrong with it. Now I am stuck with a car that doesn’t have the options I need since I am handicapped with CP and no recourse for their error. John Fitzwater Belle WV. 25015 I have metal plates in my neck. Artificial Achilles tendon left leg. 4 surgeries on my hands, 2 hernia surgery, colon resection, veracilles removed, and other challenges. I work full-time at Riverside and have reached my limits. I just want the car I was told I was buying. Not their mistake because they did know their inventory. Help.
Have a '20 Escape SE that my wife leased and I took over. I didn't care for the look but love the drive and its capabilities. Plus, I'm all city driving and get 27 mpg. May have to get this refreshed model a look since my lease is almost up.
"please, please just learn how to park" Says the guy who couldn't love hill decent control more. I love how it puts it in low gear and feathers the brake for me!!!
Why are car manufacturers making things less user friendly? I have a 22 Escape as a fleet vehicle with physical buttons for HVAC, what a downgrade having them on the screen like that. Another note, I have the 1.5l 3Cyl AWD and its the least refined powertrain I've ever driven. Also hate how the dial shifter feels. Other dial shifters I've had in rentals have a more tactile feel so you notice each change in gear. Almost every time I'm in a hurry going from Drive to Reverse I turn it to quickly into Park.
I HAD A 2017 AND 2019 ESCAPE. THEY WERE OK VEHICLES. THE PROBLEM WAS THE COOLANT INTRUTION ISSUE. MY 2019 STARTED AT ABOUT 35,000 MILES. BY 40,000, I WAS ADDING COOLANT EVERY WEEK. THERE WERE NO LEAKS. I KNEW WHAT IT WAS. SO I TRADED IT IN FOR A CHEVY TRAX. A 2024 TRAX. I'M LEASING IT SO THAT ANY ISSUES ARE CHEVY PROBLEMS. I'M NOT GOING BACK TO FORD UNTIL THEY UP THEIR QUALITY, LOWER THEIR PRICES, AND THEIR DEALERS TREATED ME RIGHT AGAIN. SO, I GUESS I'M NEVER GOING BACK.
When will American find out the only way to make American Car great again is to simply improve reliability and make the interior less “bulky and rough”?
Absolutely agree with you about the infotainment screen. Number one complaint with vehicles is infotainment systems, yet manufacturers keep putting more and more functions into the screen. I absolutely hate it and find it distracting.
I'd rather that whole infotainment touch screen crap go away altogether, talk about distracted driving, lets just add a 12+ inch tablet to the dash of every vehicle to go alongside the driver playing on their phone.
@@JakeDrives1 It's at the point I'm looking at which used cars don't bury features in the screen or take over my driving with electronic nannies. I can't buy new any more, car manufacturers are in fact saying they don't want my money....
@@dstevens518 I'm getting to the same point. I replaced my 2021 Volvo Xc60 with a 2023.. The tech nonsense is maddening, you turn an electronic nanny off, restart the car and it's back on.. Can't deactivate the auto start stop. The list goes on. I always try to keep a second car that is MUCH more analog. I have a 2003 VW Beetle Turbo S with 6 speed manual heading my way on a transport truck.. Always need a back up for these modern, tech filled piles. When I finish my volvo lease. I'll likely be going back in time!
Climate controls absolutely should not be baked into a touchscreen. They need to be separate, physical inputs (buttons, knobs, etc.). Having to look at the screen while trying to navigate through multiple menus/settings, including having to try to tap the right spot while moving, is dangerous as hell. Physical buttons and/or knobs let you rest your fingers on them to ensure you've found them before you actually manipulate them. Touchscreens register input the moment you touch them, so if you touch the wrong spot (which happens more often than not when in motion), you can end up in other menus or settings that further distract the driver. It's an absolutely awful thing to do with climate controls that, frankly, should be banned at the federal level. Radio inputs should be the same way, at least for volume and source selection. These are too frequently used to be put on the touchscreen.
Well Ryan, your number one Subaru critic decided on 2023 Outback Touring XT to regain trust in the brand. Feel like I needed to get that off of my chest right away 😂. With that said, I think Ford has a well improved Escape here. They’ve had a tumultuous past with their PTU’s and failing due to overheating and sludge inside. Hopefully, these have an improved design. Not sure I’d want to be the one to buy it new as depreciation hits these hard and fast.
All the ppl bitching about controls on screen, this has advanced voice control, you can control HVAC and radio by voice, no touching screen. Audio control is on the steering wheel. Do your research and stop bitching.
Ford definitely killed it with the styling. The price is a hard pill to swallow though. However, it does seem that the higher prices are just becoming the standard on all makes and models
This vehicle has come quite a way in the past decade. I remember sitting in the back of a Ford Escape, circa 2014. I'm short, and it still felt like sitting in the backseat of a Mustang or a Camaro.
Everything in any vehicle should have manual buttons, switches...all that touch screen stuff is garbage, costs way too much, and fails taking out everything else in the process.
I hate tech for the sake of tech. In my Ranger XL, If I want my fan speed slower, I reach down, feel the dial, & turn it lower. My eyes never leave the road.
The heads up display in the 2020 can be turned off quite easily, and the data is clear & readable whilst wearing polarised sunglasses (Maui Jim's). The Mazda version was just a blur. I do like the new centre grill, but prefer the Macan-esque headlights of the 2020.
Just picked up our 23 escape st-line select 2 months ago and love it. I’m 6.1 and 360lbs and find it as roomie as anything out their in this class.I Drove a 2003 for 20 years and it was bullet proof,Its still on the road.Fingers crossed on this one lasting just as long and being just as good a vehicle.
I’ve had 7 escapes company cars loud road noise, 2 blown engines at below 40k miles returned to ford , one transmission replaced at 180k mikes $9500.00 numerous to mention recalls you should be embarrassed doing a review on this car!
As a UX Designer, myself, that infotainment system looks emensly frustrating to use. If a system like this is frustrating I, personally, think that it means it can also be dangerous as a consequence. It's not a trend that I like seeing.
The integration of the a/c controls etc into the screen is a disaster. Watching you fight with that thing while driving down an undivided road with no shoulder is a big turn-off. Manufacturers have to stop this madness and bring back physical controls. By the way, isn't there a taxpayer funded government agency that is supposed to make sure cars are safe to drive?
Me too...actually less money and a better car...Ryan and all his Subaru reviews has got me looking into a Subaru to replace my 2005 Ford Taurus, which at the rate that thing is going I'll be driving it off a cliff in the near future.
@@wildbill23c Truly happy with our '22 Subaru Outback XT... just hit the 2 year mark on July 3rd. Definitely a great, comfortable vehicle for trips, and it's really nice to have the carry capacity to haul stuff again (we previously had a '10 Chevy Malibu LTZ).
All those little "buttons" in the info screen are fine while standing still, but not while driving. I much prefer Honda's newest dash designs, combining the screen and physical climate control knobs and volume knob (and shift lever rather than the circular knob). Honda, evidently, put more thought into usability, this time around, rather than being the most "modern."
My 21 edge has on screen and when the screen doesn't work at times the hvac doesn't work or you can't control hvac. I would have to ding Ford for that. Manual is the way to go and it's also distracting when you drive trying to change it on screen. Your video clewrly shows how distracting it is when driving.
Oh, well, that's the crap everyone wants, touch screen this, touch screen that, oh digital gauges oh how cute...yep, until like you have experienced, it don't work. I have no idea how many miles are on my 2005 Ford Taurus because of the digital odometer garbage....seriously, why is it so many people are so lazy to not be able to press a mechanical button that worked for 100+ years.
It’s a beautiful car. The price is steep for a Ford I feel like. Also I would worry about repair costs of all those electronics long term. The lack of physical buttons for climate control is a dealbreaker for me. That’s dangerous. Too much time to figure that out while driving. Especially if you were in heavy traffic.
Why did Ford have to do the climate controls like that. They could of just made it one touch on the screen. Instead they had to make it more complicated than it had to be.
We purchased a used 2018 Titanium Turbo with every bell and whistle conceivable. Over 50K invested after mods. Someone added a throaty aftermarket exhaust and it has some trim and cosmetic addons. Ruby red with black rims. She's a sweet little thing, but sucks gas like she's not had a drink in a year. That's okay, we didn't buy her for fuel economy. She's my wife's SUV and she loves it. I'm waiting for a good snow this winter to test out the AWD system. So far no problems. I upgraded the Ford software and the stop/start feature turned off, but I'm okay with that for it was annoying to us.
I really enjoy my '21 2.0L Escape SEL with Stealth Package. It's comfortable on long rides (no seat fatigue at all - something I couldn't say for my old Forester), get's 33-35 mpg on the highway, and is downright fast for a compact SUV. I ended up choosing it over the Bronco Sport because it's more powerful and gets better MPG while still having essentially the same "offroad" capability (of the regular BS, not the Badlands of course). It has gotten me everywhere I need to go on Forest Roads in the mountains of TN/NC/VA, and it will only get better when I put some Falken Wildpeak Trail ATs on it. My only complaints are the (1) easily scratched interior plastic, and (2) the kind of ugly face, which this refresh has fixed. Also, I would never have gone for the top model. My SEL came in a little over 30k, which is much more reasonable for the class.
I have a '20 Ford Escape S AWD, with the 1.5L, and I plan to also pick up 4 new Falken Wildpeak Trail ATs, since I plan to do some camping, now. I bought my '20 in '21, with 8K in incentives, so I walked out the door with it for $20,200. BTW, be aware that there's an issue with the welds/hinges on the driver's door, which are starting to break from use--happened to me already, but was fixed under warranty. NHTSA is investigating to see if they need to have Ford do a recall (the answer is yes--118 incidents already).
As Ryan said, along with many of the comments I’ve read, WHY?? Why put so many controls on the screen? I find it funny (not funny haha, but funny weird) how there has been such a push in recent years against distracted driving, with the no texting and driving laws and no distracted driving laws, and yet here we are. Vehicle manufacturers every year with every new redesign or refresh, make it more and more distracting to perform simple basic car functions. It shouldn’t be a 4 step process to turn a fan up or down or adjust temperature. It’s like manufacturers are in a competition to see who can make simple functions the most difficult. Stop it!
My Mazda 3 HB Premium has the head up display reflected directed on the windshield. I believe it is a better version of this, this looks like it will break.
I have a 2017 Titanium since new. I do like the new 2023's but not thrilled about how many models there are and the option packages. So confusing. One thing I do not like about the higher end models is the heat and AC controls. I like my physical buttons. Not having to go through them on a screen. The Escape does seem a little priced high, but I drive for Uber and Lyft, and I get lot of compliments from people telling me how nice my Escape is and how nice it rides compared to all the other Compact SUV'S they been in.
Super unnecessary to begin with having all that digital touch screen display garbage. How is it that a simple button or slider for heater/AC is so damn hard for people to use...bring back all the manual controls, built vehicles to last longer than their 3 year warranty.
@@ryzen397 My 08 Explorer has 4Low, even though its auto-4WD I still have the ability to lock it in 4WD high and still has low range as well because it has an actual transfer case...BW-4412 T-Case.
My edge was the same way on the radio...hated it..ford does need to fix the radio thing I liked mine but I got only 4 days out of a tank of fuel...witch was ok compared to my toyota tacoma..
Did not know they still made the Escape. With the release of the Bronco Sport, thought this was retired. We ordinarily agree about most if not everything. But not this time. I will take your word for the driving impressions, as I have not driven 1. The looks do nothing for me. Does not scream hot hatch to me at all. I don't use those driver assistant devices you spoke of either. However, I would probably use them IF I had them in my current vehicles. lol. (would be fun). While everyone is screaming too much for new vehicle prices, and I hate to jump on that wagon, but this is over priced for what it appears to be imo.
The hatch (camper shell door) on my pickup is hot in the summer, dumbest creating of a name "Hot Hatch"...just call it what it is, a damn hatch-back car trying to be an SUV.
Climate control is meant to use only twice per year. You dont need to change it everyday. You can set same constant temp for summer and winter and not deal with it anymore.
Mazda has the heads-up display and I love it. I see not only the speed I'm going but also puts in the navigation for turn by turn. So I don't have to look down to the side. It works great more than two years. What I didn't get in my Mazda was a turbo. Those break more than heads-up displays and are very costly to repair or replace.
I like the square bodies of the Bronco Sport, I just don’t like the small engines. I had a couple Bronco II’s and loved them, simple with very few bells and whistles, but I liked the size and yet I never had an issue with hauling. I fit a full size washer and dryer in the back of my Bronco II, door closed, just didn’t latch. The new round aerodynamic body styles are very feminine.
I do drive a 2020 Ford Escape SE since mid March 2022. My sister drove a 2023 Ford Escape for a week. She liked the smooth drive. She wasn’t used to the dial automatic transmission. She didn’t even try to used Apple Car Play towards it. It took me a couple weeks to get used towards mine. It was easy for me on Apple Car Play. My sister used to have a 2002 Ford Escape for almost 16 years. I even drove her Ford Escape once in Florida. I even drove a 2009 Ford Escape for a week as a loaner car. I used to have a 2015 Ford Escape for almost for 5 years till it died on me.
I have a 2013 Escape and just love it. Virtually no problems with the car at all and it has been a beast in our Colorado winters. In fact I recently gave it to my son for his first car. Would definitely entertain purchasing this new version.
@@Macman608 Ford has *earned* a reputation for problems. Of course not every single unit will be bad, but it's somewhat more of a gamble than with some other brands - especially at today's inflated purchase prices plus the cost and inconvenience of repairs when the warranty ends.
Dont think the RAV 4 Honda CR V and Mazda have to worry about FORD stealing a lot of their business. Oh and the Koreans as well. Ford lead in recalls year and have electrical gremlins. I know from personal experience.
I bought a ford escape 2x both had 2013 and 2015 once they hit 100000 miles the first one was having a misfire then I wrecked it and the second one the engine and transmission failed at the same time
Diesel was preferred among 2022 models in Turkey and Europe, and the highest milk figure was caught in it, I guess, 1.5 ecoblue option will be in 2024 in diesel engine future it should definitely be diesel 1.5 ecoblue
I like it when you flatten the back seats and lie down in the back and comment about it. Strangely enough, that is one of the first things I look at. If I can't camp in it, I won't consider it.
Top notch refresh. They saved this car!! Very nice interior changes as well. I was super interested in this car for my parents until about 11:00 when Ryan started fussing with the climate screen. Hard pass for my 60yo parents. Hard pass. Shame!! That is so fussy.
Beautiful compact SUV. However, I’d rather have a Japanese suv for that price. Is that 2.0 engine known for 200k-300k life span, with minimal maintenance? I think not!
I recently bought the 2022 Vignale as Australia did not get a 2023 version. It's controls seem laid out much better then your version. You failed to mention the lack of paddle shifters and the use of the "L" button in Sports Mode. How the gear changes do not happen till red line. Much faster acceleration. Disappointed that there is no visual indication of which of the 10 gears available your vehicle is in. Sports mode instead of having D or L in the centre of the Tacho should show the gear being used. Also a strange cost saving by Ford for the Australian market they removed the plastic engine cover and left it all exposed. Also have the pearl white metallic with the 20" wheels which are not suitable for our poor country roads.
