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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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 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 the 2020 Esc Tita in the pearl white metallic with the 20" wheels and still love it. It looks great, is super comfortable, really zippy with turbo and feature-rich. Hate Ford has in Plat, now dropped the turn indicators from the mirrors, downsized max wheels to 19 and moved climate to the screen only, as their S4 UI is not ready for that yet.
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.
I have a 2017 Escape I bought used and quite like it. The small size with the functional tech is perfect for me. My brother also has a ‘17 just a little over 100k miles and his transmission just went out so that’s not great.
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.
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.
Alternatively having buttons to access all individual functions that are commonly used will cost more as they are going to be more wiring and more materials used. My counter argument is the system that is used in Subarus that have split screens for infotainment vs normal car functions such as AC controls safety settings etc. I love that arrangement best. Just hope the touch screens will last 10 years at least.
@@spockskynet: the screen is there for both build cost and reliability. With buttons/knobs, there are lots of things to go wrong, especially in the first year or two . The screen either works or doesn’t and if you consolidate lots of functions on the screen, it improves reliability scores, which everyone is focused on.
@@GHinWI That is complete nonsense. We'We've had physical buttons for decades and things weren't known for breaking all the time. Screens are not user friendly and downright dangerous for some functions. Car makers are completely out of touch with reality. I have a hard time believing you're not a bot or carmaker pr drone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 owned a 2009 Ford Escape. The transmission was/is reliable, but had numerous problems with parts and functionality. I even had the "throttle body" go bad, which created unsafe driving. Ford somehow was able to avoid an official recall with it, though they sent letters out and paid for its replacement. First Ford and last Ford for me. Subaru Wilderness all the way.
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.
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.
"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!!!
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?
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.
I cant imagine why anyone would take this over the Mazda CX-30. The interior, handling and reliability are leafues ahead of Ford's compact SUV. I understand the appeal of the Maverick based in the same platform as the Escape due to the utility of the bed.
They’re one of the the quickest and best handling of small SUVs, and while they sit on the same platform, they’re aren’t a hot hatch in the same way the Focus is. I have both a 2021 Escape ST-Line and a 2023 Focus ST (I’m not in the USA and I realise the current gen Focus was never released there) and apart from the Focus using the 2.3L, it’s centre of gravity and suspension set up make it far, far more nimble and composed in cornering than the Escape, which feels soft and large in comparison, as you’d expect it to.
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!
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..
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).
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 prefer body on frame generally, but they handle worse, and AWD is much better in inclement weather. The Escape was never an off-roader and is far better in the current configuration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm 30yo and that thing would be a struggle. Looking for a new car for my mom that's a total deal breaker! the only deal breaker on the whole car!
@@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!
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.
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.
A great review. We ordered one...the Platinum. You convinced us.
Physical buttons are so much easier to use and so much more safe. You can do them without diverting your eyes.
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.
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.
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.
Lil bit over priced but can't beat the look 🔥😍 absolutely stunning!!
The only problem the Escape has is other companies make SUVs too.
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
Totally! New prices are averaging around $48k now.
Fully loaded Outback XT goes for about the same & is way more better!
Chevy came out with their new totally redone Trax. I tested one and bought it. It's almost fully loaded. For under 25 grand.
@@danhall3450that depends. If it's got the 4 cylinder yes. But steer clear of the 6 cylinder. They have been troublesome
That’s Bidenomics 😂
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.
That year escape has 17 recalls listed 💀
Yes maybe so. I know mine didn’t hit the shop 17 times. Still, it’s been a fantastic car and still is going strong.
@@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.
Hope you’ve changed that PTU and rear differential fluid often. Those are NOT forgiving due to lack of maintenance.
You literally clicked the down arrow on that animation and made it go away. It has the exact feature you're asking for.
Ford escape..Overall looking good, clean dashboard layout with nice display and better driving manner ...superb suv
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.
Absolutely phenomenal 💯
24:47 all SUV’s mini or what not should be able to handle a basic dirt camp site.
Kudos to Ford on the Escape.
Best Review I seen. Thank you bro!👍👍👍
You tell em! Get rid of the virtual climate system controls! Hard buttons are the better option.
Thanks for another great review, Ryan!
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.
I have a 2023 Escape (Active) with the 1.5L 3 cylinder. This engine is a first for me, I'm used to driving a V6.
I like the ST line elite trim
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.
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.
Great review! do you also have a review of Toyota RAV4 Limited? Do you have recommendation on which to choose?
My 2020 Escape S AWD in Sport Mode, does move pretty quick and the handling is pretty good, and it has the 1.5L EcoBoost.
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).
Yay, Ford!
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.
No
@@colinmorrow2410 yes
What do you drive?
@@deviouslaw either a GMC truck or a Mitsubishi Outlander (which has a fairly huge screen)
Never though I would consider a 40k car to be a good value, but this Escape actually is, when you consider a loaded Crosstrek can hit 32K+.
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".
The thing is you are dead wrong and its the other way around, Ford usually gives more for the buck than its competitors. @@wolfshanze5980
Competition doesn't offer this amount of power. Only the escape has an upgrade motor. So it's definitely a good value if you look at it that way.
@@wolfshanze5980 most have CVTs ... thanks but no thanks
@@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.
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.
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 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.
@@GHinWI Totally agree. It has plenty of power and the gas mileage is so good, I would never go back to non hybrid.
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.
This vido isn't about Mazda
@@DRGON89ever hear of a comparison?
I love the big screen. Doesn't play DVDs like the 2nd gen navigation eh?
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.
it would be nice to see this car dealing with snow
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.
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."
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 prefer to have physical button for AC control.
Great review.
We’ll keep driving our reliable Subie’s
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 the 2020 Esc Tita in the pearl white metallic with the 20" wheels and still love it. It looks great, is super comfortable, really zippy with turbo and feature-rich. Hate Ford has in Plat, now dropped the turn indicators from the mirrors, downsized max wheels to 19 and moved climate to the screen only, as their S4 UI is not ready for that yet.
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.
I have a 2017 Escape I bought used and quite like it. The small size with the functional tech is perfect for me. My brother also has a ‘17 just a little over 100k miles and his transmission just went out so that’s not great.
People never change the fluid, then act surprised when the transmission/differential/PTU goes out at 120k. The fluid is tar after that long.
@@GHinWI I mean I think he goes in regularly to the dealership and gets that changed out but I’m not sure. Definitely a good thing to remember.
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.
You can also learn voice commands and sync will change fan speed, temps etc. for you
That's what I use in our 2020 Escape. 'ding-Say a Command'.
Excellent review. can you test 2023 Mitsubishi outlander PHEV please ?
So, would you get this or the bronco sport
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 bought a 2023 Toyota Venza limited and I love it.
That infotainment system would be a dealbreaker for me. SEPARATE climate controls please.
Alternatively having buttons to access all individual functions that are commonly used will cost more as they are going to be more wiring and more materials used.
My counter argument is the system that is used in Subarus that have split screens for infotainment vs normal car functions such as AC controls safety settings etc. I love that arrangement best. Just hope the touch screens will last 10 years at least.
I seriously doubt a few feet of copper wire and some plastics buttons cost all that much.
@@spockskynet: the screen is there for both build cost and reliability. With buttons/knobs, there are lots of things to go wrong, especially in the first year or two . The screen either works or doesn’t and if you consolidate lots of functions on the screen, it improves reliability scores, which everyone is focused on.
@@GHinWI That is complete nonsense. We'We've had physical buttons for decades and things weren't known for breaking all the time. Screens are not user friendly and downright dangerous for some functions. Car makers are completely out of touch with reality. I have a hard time believing you're not a bot or carmaker pr drone.
Is there a reason you haven't reviewed the latest version of the Nissan Rogue? The latest model was out in 2021 and there has been no review.
Nissan never sent one to the PNW
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.
Looks decent. I still think the second generation has held up design wise
agree!! I own one
So the Focus hatch became the Escape hatch?
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.
Hard pass is such a stupid child like moronic comment to make - so very stupid.
Dude, I'm 58 about to be 59 and the screen is no issue for me.
Let them try it first
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.
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.
The Bronco Sport is much smaller
@@trenton737 More about the size of the Ford Ecosport.
The bronco is worse then the escape bro
And a LOT noisier.
What's the music he's using at the end ?
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.
If you hate it the why did you buy it?
@@scottoden4144 exactly
When are you taking it on the real course?
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!
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
In California, if you don't take everything with you, someone else will definitely do it for you 😂
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 owned a 2009 Ford Escape. The transmission was/is reliable, but had numerous problems with parts and functionality. I even had the "throttle body" go bad, which created unsafe driving. Ford somehow was able to avoid an official recall with it, though they sent letters out and paid for its replacement. First Ford and last Ford for me. Subaru Wilderness all the way.
Good luck with your Subaru. I had a 15 Forester and had so many problems that I'll never own a Subaru again so I guess ymmv
@@smartzoli There are documented problems with Subarus in that period. I did my research. All is good now. Car is killing it. Ford is overpriced caca
Can you test the new outlander phev?
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.
A car's climate control should be hard buttons
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.
Why don't u do a off-road test on the new Ford Expedition stealth
If/when we can get one from Ford, we will!
"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!!!
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?
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.
My 2020 Escape doesn't have the cover, either. Not certain why; earlier build models in that year did.
11:50 tend to be forced to focus on the screen, forcing you to take away from focusing on driving.
I cant imagine why anyone would take this over the Mazda CX-30. The interior, handling and reliability are leafues ahead of Ford's compact SUV. I understand the appeal of the Maverick based in the same platform as the Escape due to the utility of the bed.
The total passenger and cargo volumes are a whole class above the CX-30, which is considered a sub-compact. This compares to the CX-5/50
I rented a Mazda CX-30 two years ago and I currently own a '20 Ford Escape, and I'm going to have to disagree with everything you just said, here.
They’re one of the the quickest and best handling of small SUVs, and while they sit on the same platform, they’re aren’t a hot hatch in the same way the Focus is. I have both a 2021 Escape ST-Line and a 2023 Focus ST (I’m not in the USA and I realise the current gen Focus was never released there) and apart from the Focus using the 2.3L, it’s centre of gravity and suspension set up make it far, far more nimble and composed in cornering than the Escape, which feels soft and large in comparison, as you’d expect it to.
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!
I want to buy this sheet
BRING BACK BUTTONS
I’m curious, does anyone think that there will be an eco sport replacement?
No sorry. Ford will just abandon that segment all together.
@@freshtowels3917 Yep, it's sad.
R.I.P. Ecosport
No ventilated front seats at a sticker price over $41,000 for a small SUV? Ford still seems like they're a few years behind the times.
Can we get a tour of that chicken coop?
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..
It actually look quite attractive, this little bugger.
How often are you really interacting with the climate while driving? Set it to Auto and be done with it.
For the money Ford is asking I'd rather have a Subaru
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).
@@eskieman3948 Been looking at the Outback Wilderness or Forester Wilderness. I think either would work for me as I rarely carry passengers anyhow.
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!
who keeps a car into the 200-300k mile range ?
are you still in washington?
he is
$41k, Why some one will buy this over RAV4 XLE or Outback?
Dunno. I'd take the Outback over the Escape AND the RAV4.
For that price you get the base Lincoln corsair
Im getting rid of my 2022 toyota corolla and getting one of these.
Or...give the Toyota Corolla Cross a look.
@@lego4virgo why would i buy another toyota? I want a reliable car not a piece of junk.
Lol... $42K for an Escape? 😅
Right. In 3 years I suspect that 42k to be more like 25k due to the heavy depreciation on these.
Yep, people keep overpaying for everything so the prices just keep on climbing...there's nothing in that Escape worth more than about $20k.
I remember when the Escape was body on Frame and had 4wd...then they ruined it. I would never buy one of these for over $40k, that's insane.
I prefer body on frame generally, but they handle worse, and AWD is much better in inclement weather. The Escape was never an off-roader and is far better in the current configuration.
Did you forget to do the sleep test?
Not flat and not the right segment. We did it for the upcoming Bronco Sport review.
Eyes on the road hands on the wheel, petty for sure
yea GMC does those animations in the hummer ev and they are super lame.
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.
@@wildbill23c couldn't agree more
and 4 wheel drive low, none of this BS fake 4 low like in the jeep renegade etc
@@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.
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.