The Ford Escape is set to come in for a major facelift, and the latest prototype has shed all of the camouflage gear seen on previous testers.
The current Escape, known as a Kuga in some markets, was introduced for the 2020 model year with a rather lukewarm design that was made even more forgettable with the launch of the related Bronco Sport a year later.
Ford has attempted to address this shortcoming with a mid-cycle update for the compact crossover. The rounded front end of the current Escape has made way for a tougher, blockier look on the updated model. The headlights are also new and the grille now sits higher and features the Ford logo sitting center. Currently the logo sits on the leading edge of the hood.
The overall result is something that more closely resembles the design of the Mustang Mach-E.
2023 Ford Escape (Kuga) facelift spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
The changes to the rear styling are less dramatic. There's a revised fascia and a new design for the exhaust tips.
A look inside reveals a revised dash with a larger infotainment screen. To make way for the larger screen, physical controls which currently sit above the air vents have been moved to the bottom of the screen’s bezel as capacitive touch controls.
2023 Ford Escape (Kuga) facelift spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
It isn't clear what Ford has planned for the powertrains. The current Escape has a relatively diverse lineup starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 good for 181 hp. A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 offers a meatier 250 hp, and for fuel-conscious buyers there's a 2.5-liter inline-4 offered in hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. They offer up 200 and 221 hp, respectively.
Look for the updated Escape to be revealed shortly as a 2023 model.
