2023 Ford Escape redesign surfaces, but is the new Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson rival in line for Australia?

A new-look Ford Escape has surfaced in the US, with its updated design and technology likely a herald for what is to come for the Australian mid-size SUV that is struggling against more popular competition.

Sporting a restyled front bumper with cleaner lines, as well as a reshaped front grille and sleeker headlights for a more athletic look, the facelifted Escape could offer a more compelling alternative Down Under to the dominate Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson – rivals which are currently outselling Ford’s mid-size SUV.

However, while it is expected a similar update will make its way to Australia eventually, Ford Australia product communications manager Ben Nightingale is remaining tight-lipped for now.

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“We have no news to share about Escape at this point in time,” he said.

“We’re very happy with our Escape line-up, including the recent introduction of the Escape PHEV as Ford Australia’s first electrified vehicle.”

Ford’s current-generation Escape was revealed in early 2019, but did not launch locally until late 2020, while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) flagship was delayed until May this year.

Headlining the changes to the US Escape is the ST-Line grade that features a number of extra revisions for a sportier look, such as a black-coloured grille, contrasting rear skid plate, up to 19-inch wheels and a prominent roof-mounted rear spoiler.

Ford is also boasting that “every surface is monochromatically painted down to the mouldings for a dynamic, refined appearance”, which means only one colour is applied for a deeper, fuller look.

Inside, higher grades are now equipped with a 13.2-inch Sync4 multimedia touchscreen, while ST-Line versions continue to offer red-highlight stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Other features available across the line-up include adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic braking, built-in satellite navigation, a surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charger and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Engine options in the US include a 1.5-litre EcoBoost with 112kW, a 2.0-litre with 186kW (also available as a hybrid), and the plug-in with a 2.5-litre engine and electric motor combo.

The latter features an electric driving range of nearly 60km, while recharging will take as little as 3.5 hours using the appropriate charger.

In Australia however, the entire Escape line-up (barring the PHEV) is fitted with a 183kW/387Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission.

Our Escape PHEV meanwhile, produces 167kW/400Nm and has a WLTP-certified driving range of 56km.

So, if the redesigned Escape were to come to Australia, expect to see a similar engine line-up to the existing range.

Ford Australia has so far found 1571 new homes for its Escape mid-size SUV in 2022, trailing the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 (27,148), a well as the Mazda CX-5 (21,124), Mitsubishi Outlander (14,000), Kia Sportage (13,620) and Hyundai Tucson (12,839).

In fact, the Escape is one of the least-popular models in the segment (likely due to supply issues), with newcomers like the GWM Haval H6 and MG HS, niche Renault Koleos, and run-out Nissan X-Trail all outperforming the Ford mid-size SUV.