You can nip here and tuck there.
We know that an updated Ford Escape will soon be available. We have an rendering that shows how the next model might look . We now have spy photos that show a camouflaged prototype we believe will be released for the 2023 model-year.
As you can see, this is a minor facelift rather than an entirely new model. This is not surprising considering that the current model is only two years old. Although the fourth-generation Escape was launched in 2020 as a 2020 model in 2019, the compact SUV segment remains one of the most competitive and crowded in motoring. To maintain sales, it is essential to stay fresh in a sea of options.
The Escape should be refreshed with this facelift, not just new headlights. The camo wrap that covers the front fascia allows us to see the grille outline. The new model is more aggressive than the previous Escape, which was a radical departure from the previous generation. The revamped fascia has a larger grille at its top, with narrower headlights on each side. It is very similar to the previously mentioned unofficial rendering.
The back is less noticeable. There aren’t any obvious differences in the front, but there appear to be mismatched placeholders for the taillights. While the lenses are identical to the Escape’s current model, the clear corners clearly indicate that they were not made from factory stock. Further down, corner reflectors as well as dual exhaust outlets match the current Escape. The wrap may only have minor changes to the body lines.
We have not heard anything about powertrain or interior changes at this stage. The engine options will almost certainly stay the same. Interior upgrades will likely stick with new colors and revised trim. It’s likely that updates to electronics will be made, and Ford’s BlueCruise driver assistance system could make its way into the Escape. This would give the compact SUV an advantage over other competitors in the segment.
Ford could reveal the updated Escape next year, which would be three years after the current generation’s debut. This aligns with a typical midcycle refresh schedule. This theory would mean that the refreshed Escape would be a 2023 model and go on sale in 2022.