carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $33,793–$39,160 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Ford Escape S at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.3/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $33,793–$39,160, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Escape S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Ford Escape S is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Ford Escape S ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,793 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 6%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Ford Escape S scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.4 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $35,883 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.4/10 | $34,839 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $33,793 | |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $32,748 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $31,703 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $30,657 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $29,612 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.1/10 | $28,567 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $27,522 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $26,477 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $25,432 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.