Is the 2023 Ford Escape a better SUV than the new Honda CR-V?

FIRST LOOK: The Escape is getting some changes from 2023 from Ford. On the outside you will discover a new front fascia, headlights, and grill. On the inside there is a more upscale interior, larger infotainment system, and full digital gauge display. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 250HP & is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2023 Ford Escape a better SUV than the new Honda CR-V?
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[@ronaldclarke8198]

It no longer looks like a jelly bean

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

I loved the original Escape. I hated the 2nd gen. I LOVE this 2023....well done FORD. Thanks Joe and Lori.

[@spol1622]

1st gen had Mazda N/A 2.3l. It was a good car for its time. My wife had one; it gave years of trouble free ownership.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Finally! The Escape has officially ESCAPED the mediocre realm! No more rounded front end, great news Joe. Don't mind the taillights either. Hey Joe while on the subject of Ford, will they redesign the 2024 Explorer? If so, when?

[@RaitisRides]

I would think 2024 will be the year.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

@@RaitisRides Alright Joe, well see what happens.

[@clearcut6818]

I disagree

[@brianlee9233]

And no more of that stupid keychime too (thankfully)

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

@@clearcut6818 please explain.....

[@BernardAnderson]

I have not had a Ford since the 80s, but recently rented an Escape, and was quite impressed. This one looks even better. Thanks for the review. :-)

[@acde9355]

You finally meet your old friend after 40 years.

[@Davido50]

That's too bad its the most American of all automakers & family owned. They are excellent! We have 2 newer trucks an F150 XLT FX4 ..new Gen Ranger Tremor.. & ordered '23 Escape Hybrid . Can't go wrong.

[@Davido50]

@@acde9355 As he should. *Excellent designs/engineering/tech & All American..family owned!* We have newer Ford 4wd trucks & '23 Escape Hybrid on order.

[@9trf690]

This updated design is wayyy better than the previous redesign! I am now considered buying one of these 🔥

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy it

[@donaldpiper9763]

Bonus it’s American Made in Louisville Kentucky !!! Always a plus too keep our money supporting American business and the families and communities that they invest in . Win Win 👍🇺🇸

[@robertkiell]

dont do it bro.... its not reliable...

[@Davido50]

@@robertkiell Yeaa sure. Whats better a KIA? Buy American or don't wonder where your job went! We buy only new Ford trucks & SUVs. Never let us dwn in 25yrs.

[@user-tq4zt9ox9f]

@@donaldpiper9763 100% we need to support our economy!!!🇺🇦🇺🇸

[@Joncotter324]

“No seat back pockets…so if you have a dagger or a knife, you’re gonna have to hold that…” ..freaking lost it 😂😂😂🙌

[@optionsf]

Great review! I own an electric blue 2020 escape 2.0 Titanium. Bought a Ford as a surprise as there wasn’t much available but have really liked it, the design reminded me of an everyman’s Maccan. Now I also have a 2020 CRV Touring. The Ford is surprisingly competitive. Here is where Escape excels: much more fun to drive, quick, agile, different drive modes, great tech from headsup display to a great infotainment system design. Honda’s has and always has sucked. The back seat movement, lane keeping, a variable cruise control, LED dash aren’t even offered on Honda. Honda has a much richer feeling interior, a softer ride, and more (albeit not really needed) cargo room. Better fuel economy but a grandma engine that sounds like a toy. Reliability? Yep Honda wins that. Ford hit the following upgrades and quirk fixes correctly: better richer seats, got rid of that stupid hard diamond panel on front doors, moved start button to somewhere obvious, put the rear hatch latch where it belongs, and the fascia update is well executed. A few more fine materials, battery electric version, better reliability and keep the tech better and Ford wins over Honda. If you want a blocky SUV get a Bronco but you pay in fuel economy and visibility. My family growing up was a Ford family and I Iove their EV commitment and success. Rooting for them to keep up their winning streak in the market and make the hometeam proud.

[@DWH300]

After seeing previews and from this review. The 2023 Escape is an excellent redesign. If I was looking for a small SUV. With all the new Escape models that consists of 7 configurations. Interior improvements like a 13.2" infotainment screen. Engine options that includes both Hybrid and EcoBoost power plants with pricing that doesn't break the bank. Nice job to the entire Raiti Rides crew for an outstanding review.

[@lmlm-ph4pp]

I had an older Escape (12) bought new in 2011. I ended up getting something else last year because I wasn't happy with newer design. 2023 looks better.👍

[@spol1622]

It's not really redesign but rather mid-life update.

[@bobbylee9727]

In upper Michigan those pedals with no rubber covering but aluminum would begin to rust. The electronics is the first to go after ten years so the automatic eye on the back door could go 'kaput' and cost a bundle to replace. I try to think ten years down the road of how much the maintenance would cost me. This is more important than showroom glitz/glamour for impulsive shoppers.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that insight from your experience Bobby!

[@mjordan2876]

I have a Mustang Mach-E and this Escape has tons of styling similarities with the Mach-E. It is an impressive update to the Escape line.

[@CryoKraken208]

Ordered one already, pretty excited for it. Hopefully a full blown ST is in the works!

[@johnd4270]

Yeah you be sitting on the side of the road asking yourself why I bought a fort in a Ford has a bad transmission they just keep putting it in the car so don’t worry they won’t lose any money

[@johnd4270]

Never mind the crappy car they were crappy company

[@EchoAccord]

@@johnd4270 learn how to formulate a sentence.

[@davonne225]

This new update looks really cool. Led lights are on point. Definitely looks better than the older one

[@roadchamp4082]

Love your channel. One of the best by far.Keep up the good work!What do u drive? lol

[@Justice_Akbr]

Hi, have you done a video about 2023 Ford Ecosport? I want to know if they added a panorama sunroof in it just as escape SUV.

[@fenrirslip]

The fact that there is an ST-Line trim, makes me want a full-on Ford Escape ST, considering the Fiesta and Focus ST aren't a thing anymore in the US. Whether or not an Escape ST would sell, that's uncertain, but I like the idea. xD

[@thecapedcrusaderofgotham4133]

That is the type of sporty all purpose vehicle I have been waiting for.

[@tatianapanea7565]

Does it still have the cheap plastic hard interior like the 2022 model? Do the 3 cylinders still vibrate, and has the fire risk been fixed?

[@waynelytton7517]

I currently have a 2017 Escape, and definitely like this design

[@Steelers2841]

Like when it 1st came out in 2001. THE 2008-2012 had the Hybrid Version , and V6. which was sweet. The best models was 2005-07 which had the V6 . The 2001-07 with the 4cyl had that Manual Transmission which was cool. What was sweet was the 2013-19 Models which are built in Louisville, KY at the Ford Louisville Plant

[@henryharris7926]

I like the 13.2 inch screen and the black rims also the black grill in front Ford is really doing it with the Escape!

[@kirktitgen7453]

That thing is really sweet ….huge upgrades over previous escapes !!!

[@OrdinaryG33K-SF]

This is pretty slick! I'd definitely consider one of these!

[@anthonytstewart]

J to the R ~ yes I dig it more than the Honda - why? cutting edge tech, new face lift is very good, the updates outweigh the CR-V > especially with the 250hp 8 speed auto (no crumby CVT) this is the Escape Henry would be happy about. thanks for going to incredibly awesome & exciting auto shows for us average people heehee thankful you share because I love Team Raiti, tony

[@RaitisRides]

Great way to lay out your details!

[@BluRadoZ71]

I have one complaint. I wish the center console was a little higher. I cant stand a center console that is level or lower than the seats, but over all i really like it.

[@chrisb7693]

Just finished watching your review. Wow. Ford has really done well on this version of the Escape. I was a little hesitant when they redesigned it, especially with that odd grill in front...but this ST.... amazing 🤩 Always great reviews Joe! One thought.... I wonder if Ford would add bulkier off road tires to this and give it a funky muddin' look. Keep it On Throttle!!!😱😱😁😁

[@RaitisRides]

You got it Chris!

[@bmwalek]

Beautiful redesign especially to the interior!!!! Placed an order for a Blacked out ST-Elite yesterday! Hopefully Kentucky Truck is back up and running!!!!

[@batman48195]

Nice review Joe and Lori! I remember when you were hoping to hit 500k subscribers. You're almost at 1M now. Congrats!

[@judyjanssen3235]

Love the looks of this new Escape ♥️. We had a 2015 & got in an accident 2 weeks ago. Totaled out. 😢 No one hurt thank God. Love to own one of these. Will see 💕💕💕

[@nolariggs6959]

I haveone on order - - expected delivery Feb 2023

[@zachritter7013]

Ohhh I like this, the color is great too. Always go and build the one I’d want on the manufacturers website andddd unfortunately I wouldn’t pay 45k for a escape 😂

[@chucksabino5735]

Good review, really nice should give the competition a good run. Ford is doing a really nice job bring back the sedan!!!!!

[@jeffsiemens4485]

Looks nice actually. Love the ABSENCE of black cladding!

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you Jeff!

[@jared4265]

I was going to order one but it’s 51k CAD spec’d out vs 2022 Edge ST spec’d out for 54k. Super happy with my Edge ST…..

[@garrido58]

Very nice looking the new Escape. I miss handles for seat tilt, door protector (?), manual controls for air conditioning, manual radio tuner (I may seem old fashioned but I think it's more secure). Fortunately, the best seem to be maintained: the excellent powertrains (especially the excellent hybrid versions)

[@ItsHimSlim]

I like the way it looks. Hopefully they improve the quality too.

[@jacknguyen5677]

Right on!

[@marcg1964]

Definitely a styling improvement!

[@mowingman816]

Welp looks like I'll be upgrading to a new escape they still got the side punch in code on the side that's what I currently have in my 2018 se escape had my 2018 2 years now! I love it! It's very fun to drive especially in the snow that smart awd is phenomenal! Looking forward to possibly getting a 2023 escape trust I looked at all the other suv I still like escape! So escape it is for my future new vehicle good job ford! Keep up the good work! FORD TOUGH!💪💪

[@gregpaige4430]

Joe, Ford has finally produced a grown up Escape. It looks good and will compete in the segment with it's competition.

[@RaitisRides]

I think you hit the nail on the head!

[@hellraiserx9490]

I’ve had three escapes all top trim level they didn’t have an ST but I did have an ST explorer which was really nice I would consider this one especially in that color I really like the color pretty nice

[@federaikkonerer]

How’s the reliability of Ford Escape? I’m deciding between this and the RAV-4.

[@wasteofspace9184]

@@federaikkonerer we have a 2016 model and it’s amazing so 6+ years it’s doing great!

[@hellraiserx9490]

@@federaikkonerer I never had a problem with any of my escapes. Just oil changes tires and brakes.

[@joser3613]

That LED light along the hood line looks like an afterthought they just threw in there. Other than that, looks better than previous gen👍

[@Sekkzc]

agreed 😂😂😂

[@karenspencer6065]

Just ordered my ST line select in Vapor Blue!! I cannot wait!! 😍🔥

[@queenrussia9337]

Finally they are giving this car some power. Definitely thinking about getting the St-line. In red with black rims looks super bad ass!!!

[@Smoked_Calamari]

Are there no heated rear seats?

[@chunchen9545]

Always like your videos about any cars. I guess the older ford look better since there is an improvement, it might worth it to give it try. I missed the old days where the customers can put in discs but if ford has an android player that plays the USB flash drive stored musics, it would be good as well. Sometimes, I store music on a disc or flash drive that way I can listen to musics.

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate your support and sharing your great thoughts!

[@k.w.5148]

I was originally purchasing a Honda CRV but after this Escape redesign I’m buying Ford 👍

[@queenrussia9337]

Good choice. Same here. Glad I saw this video when I did I was waiting for the Honda CRV sport but this ford will give you more for your moneys worth. And looks way better. The Honda is only 205hp and ford is 250hp both for the same 37k. Ford you have me. 🥰

[@sharonbraselton4302]

gíd for yiu

[@js8987]

Love the changes, especially the front LED lights

[@caseyhartman7094]

I like the painted trim around the fenders. My SUV and many other ones I've seen have hard plastic

[@DannerBanks]

"keep your knives and your daggers between your kegs. Hope you don't live in Michigan with all the pot holes. Ouch." Lol joe you kill me

[@RaitisRides]

OUCH! I just cringed! LOL

[@DannerBanks]

Crap I said kegs instead of legs. And I don't want to edit my comment because then I lose the heart from raitis rides. Sigh, first world problems

[@bradley7506]

Awesome video, thank you! Wonder why you can get wireless Apple car play on a 13 inch screen in a Ford Escape but not in a Genesis or Hyundai big screen. Makes no sense.

[@kirktitgen2309]

What size are those tires ????

[@LS2DNA]

This definitely looks better than the cr-v , but I don’t know if it’s just as reliable the Honda.

[@phillyspitta8147]

It won’t be

[@renebastille578]

If not more

[@monkmchorning]

We're on our second Escape, a 2016 with the 2.0 Ecoboost. We've always appreciated what a basically good platform these are. It looks like Ford has finally put in the work to make them special.

[@richman555]

Wow the Escape ST looks great! Finally the style looks much better and whoever is the design team nailed this iteration.

[@flex_007]

Wow im loving this escape. ❤👍great review as always 👏 👍

[@masoncarter2753]

The food references are hilarious. Great video. I have a 2018 w/sport package.

[@joesmith-vz1vx]

Joe, in your opinion what suv under 40k would you recommend based on performance? Doesnt have to be a 2022 or 2023 cause I know companies change engines all the time...Thanks

[@RaitisRides]

Mazda CX-50

[@joesmith-vz1vx]

@@RaitisRides Thanks Joe, appreciate it..

[@jamesvandamme7786]

@@joesmith-vz1vx CX-5 is better

[@paullansville]

It does looks a Lil better than the 23 CRV tbh.👌🏼

[@RaitisRides]

Performs better that is for sure!

[@queenrussia9337]

Yeah and more horsepower.

[@angelo772]

I really like this new Escape. The only zonk for me is the start/stop button is way too close to the hvac controls…I would be nervous thinking I’m going to shut the car off while driving. Looks like a nice ride overall!

[@donaldpiper9763]

That was the start / stop deactivation button . Press it to deactivate the start stop mode if you don’t want it starting and stopping at every light . Smart move ,I don’t want mine to ,glad you have a choice .

[@suzyinstitches273]

What’s the ground clearance? I’m not really a fan of the red stitching.

[@kcchamps77]

It would be nice if the Bronco sport got those same sliding back seats and the 4th Gen infotainment screen

[@awesomecatvideos4723]

Not digging the light bar thing at all but I hope they come out with an Escape ST!

[@gordlockwood1213]

Just bought a red 2023 Escape ST-Line non plug in hybrid to replace our 2015 Escape which unfortunately was totaled in an accident. Loved the 2015 but really love this 2023! We drove the hybrid 3 weeks before we filled the tank again!

[@edwarddejong8025]

Ford is up against some very tough competition. They did improve the Escape significantly. A Hybrid ST is going to cost about 36k. That's a little high for something that almost the same as the Bronco, from a functional standpoint. A clever person will save about 10k and get the XLT Hybrid Maverick. But then there is an over 1 year wait for a Maverick so the really clever person would have gotten off his butt and gone to the dealer and order a Maverick for the 5 days it was open a month ago oh well. These cars need to sell below MSRP for them to be reasonable, and to sell in quantity. When is the shortage going to end? Everyone keeps saying its almost over, but the lots are all still empty when i drive by.

[@jamesvandamme7786]

A couple years ago we looked at an Escape but it had the 3 pot turbo. Got a CX-5 instead. I wonder if that Escape is still running.

[@RaitisRides]

CX-50 is the way to go.

[@dominickirkwood]

I love it Joe and Lori and keep up the good work and I love the video real true 👍 💯💯💯💯

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting us bring it to you!

[@christamez734]

I gotta admit, I like it. 250hp is enough especially for the customers buying the Escape. I am a hatchback guy but the choices are limited. This might be a good replacement. Look forward to the test drive.

[@thecapedcrusaderofgotham4133]

I totally agree. I was recently involved in a car accident while stopped at a red light. I’m am trying to decide if it is worth it to fix my 08 Mazda3. I was considering getting a new Mazda3 turbo or CX-30 turbo due to increased practicality and drivability in the snow. I started to look at Ford escapes but, the front end looked ugly. This is a definite aesthetic improvement. Ford parts availability is another plus for me.

[@BradWilson1969]

Same. I've always been a hot hatch guy, from the Rabbit GTI to the Escort GT to a Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo and a WRX Hatchback. But I'm over 50 now and have had arthritis since my late 30's, so I'm finally accepting that I need a car that's easier to get into and out of. I guess that I'll just have to settle for a hot crossover.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy it

[@sharonbraselton4302]

@@BradWilson1969 buy vw e gokf ev

[@christamez734]

Well if all goes well, I will be driving away in a 21 Q3 Tuesday. We agreed on #'s and I just need to find time in my schedule to pick it up.

[@paulholowicki2845]

Yes I have the silver 2.0T black out weels 19 inch ST. 250hp should be 280hp but I'm not crying it a beautiful ride feels sporty love it

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you sharing your ownership experience Paul.

[@MrRowdy14u]

What's the MPG?

[@povertyspec9651]

Joe, you need to sell a "Let's talk about what's goin' on here" T-shirt

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy t shirt

[@leoesposito8762]

Looks good can;t wait till it comes to Australia..

[@samueldvable]

does it has a sky panoramic roof?

[@paulschab8152]

I'm assuming Ford fixed the 2.0 ecoboost? The 2.3 in our MKC has been great.

[@timmach05]

Wow... I gotta follow this truck. Beautiful.

[@omarcortes5754]

The Escape finally looks good. Loved it.

[@johnhutchison9782]

Too bad it takes just south of 40K to own the looks.😟

[@omarcortes5754]

@@johnhutchison9782 I know

[@mrl84culinaryvlogtv6]

I own the dutch version, named KUGA., ST Line etc. Love it, perfect car!!

[@YY-ip2jy]

Well done on new design, FORD!!

[@juniper80]

I can't tell you how well you review these cars

[@richiedevincenzo9653]

You had me at Don Mattingly !

[@FranBushardt]

VERY SMART UPDATES!! The only thing about the Black Wheels, they are less Noticeable without Any Contrasting Chrome, Silver or Body Color

[@Hello-fd7tt]

Finally a Fire Escape that doesn’t look infantile. This model looks GOOD- like a sleeker, more attractive Edge.

[@JamesThomas-dn6ee]

Looks like the fit and finish is alot better then the 2020-22 looks alot better as well

[@RaitisRides]

It really is!

[@keithlynch3086]

Was leaning CX 30 Turbo but this will be worthy of a test drive!

[@wahahah]

This will have a lot more spaxe

[@Ouqs]

When is the test ride?

[@blipsmann1985]

My wife has a 2016 titanium it’s paid for, runs great still,looks good 80,000 miles. I’ll keep it awhile longer maybe go for the escape hybrid when I trade. Maybe!!!

[@clearcut6818]

I remember buying a 2015 Escape Titanium and it was CAD$31k.

[@marlonchristmas]

This has definitely opened my eyes to head back over to Ford. And every time I watch one of your reviews - I wind up craving junk food goodies! 😂

[@fakedazzleful]

Is Ford escape reliable. This one look nice actually but im afraid of recalled and spending money

[@RaitisRides]

That is very true!

[@mrcontrol111]

NICE REVIEW ❤

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for being here!

[@tonykickerkomp1653]

This is a nice improvement of the escape

[@jefffairchild3887]

Thanks ..... Love It!!! Yes ST Version would be awesome!!!

[@harold1901]

Like the design. I hate the black rims and that back wiper showing, wish they tuck it up under the spoiler. Didn't mention mpg!!!

[@RaitisRides]

That info is not available yet.

[@ronelwicker]

Good evening... what's the biggest difference between a Yukon and tahoe????

[@pooh4519]

everything except the letter O

[@stevenschembri1288]

Excellent review! Only thing I can't standi is the stupid dial gear shifter. How about a traditional handle gear shifter?!

[@dannybishop68]

I’ve always thought that since the new HRV came out, how much it looked like the Escape. With this redesign it looks much sharper now. Still looks like the HRV but the engine and transmission alone are putting the HRV and it’s bigger brother the CRV to shame. Hopefully Honda steps up and makes a 2.0 t version of them both however I don’t see it happening , as that engine was killed even for the new Accord . This escape is how to do a modern SUV. 8 speed auto with 250 hp . This is great.

[@BradWilson1969]

Honda's not even making a 2.0T version of the Accord anymore. No way they're adding it to the CRV, or especially the HRV. ☹

[@dannybishop68]

@@BradWilson1969 yeah I don’t know what Hondas doing. It’s like they’re giving up on performance to become some boring all efficient car company.

[@nuclearcrypto7743]

Now all we need a true ST variant with the 2.3 liter engine in it!!!

[@kikuyuzo2789]

Looks pretty good but I miss when the Escape looked like a mini Explorer

[@RaitisRides]

I think you are not alone in that thought!

[@dadoo985]

No heated or ventilated seats?

[@RaitisRides]

Nope not on this trim.

[@beck12255]

Im impressed Ford has done an amazing redesign. 😊

[@junbug9435]

thank you, Laurie,' thank you guys!

[@Jeffotos]

Hmm, does the ST line have a dual-electric HYBRID like the CR-V? Or the other Escape lines? But it’s good they have a sliding back seat, that’s good too.

[@aaronwilson5978]

Ford has the best infotainment system in the auto industry

[@tonykickerkomp1653]

Put the 2.3 turbo and a 10 speed in it for the ST