I'm being optimistic on this, and you are being pessimistic.

Let's just wait for it to be officially released and tested.

When Ford engineers sought out innovative ways to reduce noise in the all-new 2013 Ford Escape, they looked in the mirror.


They did not settle for just any mirror. Rather, they developed an elliptical acoustic mirror, the Detroit Free Press reports.

This high-tech device was used for the first time on the Escape to reduce wind noise and deliver a quieter interior. The mirror resembles a satellite dish with a microphone.

The mirror identifies "hot spots" where noise penetrates the interior of the vehicle, allowing drivers to listen to music or conversation inside the car instead of external noises.

The technology is common in European luxury cars, but is just beginning to be applied by U.S. automakers. The next Escape, unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is being considered a chance for Ford to show off its latest technology.

Ford has finally announced that its third-generation Escape will start at $23,295 for the entry-level Escape S when it goes in sale later this spring.

That price represents a $1,030 increase over the least expensive outgoing Escape, including the mandatory $895 destination charge, although the 2012 came standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The cheapest automatic transmission 2012 Escape was $200 more than the 2013, however.

The base Escape S includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; a manual is no longer on offer. All-wheel-drive is not available on the entry-level model. Ford says that it expects a 10 percent take rate for the base Escape.

From there, the price climbs to $25,895 for the SE, which adds a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine, alloy wheels, a four-inch LCD screen, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, SiriusXM satellite radio and more color-keyed exterior touches.

The next step up in the Escape hierarchy is the $28,695 SEL, a model that brings with it heated leather seats, the MyFord Touch infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels and a nine-speaker audio system, among other upgrades.

Both the SE and SEL models offer all-wheel-drive ($1,750) and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gas engine ($1,090) as optional equipment.

Topping the range is the $31,195 Platinum, which comes standard with a 2.0-liter, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels, upgraded leather trim and a Sony audio system. All-wheel-drive is optional.

Loaded up with every factory-installed option, an all-wheel-drive Escape Platinum will list at $37,915.

The 2013 Escape will be offered with three engine choices – a based 2.5L, a mid-level 1.6L EcoBoost and a range-topping 2.0L EcoBoost. All three engines will be capable of returning 30mpg or better during highway cruising.

The EPA has officially rated the 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder at 22mpg city and 31mpg highway. Although the same basic engine that was used in the 2012 Escape, that highway rating is 3mpg better than the outgoing model.

The 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder – which is expected to be the Escape’s volume seller – has been rated at 23mpg in the city and 33mpg on the highway. Although the competition can keep up with the 1.6L’s city rating, the Escape’s 33mpg rating bests the Toyota RAV4 (28mpg), Honda CR-V (31mpg) and the Chevrolet Equinox (32mpg).

As you might expect, the 2.0L EcoBoost is the least efficient of the bunch, but the 240 horsepower mill still returns a very respectable 22mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway. The 2.0L replaces the Escapes former V6 option.

With the reveal of the stylish new Ford Escape, featuring the small SUV's best-ever performance, flexibility and smart new technology, Ford is reinventing the model that helped drive the popularity of the segment.

Escape, which debuted the world's first hybrid SUV in 2005, brings back two hybrid choices for 2020, a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant, and introduces technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity.

"This all-new Escape brings a sleeker, sportier design with the capability to take you on just about any of your life's adventures," said Kumar Galhotra, Ford's president, North America. "With our class-leading hybrid powertrains, customers will spend less time at the gas station and more time on the road."

To create a sportier look for the all-new Ford Escape, designers turned to some of the most high-profile sports cars in the Ford showroom. The shield-shaped trapezoidal grille is inspired by the sixth-generation Mustang, while the lower front end borrows from Ford GT. Compared to the current model, the all-new Escape stands lower, wider and longer.

With a sloped roofline, optimized liftgate spoiler and strake, and efficient underbody, the all-new Ford Escape is the most aerodynamic to date. Meanwhile, it sheds more than 200 pounds from the current model, due in part to the extensive use of high-strength, lightweight steel.

Every model in the lineup, whether powered by one of two EcoBoost® engines or the all-new hybrid powertrains, targets an EPA-estimated range of at least 400 miles per tank. The standard hybrid with front-wheel drive targets best-in-class EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles.

The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, available on Titanium, is projected to produce 250 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque using 93 octane fuel, while turning in a 0-60 mph time up to 10 percent faster than the outgoing Escape 2.0-liter. When properly configured, it is rated to tow 3,500 pounds.

The all-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost, standard on S, SE and SEL, is projected to produce 180 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque using 93 octane fuel. When properly configured, it is rated to tow 2,000 pounds. To help conserve fuel, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost debuts cylinder deactivation, a Ford first for North America, which senses when one cylinder isn't needed and shuts it down automatically. The system can activate or deactivate a cylinder in 14 milliseconds to maintain a smooth ride.

SE Sport and Titanium models come standard with Ford's innovative fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system, which includes an all-new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid engine and electronic continuously variable transmission. The front-wheel-drive hybrid model is projected to produce a combined system horsepower of 198, and a top speed of 85 mph in electric-only mode.

The plug-in hybrid variant, available on every trim level except S and SE Sport, projects a best-in-class EPA-estimated range of at least 30 miles in electric-only mode. Escape Plug-In Hybrid has a Level 1 / Level 2 AC charging port. Using a 110-volt Level 1 charge, the estimated time to fully charge the battery is 10 to 11 hours. Using a 240-volt Level 2 charge, charge time drops to roughly 3.5 hours.

Hybrid models feature four EV modes that allow customers to select the settings most suitable for their individual needs. This means:

• In Auto EV mode, the vehicle decides whether to run on gas or electric power
• In EV Now mode, drivers can operate on all-electric driving
• In EV Later mode, drivers can switch to full gas-powered driving to conserve electric miles for later
• In all-new EV Charge mode, drivers can continue to charge the battery while driving and generate electric-only miles to use later

Though Toyota recently revealed some impressive specifications for its RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid crossover, the 2020 Ford Escape plug-in has topped it in a couple of key areas. The first of which is the all-important fuel economy number: 100 mpg-e. That's the fuel economy equivalent for running an Escape plug-in with a full battery, and it tops the RAV4 Prime's 94 mpg-e rating.

The Escape also has a price advantage over the RAV4. Final pricing hasn't been set, but it will start below $35,000, specifically $34,235 according to a previous report, and that's before federal tax credits. The RAV4 starts at just under $40,000 before credits. Both crossovers will likely qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, or very close to it because of their sizable batteries.

Not everything goes the Escape's way, though. It has an impressive 37 miles of range, but the RAV4 can go 42 miles. As for when the battery is depleted, a Ford representative said the Escape will return 41 mpg. The Toyota's depleted battery fuel economy number hasn't been announced yet. The Toyota is also significantly more powerful, delivering 302 horsepower compared to the Escape's 200. The Escape is only available with front-wheel drive whereas the Toyota has all-wheel drive as standard.

The Ford Escape plug-in hybrid should be available sometime this year, and will be offered on all trims except S and SE Sport. That provides a wider range of features and prices than the RAV4, which will only be offered in SE and XSE trims. The RAV4 is also going on sale this year.

Back in February of 2019, Ford Authoritywas first to report that the all-new, fourth-generation Ford Escape will be comprised of two models: the two-row, five-passenger model available currently, as well as a three-row, seven-passenger variant that will join the lineup roughly two years after the latter. And now, we have some concrete details on the three-row Ford Escape project.

Currently in development under the program code CX430, the three-row Escape will share the Ford C2 platform that also underpins the 2020 Ford Escape (sold as the Ford Kuga in Europe), 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, and fourth-generation Ford Focus (the one that’s not sold in North America). The upcoming Ford Maverick compact unibody pickup will also use a variant of the C2 architecture, as first reported by Ford Authority.

The three-row Ford Escape will ride on a longer wheelbase and will be longer than the two-row model. It will also feature a more traditional roofline when compared to the two-row Escape. That additional length and roofline will allow the vehicle to accommodate a third row of seats, for a seven-passenger capacity.

Exterior styling of the three-row Ford Escape will mostly carry over from the two-row model, with the biggest differences being the additional length, treatment of the C- and D-pillars, a well as the roofline execution, which will be more boxy than the rapidly-sloping roof in the two-row model.

Inside, the cockpit will carry over from the two-row Escape; the biggest change will be the addition of the third row, access to which will be aided by the sliding second row already available in the two-row model today. That sliding second row will also enable owners to dynamically change the amount of leg room in both the second and third rows. The powertrain lineup should mirror that of the two-row Escape.

As for where it will be sold, we can say with full certainty that the three-row Ford Escape is planned for Europe, where it will replace three existing Ford models: the Ford Edge (known as the Endure in some markets, like Australia), as well as the Ford S-Max wagon and Ford Galaxy MPV. Swapping out the Edge in favor of a three-row version of the Escape makes sense given that the former has been a relatively slow-seller in Europe as well as elsewhere, leading to the cancellation of the next-gen model. Meanwhile, replacing the S-Max and Galaxy with a crossover plays right into the ongoing transition of customers migrating to utilities and away from other vehicle types, be they sedans, MPVs, hatches or wagons.

In Europe, where Ford markets the Escape under the Kuga nameplate, the three-row Escape will likely be called Grand Kuga or Kuga Max. The model will be built at the Ford Valencia plant in Spain, which currently produces the two-row Kuga, among other Blue Oval vehicles. Sources tell us that FoMoCo is planning a European launch in 2022.

The addition of a three-row Ford Kuga in Europe will follow the direction adopted by several rivals, including Volkswagen, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan – all of which have offered or will soon offer extended-length, three-row variants of their compact crossover offerings.

Whether or not the three-row Ford Escape will be offered in North America has been somewhat murky, but we have reason to believe that it will be offered. If/when it does make its way, then it will likely follow the aforementioned naming conventions by replacing “Kuga” with “Escape.” In other words, the go-to-market name will either be Grand Escape or Escape Max. Production should take place at the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant, which currently produces the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair.

It seems that Ford thinks its time to give the Ford Escape compact SUV a refresh, even though it was all new for 2020. And based on these spy shots, it's going to look more aggressive and follow the styling set by the Mustang Mach-E.

The nose gets the biggest overhaul. The headlights are thinner, and they don't sweep far back like the current one. The leading edge of the hood has been moved forward to meet the tops of those headlights. The grille has been moved higher up and also meets the edge of the hood. Combined with a grille shape that's more of a frown than the smiley outgoing grille, the facelift gives the Escape a taller, meaner design, which should serve it well in a market that's favoring more rugged crossovers and SUVs. Plus, it will help it fit in with the Mustang Mach-E, as well as the new Evos and Mondeo in other markets.

Most of the rest of this Escape looks unchanged, which is to be expected for a refresh. It does look like there could be some slight tweaks to the taillights, as this one has clear corners. But it's hard to get a full picture when the hatch-mounted halves seem to be the old carryovers.

Since 2022 Escape models are continuing the current design, we're expecting this refresh to launch with the 2023 model year. And as such, it will probably make its debut in the first half of next year, and go on sale later in the year. There could be some feature changes, but we expect the powertrain lineup to be basically unchanged, including the turbo three-cylinder, turbo four-cylinder, and the hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

During what looks like a photo shoot, one of our spy photographers caught the 2023 Ford Escape completely uncovered. It's clearly a refreshed model, though the front fascia is significantly changed. The design features cues from the Mustang Mach-E and other recent Fords such as the Evos concept and the new Mondeo.

While the outgoing Escape had a low, almost smiling fascia, the new model has a much taller nose. It also has a wider, more blunt hexagonal grille. The shape is clearly a nod to those other Fords. It also picks up an LED running light bar that bridges the headlights just above the grille. Those headlights have more distinct running light designs, too. The fog lights are smaller and look like they fit inside little grilles, as opposed to filling spaces specific for them in the bumper.

Most of the rest of the updated Escape looks unchanged. The taillights have a slightly different pattern to them, and it looks like the side skirts have been massaged. This example does show off a new color scheme that paints the wheel arches and other trim body color, rather than leaving them a contrasting black plastic.

Since this Escape appears to be out for press and marketing photos, we're betting we'll see it revealed soon. It will probably launch this year as a 2023 model. It may get a slightly updated interior to match the new body. It will certainly be offered with the same array of turbocharged gas engines and plug-in and non-plug-in hybrids.

After undergoing a complete redesign for the 2020 model year, the Ford Escape is set to receive a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year. Ford Authority spies have spotted a number of 2023 Ford Escape prototypes driving around in recent months, including several that were wearing no camouflage whatsoever, giving us a good idea of what to expect from the refreshed crossover. Now, sources familiar with the matter have told Ford Authority that the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV – which recently leaked online – will not offer optional all-wheel drive, and will instead soldier on with in front-wheel drive configuration only

As such, the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV will be the only powertrain that isn’t available with optional all-wheel drive. Additionally, the model’s platform mate and more luxurious counterpart – the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring – is only offered in an all-wheel drive configuration, which won’t be available at all on the refreshed Escape PHEV.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Escape will bring forth some big changes for the new model year, as Ford Authority has reported over the past several weeks. That includes ditching the outgoing model’s trim levels completely in favor of all new monikers, a change that involves adding the new, sportier-looking ST-Line variant to the lineup. Last month, Ford Authority spies also spotted a more rugged 2023 Escape Active for the very first time, too

In addition to new, sharper exterior styling, the 2023 Ford Escape will also receive a revamped interior with a large infotainment screen that looks like the same 13.2-inch unit that debuted in the refreshed 2022 Ford Focus, capacitive touch buttons, a digital instrument cluster, and even a flat-bottom steering wheel, though some of these features may be available as options or as part of the new ST-Line variant.

Ford is not wasting any time as the order banks for the 2023 Escape are already open to coincide with the crossover's refresh unveiled earlier today. The structuring has been revamped with the model year change and includes the following trim levels: Base, Active, Platinum, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and the Plug-In Hybrid. Math starts at $27,500 for the Escape Base, which makes it $315 more expensive than the old 2022 Escape S.

Factor in the $1,495 destination charges and you're looking at $28,995 for the most attainable 2023 Ford Escape money can buy. Up next is the Active from $30,340, with both trim levels featuring standard front-wheel drive and optional AWD. The ST-Line will set you back $31,335 and is available with AWD at an additional cost. The all-paw setup is standard on the ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite, with the former retailing from $35,535 with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost while the latter is $39,955 with the 2.5-liter Hybrid.

Priced between the ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite is the more luxurious Platinum retailing from $37,460 with the hybrid powertrain. The most expensive of the bunch is the Plug-In Hybrid as it kicks off at $39,995. The configurator will be up and running soon on Ford's website ahead of early 2023 when dealers will begin to get the refreshed compact crossover.