Ford has been around for over a century, and part of the reason for its resilience is its understanding of the market and solid vehicle lineup. The automaker has experienced significant success in the trucks and pickup segments but has also thrived in the SUV market, and one of its most popular SUV offerings is the Ford Escape. The Escape has been a favorite among many owners for various reasons. Here are two things Ford Escape owners love about their SUVs.

A recent survey gauged how real owners feel about their cars

The J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study is an annual study by the organization that measures the overall satisfaction of new car owners regarding their vehicles. The APEAL study focuses on different aspects of ownership, including a car’s design, features, comfort, performance, and overall driving experience.

The study covers various categories, including technology features, exterior styling, safety, interior comfort, and overall ownership experience. This approach helps automakers gain insight into their vehicles’ strengths and weaknesses to make adjustments and gain a competitive edge.

The study also offers insights into the automotive industry, helping car manufacturers understand what their customers want and the factors driving vehicle satisfaction.

Ford Escape owners love the car’s styling and driving feel

According to the survey, Ford Escape owners liked the car’s exterior styling. The 2023 Escape features an attractive new front end with a wide grille complete with Ford’s ovoid logo and well-defined proportions. Owners also enjoyed the driving feel and how the vehicle handles on the road. The SUV’s responsive steering, well-tuned suspension, and agile handling make its driving feel an area of strength.

Safety features and feelings of safety did not make it to the top two but was the third thing new Escape owners liked about the car. The car has won multiple safety awards and comes with standard driver assistance features such as forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.

The automaker also made sure to include its CoPilot360 safety suite of smart features in every Escape model, which enhances its safety. Car owners were indifferent to the car’s ease of entry and exit and interior design. The Escape has about 7.0 inches of ground clearance, which makes it easier to get in and out of.

Less liked areas include setting up and starting, driving comfort, and powertrain. The infotainment system was rated the second lowest on the list, with fuel economy taking the last spot as the least favorite aspect of the Escape. The Escape’s base trim comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment display.

A larger 13.2-inch display is available, but one would need to move up a few trim levels. The Escape’s base engine with front-wheel drive offers 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Upgrading to all-wheel drive, however, drops the numbers to 26 mpg on city roads and 31 mpg on the highway.

How much does the 2023 Ford Escape cost?

The 2023 Ford Escape is available in five trims: Base, Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and PHEV. The Base trim starts at $29,495, while the Active goes for $30,840. The ST-Line has a starting MSRP of $31,835, while the Platinum costs $38,460.

The PHEV is costlier, with an MSRP of $41,995. Car and Driver recommends the ST-Line trim because you get the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 250 hp. Upgrading to the Premium Technology package will see you get the 13.2-inch infotainment display instead of the 8.0-inch unit. The ST-Line’s interior also has a more premium look and feel than the base trim.