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Ford’s Escape helped the brand capitalize on the growing interest in smaller ‘utes when it launched in the early 2000s. The five-passenger crossover has been a staple of Ford’s lineup for over 20 years and entered its fourth generation just a scant four years ago for the 2020 model year. Despite being relatively new, Ford took the Escape back to the drawing board for ’23 and gave it a styling refresh.

This update gives the Escape a new front fascia—and a bit more attitude. The ’23 Escape still rides on Ford’s C2 platform, which also underpins the Escape’s cross-dealership rival, the Bronco Sport. Powering the Escape is either a turbocharged 1.5-liter, a turbocharged 2.0-liter, or a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that works with a traditional hybrid or plug-in hybrid system.

On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of the 2023 Ford Escape and puts it through its paces. Wren takes you on a guided tour of the updated Escape, highlights some of his favorite features, and then takes you along for a live drive review of this refreshed crossover. Joining the show, Patrick Carone chats with Wren about the Ford Escape, where it sits in the market, and where it sits in Ford’s portfolio. The pair talk about how Ford splits the difference between the Bronco Sport and its platform-mate Escape, and then break down what makes the Escape special.

Tune in below, on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are played.