Ford Escape 2023 review: ST-Line long-term | Part 3

Three months is a long time to have a house guest stay, and if the Ford Escape ST-Line we’ve been testing was a person, I probably would have started dropping not-so subtle hints that it was time to mosey on weeks ago.

But instead, this final instalment of our long-term test finds us sad to see the Escape leave.

The mid-sized SUV has served my little family of four well. It’s safe, stylish, practical and great to drive.

But it could be better. The biggest room for improvement is literally its room. It’s only just spacious enough for us.

The packaging of that space could be better, too. The rear doors could open wider, there’s not much in the way of clever cabin storage, the boot is on the small side, and the cargo cover’s design can be a hindrance.

If you’re looking for more details on any of these grievances be sure to take a look at the first and second instalments of this three-month test.

The boot is on the small side, and the cargo cover’s design can be a hindrance. (Image: Richard Berry)

Still, the Escape was just big enough, in that there was room behind my driving position for a rearward facing baby seat and the boot was able to fit the pram and still have space for a few bags of supermarket shopping. So yes, still practical.

Where the Escape ST-Line shines is in how good it looks and feels, and what it’s like to drive.

The quality of the materials used in the cabin feels superb, the craftsmanship also appears outstanding.

Where the Escape ST-Line shines is in how good it looks and feels, and what it’s like to drive. (Image: Richard Berry)

From the textured door trims to the sporty seats (with red stitching) there’s nothing cheap or budget feeling in the cabin. And this isn’t even the top of the line Escape.

This is the mid-range all-wheel drive ST-Line which lists for $42,490 and the front-wheel drive version is $3000 less. Admittedly, that is dearer than its rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage. 

The sporty driving dynamics, responsive engine and great connection between the driver and the road are other big pluses in the Escape ST-Line’s favour.

From the textured door trims to the sporty seats, there’s nothing cheap or budget feeling in the cabin. (Image: Richard Berry)

Most mid-sized SUVs for this money aren’t this good to drive and they don’t have to be. But if you love driving this is the SUV for you. More so than a Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage or Mitsubishi Outlander.

As I said, we covered more kilometres than usual this month, with weekends away, along with all the usual dashes to school, swimming lessons, supermarkets and birthday parties. 

I’ve also come to appreciate some more convenient design features, such as the ignition button which is ergonomically designed in that you use your thumb.

There was enough room behind the driving position for a rearward facing baby seat. (Image: Richard Berry)

There’s also the capless fuel filler, which makes life a bit easier. Now, if only Ford could change the cargo cover so its attached strings don’t get caught in the wheels of our pram.

The Escape is also easy to clean inside and out. Even after three months of Berry family torture a vacuum and soapy bath in the driveway removed all traces of us. Well, don’t look too closely.  

Acquired: July 18, 2022

Distance travelled this month: 1170.1km

Odometer: 3843.7km

Average fuel consumption this month: 10.3L/100km (measured at the pump)