Since the beginning of 2021, new car prices have peaked or fluctuated. Finding value buys on the new car market has been difficult due to supply and labor shortages. However, some vehicles still stood out for their value despite these conditions, and Cars.com compiled a list of the best value new cars of 2023. The 2023 Ford was and one of the few compact SUVs ever .
How Cars.com decided the best value new cars of 2023
says average new car prices in December 2022 were about $42,500. That’s 10% higher than in December 2021 and 18% higher than in December 2020. Although inflation and shortages have pushed those prices higher, Americans’ favorite vehicles have changed. More shoppers are looking for SUVs and pickups with higher price points under normal circumstances.
. The average trim price is $28,770, but you can get the features you need in the charts without any add-ons or bundles. With a starting price of $28,995 and annual fuel costs estimated at $1,700, it’s a bargain choice for the compact and small SUV market as a whole.
Specifications and features of the 2023 Ford Escape
The base 2023 Ford Escape is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. Rising higher trims, notably the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum, include a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
the base Ford Escape gives you amenities like an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system. reviewers note the updated Ford Sync 4 multimedia system is an improvement. The interior has also been redesigned with new seats. There’s room for five passengers, but the second row slides 6 inches forward or back to improve legroom or cargo space.
The driver assistance features that Cars.com rankings rate on (forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist and blind spot warning) are all standard features. The 2022 model was a Top Safety Pick by (IIHS) and will likely have similar scores for 2023.
How about a hybrid version of the 2023 Ford Escape?
If you’re looking for a hybrid version of Ford’s SUV, the Escape comes with plug-in trim (PHEV) and hybrid powertrain options. Cars.com ranked it as one of the best value choices among new electric vehicles (EV). However, the price is much higher than the base model with a starting MSRP of $38,500.
The standard 2.5-liter hybrid powerplant delivers 192 horsepower and is available on four trim levels: ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite and Platinum. Consumer Reports has gone so far as to rank the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Fuel economy figures are 44 mpg city and up to 41 mpg highway. Both are better grades than the RAV4 hybrid and on par with the Sportage hybrid, making the . places it third among the cheapest hybrid SUVs of 2023.
The PHEV trim is specifically Cars.com’s value choice. It comes with a 2.5-liter hybrid system that generates 210 total horsepower and offers 37 miles of all-electric range. However, the higher MSRP includes more than just an efficient powertrain; There are more features to enjoy on the Ford SUV.
Interior amenities include satellite radio, two rear USB ports, heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, partial vinyl and cloth upholstery, and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Driving aids such as adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance and rear parking sensors are also included.
In gas-electric or gas-electric hybrid forms, the 2023 Ford Escape is a value choice in the SUV market. The more affordable base trim offers drivers a lot at a reasonable price, and hybrid options allow buyers to enjoy better efficiency and more features.
