If you’re trying to escape the cookie cutter CUV segment, consider the 2023 Ford Escape Platinum AWD. When it arrived, the Star White Metallic Tri-Coat sparkled significantly compared to my personal car that has a simple gloss white color. Having the LED signature lighting on the grille, added a unique design element to the front end of the Escape. Moving to the wheels, this is where I believe the Escape is lacking and has a slightly mundane design.

Getting into the Escape, the seats show a unique pattern to the leather material. I did find comfort in them but was bothered at how high the seat’s base was. The raised seat made the head-up display position to be very low and put it within eyesight of the gauge cluster. The leather wrapped steering wheel did have a great feel to it with a plush feel to it.

Under the hood, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine outputs 250 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. The 8-speed auto up shifted quickly but had a significant delay when trying to downshift for highway passing. Be sure to plan for the delay in scenarios when you’re needing quicker downshifts.

Overall, I was pretty impressive during my week with the 2023 Ford Escape Platinum AWD. I did feel like it stood out among the somewhat mundane CUV segment. Like everything, there were a couple of things that I think needed improvement. The transmission delay would be the biggest one and then the interior dash material would be a minimal thing. The most impressive thing was the extremely active AWD that didn’t slack to transfer power to the rear. Of course there’s always the want of having a lower price because $42k had me looking at other options.