2023 Ford Kuga facelift debuts within the US – new ST-Line trim added; EcoBoost, hybrid and PHEV powertrains

The Ford Kuga, which is often known as the Escape in North America, has been given a mid-cycle facelift. This comes greater than three years after the midsize SUV constructed on Ford’s C2 platform first made its debut again in April 2019.

When it comes to styling modifications, the newest Kuga/Escape will get an octagonal-shaped grille and sharper LED headlamps, the latter linked by an LED gentle bar on larger trim ranges. Different revisions embody a restyled entrance decrease apron, new LED daytime operating gentle and taillight signatures in addition to revised wheel designs.

The ST-Line trim is a brand new possibility for the SUV, which brings with its black exterior accents, a distinguished single-wing rear spoiler and body-coloured decrease bumpers and wheel arches. Different obtainable trims embody the Base, Energetic, Platinum and Plug-in Hybrid – we’ll get to the powertrains later.

Inside, the Kuga/Escape receives Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system with assist for wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. That is linked to a considerably bigger 13.2-inch touchscreen, which is joined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster show.

The big touchscreen integrates the local weather controls, so the panel it beforehand occupied under the central air vents now options fast entry buttons for varied car capabilities in addition to the engine begin/cease button.

Relying on the chosen trim degree, different obtainable options embody Evasive Steering Help, Adaptive Cruise Management with Cease & Go, Predictive Pace Help, a 360-degree digital camera, rear parking sensors, Cross Site visitors Braking, a wi-fi charging pad and the Co-Pilot 360 suite that now has Intersection Help 2.0 and Blind Spot Help.

As for powertrains, there’s an EcoBoost 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 181 hp and 258 Nm of torque, which might be had with front- or all-wheel drive. There’s additionally a 2.0 litre four-cylinder model of the EcoBoost serving up 250 hp and 380 Nm, though this will solely be had with AWD. An eight-speed automated transmission is commonplace for EcoBoost fashions.

The 2 remaining choices are electrified, each with a Duratec 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder that’s rated at 165 hp and 210 Nm, paired with an eCVT. The common hybrid comes with FWD or AWD, the previous projected to supply 210 hp.

Becoming a member of the combination is a plug-in hybrid that gives as much as 60 km of electric-only vary, is FWD solely and packs 221 hp. With a 110-volt Degree 1 AC charging outlet, the PHEV’s battery takes about 10 to 11 hours to totally cost, whereas a 240-volt Degree 2 enter cuts the time down to three.5 hours.