Ford Launches Official Configurator for 2013 Escape, S Model Starts at $23,295

2013-Ford-Escape-Configurator The official configurator for the 2013 Ford Escape is now live, allowing prospective buyers to deck out the new compact crossover to their heart’s content. Though Ford launched a preliminary configurator earlier this year, that tool was for survey purposes and did not reflect actual pricing. The official pricing shows the 2013 Ford Escape starting at $23,295 (including destination).

That price gets you the S model, with the base 168-hp, 170-lb-ft 2.5-liter I-4, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. Ford’s Sync voice command infotainment system costs $295—true to the preliminary configurator’s quoted price.

Opting for the $25,895 SE model allows for a choice between the 1.6- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engines plus available all-wheel drive. The 173-hp, 184-lb-ft 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 makes 184 lb-ft of torque, while the 231hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 produces 270 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. Just as we saw in the preliminary configurator, upgrading from the 1.6-liter EcoBoost to the larger 2.0-liter is a $1095 proposition with either drive layout, and all-wheel drive costs $1750.

The power liftgate with hands-free motion sensor access costs $495 and a power panoramic Vista Roof is $1395. To use the 2013 Escape’s maximum 3500-pound towing capacity, select the Class II Trailer Tow package — only available on 2.0-liter EcoBoost-equipped models – for $395. Inside, Sync with MyFord Touch is a $775 option without navigation and $1570 with it.

Slotting above the SE trim is the SEL model (starting at $28,695), which gets standard 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, a 9-speaker sound system, and Sync with MyFord Touch. Go for the range-topping Escape Titanium ($31,195) and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 is the only available engine. The Titanium comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, a hands-free liftgate, and rear proximity sensors. We loaded up a Titanium all-wheel-drive model with a Sony audio system with Sync, and navigation ($795), Parking Technology package ($795), and leather-upholstered bucket seats ($895). Our total came pretty close to what we got with the preliminary pricing tool, at more than $37,000.

That’s a lot of cash for a small CUV, but we can think of worse ways to spend money. Would you be interested in a completely loaded 2013 Ford Escape at that price? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments section below, and build your own 2013 Escape here.

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