Excellent review. Maybe the best I have seen. I like your delivery and how great are those cámara shots, taking the time to letting us appreciate details.
Hi Steve! Love your reviews! This past Monday, 1/16/23, I factory ordered a 2023 Escape Hybrid AWD Platinum. 600A + Class 2 Tow Package + Tech Pack #2 + Premium Technology Package + Panoramic Roof. Carbonized Gray. Today via email I recieved a VIN and a build date the week of 3/20/23. I currently own a 2021 Escape Hybrid AWD Titanium. Love the panoramic roof, love the AWD here in the snowbelt of North-Eastern Ohio and the stop / go advanced cruise control. And the B&O soundsystem cranks! I currently average @ 40 MPG on my daily commute to work (114 miles round-trip daily...) looking forward to the 13.2" center screen and Sync 4 in the new 2023 Escape.
Thanks JP, appreciate that! Ohh that new Escape looks nice from the pics I've seen. Hoping to be able to get into one soon for a review. Nice build choice, you're really going to love the new one! Going from one to the next gen shows how much you must enjoy this ride
Hi Steve , great review I just took delivery of my 2023 Lariat 502a BAP Powerboost came with heated steering wheel👍🙏preordered Sept 22. Love the truck coming from a 2014 F150 FX4.
Thanks! And wow.. that's going to be a little bit of a difference. Awesome that yours actually came with the heated steering wheel too! What made you decide to go with the PowerBoost?
Out of curiosity, did your window sticker show the deduction of $140.00 for the heated steering wheel? I have a Lariat in production right now and hoping that it gets added to my build.🤷♂
I just got one of these a few weeks ago and I love it so far. I opted for the 5.0 Lariat FX4 in the “avalanche” color. Same exact interior as this one. Also, no heated steering wheel or auto-start/stop. I actually had to sign an acknowledgement or something. I’m guessing they are having issues getting the parts.
Glad you're enjoying it! Interesting about the signed acknowledgement that you many not get the heated steering wheel - wasn't aware they were making people do that. Start/Stop is one that you'll probably really appreciate though haha
@@CarsWithSteve no kidding about the start/stop. That was a bonus in my book! There were a few things I didn’t get, that I wish I had, but overall a great pickup so far.
@@CarsWithSteve I’ve owned a few. My first vehicle in HS was actually a 1990 XLT extended cab with the 5.0. Then I went through a few mustang GTs (96 & 2000) until I got my 2013 F150. Then a 2016 and now the 2023. I’ll probably never drive another brand.
I wanna buy this Truck with the Ford Performance 700 Supercharger but i think as an XL with the STX Black Appearance Package the Supercharger will be expensive enough
Yes! I've seen some videos and pics from the dealership that's doing it. Good call to offer some performance options right on the lot. Factory order a 5.0L and go Ford Performance for a supercharger ;)
Hi Steve I just ordered a 2023 lariat but didn't see the maroon accents on door panels and dash and console on black leather seat package. is this a option thats not included in the chrome package that I ordered?
Yeah just a bit of a difference year over year. There was a $7,500 factory incentive late last month so hopefully we'll start to see those allowances coming back a bit more often
Bluecruise is disabled when you plug in trailer on 2023 but works on 2021 lariat. Ford dealership can’t figure it out or give me explanation why it doesn’t work as soon as I plug in my trailer. Can someone help me?
The 2021 didn't have BlueCruise but it would have the Adaptive Cruise which should still work in the 2023 Lariat when towing. BlueCruise currently does not support towing though. I believe it's on Ford's To Do list for future features
Go with the Ecoboost. I feel it will be the most reliable among the other choices. Anything turbocharged will have turbo failure though, it's just the nature of them. If you prepare yourself financially for that, you'll be good to go.
Turbo fail can definitely happen but if people would maintain their rides better you could probably catch it before a failure. Think you'd do the EcoBoost over the 5.0L?
@@CarsWithSteve Absolutely. Anything mechanical, no matter what it is, will last for a very long time when maintenance intervals and procedures are followed. Yes, I absolutely would go with the 3.5 Ecoboost over the 5.0 if I'm buying anything from 2021 to current. I'm actually looking into a new Raptor next year when the 2024's are released. The 5.0 has cylinder deactivation and a wet oil pump drive belt. I don't want those features as they're going to be problematic when these motors start getting high miles on them. I'm primarily more concerned about the oil pump drive belt as I believe a chain is the better choice for longevity. The 2.7 Ecoboost and 5.0 use pump BELTS whereas the 3.5's still use a CHAIN. Both the 2.7 and 3.5 DON'T utilize cylinder deactivation and that's a plus for me. I want all pistons to be firing all the time. Power output wise, the 3.5 and 5.0 are very similar in some trim levels. For the Raptor specifically, and the trim level I want to get, the 3.5 actually makes more HP and torque than the 5.0. Another plus for me as well. Lastly, I keep vehicles until they die so longevity is an important thing for me. I'm not the type to trade off every 5 years or so. Getting back to the only downfall that I can see about the 3.5 Ecoboosts are the turbo's. Turbo's will fail no matter what make or model...it's just the nature of them. As a mechanic, turbo replacements for me isn't a big deal and something that I can easily do myself. I'm willing to deal with and overlook the turbo's in order to get the other things I want in these 3.5's.
The new Raptor looks great! Have you ever owned one? I've noticed that the 3.5L EcoBoost has been more popular than the 5.0L but your dive into reasons why people would consider one over the other is great. Awesome getting a mechanics view on the engines. If you've done much work on either engine, have you noticed issues in each outside of the difference in belts?
@@CarsWithSteve No, never owned one and tried to buy a new Rapter in 2017 but I ended up buying a new 17 Ford Super Duty. I'm glad I didn't buy a Raptor then as the early ones have issues. If I were buying a pre 2021 F-150...an aluminum bodied one, I'd go for the 5.0 instead of the 3.5 Eco. The 5.0's still used a chain for the oil pump drive and no cylinder deactivation. The 6 speed tranny's were also bullet proof, just a really good and reliable drivetrain. The early 3.5's had issues with cam phasers and the early 10 speed automatics were also problematic. Ford needed time to get all the bugs worked out I guess. I'm a do it yourselfer and have never owned these motors but I am very capable mechanically. I'm currently restoring a couple of early GM cars. I also have all the tools to do pretty much anything. Now that Ford has updated the 5.0's, I believe they have gone backwards in a sense of their reliability down the road. The 3.5's have been out long enough for Ford to address their issues that the early ones suffered from. The 2021 and current 5.0's need more time now since they've updated them...they haven't been proven yet and I think Ford has cheapened up things and have now jeopardized their long term reliability. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm not the type to trade off every 5 years so reliability is a very important factor for me. I also feel that people don't due their research before they buy new vehicles and end up having issues with them later on...sometimes very early on. With the prices of new vehicles now, people need to take the time and REALLY look at what they're buying before they commit.
I've seen some forum posts with people talking about early 10 speed issues but like you said.. it was the early ones that were affected. Really neat about the restoring cars! Are you shooting any videos showing the restoration process?
How did I not know this haha! I just you could get creative and use the white spigot first and then feed a hose done but it's actually great to know that the system does that. Thanks!
I just recently started working at a ford dealership and it’s one of the walk around features. We are up here in Alaska where siphoning fuel is basically a past time for those less fortunate :/
@@northlander4370 Always surprised when I see LED ambient lights that are only one color. Lol it's not much more to get multi color and program that in
I really dislike the way Ford has their options set up on the website...really wanted a F150 with Max Tow and HDPP on a XLT and you can no longer do that. Not sure what I'll be doing on my next truck. You get halfway down the options and pick another one you want and it erases everything you just put on your truck. I think it's BS especially with the current prices they want for these things.
I just realized that HDPP is no longer available on the XLT.. crazy change they made for the 2023. XL 101a will get you there but it's such a weird thing to take out of the XLT
Because with everything else you want in you vehicle there's no room for other stuff. This is all consumer based, Ford doesn't just spend tons of money on manufacturing vehicles because they want it, they do it because you do. Also all the millions of little parts and stuff you never know when something previously manufactured that was piece of that engine or trim level is discontinued, and then they cant make it anymore without that piece or part.
Looks like if you want to keep your hands toasty, you'll have to choose between feeling like James Bond in a 1999 Saab 9-5 or feeling like a budget Bond in a Kia Rio S, but hey, at least you can use that $150 heated wheel rebate in 2023 to buy some fingerless gloves and pretend you're in a car chase
Over grown junk waiting to be a money cost factor after a few years. The junk is also TOO BIG. Now my 02 crew cab lariat is a resonable size and not over grown with elctronic garbage
I agree I have a 2004 F150 FX4 with 250k miles never really had a problem other than spark plug issue and the 5.4 tick . They have these trucks loaded up with options that will hardly or never will be used. 11:00
@@glennd9756 My 02 with the 4.6 has that tick when I start it cold and has for over 20 years, LOL. But I have studied this and its normal and is the left engine cam advamce . Your 04 was a decent size vehicle with great looks same as mine. My neighbor on the end of the street has a new f150 crew cab and I call it a chinese dragon because the front clip looks like a school bus to me, and shes the only one that drives this all alone and the waste is so horrible
Excellent review. Maybe the best I have seen. I like your delivery and how great are those cámara shots, taking the time to letting us appreciate details.
Thanks Erik! Always good to hear when people enjoy the details I highlight in these videos
Best Review i have seen! clear and detailed explanations even comparing the 2023 to the 2022 was really helpful. Thank you!
Thanks so much Esther, glad the video helped!
Outstanding review! Many thanks!
You're welcome! Have you already picked up a truck or thinking of it for your next ride?
I bought a 2023 Lariat. Love it!
Thanks for the video. I pick mine up this week, basically just like this.
You're welcome and that's exciting. What car/truck did you end up replacing?
@@CarsWithSteve I replaced a 2018 F150.
Hi Steve! Love your reviews! This past Monday, 1/16/23, I factory ordered a 2023 Escape Hybrid AWD Platinum. 600A + Class 2 Tow Package + Tech Pack #2 + Premium Technology Package + Panoramic Roof. Carbonized Gray. Today via email I recieved a VIN and a build date the week of 3/20/23. I currently own a 2021 Escape Hybrid AWD Titanium. Love the panoramic roof, love the AWD here in the snowbelt of North-Eastern Ohio and the stop / go advanced cruise control. And the B&O soundsystem cranks! I currently average @ 40 MPG on my daily commute to work (114 miles round-trip daily...) looking forward to the 13.2" center screen and Sync 4 in the new 2023 Escape.
Thanks JP, appreciate that! Ohh that new Escape looks nice from the pics I've seen. Hoping to be able to get into one soon for a review. Nice build choice, you're really going to love the new one! Going from one to the next gen shows how much you must enjoy this ride
Are the front cupholders on the Lariat illuminated?
Hi Steve, your explanation was clear, short and good. Excellent and I can't wait to see more videos from you mate😀
Appreciate that, cheers!
Hi Steve , great review I just took delivery of my 2023 Lariat 502a BAP Powerboost came with heated steering wheel👍🙏preordered Sept 22. Love the truck coming from a 2014 F150 FX4.
Thanks! And wow.. that's going to be a little bit of a difference. Awesome that yours actually came with the heated steering wheel too! What made you decide to go with the PowerBoost?
Out of curiosity, did your window sticker show the deduction of $140.00 for the heated steering wheel? I have a Lariat in production right now and hoping that it gets added to my build.🤷♂
@@laramsforever9987 no my window sticker didn’t show the heated steering wheel deduction. Hopefully 🤞 yours will come with it.
Hey Steve!
Anyone you would recommend for ceramic coating?
Very detailed review. Subscribed
Thanks, appreciate the support!
I just got one of these a few weeks ago and I love it so far. I opted for the 5.0 Lariat FX4 in the “avalanche” color. Same exact interior as this one.
Also, no heated steering wheel or auto-start/stop. I actually had to sign an acknowledgement or something. I’m guessing they are having issues getting the parts.
Glad you're enjoying it! Interesting about the signed acknowledgement that you many not get the heated steering wheel - wasn't aware they were making people do that. Start/Stop is one that you'll probably really appreciate though haha
@@CarsWithSteve no kidding about the start/stop. That was a bonus in my book! There were a few things I didn’t get, that I wish I had, but overall a great pickup so far.
haha the number of people I've talked to who want that feature gone is hilarious. Was it your first time owning an F150?
@@CarsWithSteve I’ve owned a few. My first vehicle in HS was actually a 1990 XLT extended cab with the 5.0. Then I went through a few mustang GTs (96 & 2000) until I got my 2013 F150. Then a 2016 and now the 2023. I’ll probably never drive another brand.
Glad that Ford has kept you happy over the years. Miss the Mustang at all?
That's an awesome leather jacket! What brand is it? Thanks haha
Thanks! It's a Daniel Hechter jacket.. no model code on it unfortunately though
Would be cool if that maroon continues over the leather seats
Full maroon could be interesting.. I may have to put my photoshop skills to the test haha
I wanna buy this Truck with the Ford Performance 700 Supercharger but i think as an XL with the STX Black Appearance Package the Supercharger will be expensive enough
Yes! I've seen some videos and pics from the dealership that's doing it. Good call to offer some performance options right on the lot. Factory order a 5.0L and go Ford Performance for a supercharger ;)
Hi Steve I just ordered a 2023 lariat but didn't see the maroon accents on door panels and dash and console on black leather seat package. is this a option thats not included in the chrome package that I ordered?
Hey! You have to go for the Lariat Sport Appearance Package to get the unique interior! Can’t get the sport appearance with the chrome package though
@@CarsWithSteve Thanks for the info
@@bricki1958 You're welcome!
The Jack is behind the seat not under. Under the passenger back seat is a subwoofer or power inverter
I show the jack behind the passenger seat with the seat down
Heavenly priced trucks , they are not affordable anymore. I’m down grading to sport model sadly 😢
Yeah just a bit of a difference year over year. There was a $7,500 factory incentive late last month so hopefully we'll start to see those allowances coming back a bit more often
The blackout package is free on a XLT. Why pay extra for it on a luxury truck. 😂
If I’m giving 70+k, it’s gonna have chrome! 😎
I'd probably settle on a 402a Tremor haha
Lot of people just don't like chrome
The black appearance package is defiantly not free on XLT, it's a $2505.00 option and on the Lariat $1795.00 FYI🤑
Factually innacurate
The more chrome, the quicker it looks dated.
Bluecruise is disabled when you plug in trailer on 2023 but works on 2021 lariat. Ford dealership can’t figure it out or give me explanation why it doesn’t work as soon as I plug in my trailer. Can someone help me?
The 2021 didn't have BlueCruise but it would have the Adaptive Cruise which should still work in the 2023 Lariat when towing. BlueCruise currently does not support towing though. I believe it's on Ford's To Do list for future features
@@CarsWithSteve I had the 2021 lariat for 2 years and it did have the bluecruise towing!
Go with the Ecoboost. I feel it will be the most reliable among the other choices. Anything turbocharged will have turbo failure though, it's just the nature of them. If you prepare yourself financially for that, you'll be good to go.
Turbo fail can definitely happen but if people would maintain their rides better you could probably catch it before a failure. Think you'd do the EcoBoost over the 5.0L?
@@CarsWithSteve Absolutely. Anything mechanical, no matter what it is, will last for a very long time when maintenance intervals and procedures are followed. Yes, I absolutely would go with the 3.5 Ecoboost over the 5.0 if I'm buying anything from 2021 to current. I'm actually looking into a new Raptor next year when the 2024's are released.
The 5.0 has cylinder deactivation and a wet oil pump drive belt. I don't want those features as they're going to be problematic when these motors start getting high miles on them. I'm primarily more concerned about the oil pump drive belt as I believe a chain is the better choice for longevity. The 2.7 Ecoboost and 5.0 use pump BELTS whereas the 3.5's still use a CHAIN. Both the 2.7 and 3.5 DON'T utilize cylinder deactivation and that's a plus for me. I want all pistons to be firing all the time.
Power output wise, the 3.5 and 5.0 are very similar in some trim levels. For the Raptor specifically, and the trim level I want to get, the 3.5 actually makes more HP and torque than the 5.0. Another plus for me as well.
Lastly, I keep vehicles until they die so longevity is an important thing for me. I'm not the type to trade off every 5 years or so. Getting back to the only downfall that I can see about the 3.5 Ecoboosts are the turbo's. Turbo's will fail no matter what make or model...it's just the nature of them. As a mechanic, turbo replacements for me isn't a big deal and something that I can easily do myself. I'm willing to deal with and overlook the turbo's in order to get the other things I want in these 3.5's.
The new Raptor looks great! Have you ever owned one? I've noticed that the 3.5L EcoBoost has been more popular than the 5.0L but your dive into reasons why people would consider one over the other is great. Awesome getting a mechanics view on the engines. If you've done much work on either engine, have you noticed issues in each outside of the difference in belts?
@@CarsWithSteve No, never owned one and tried to buy a new Rapter in 2017 but I ended up buying a new 17 Ford Super Duty. I'm glad I didn't buy a Raptor then as the early ones have issues.
If I were buying a pre 2021 F-150...an aluminum bodied one, I'd go for the 5.0 instead of the 3.5 Eco. The 5.0's still used a chain for the oil pump drive and no cylinder deactivation. The 6 speed tranny's were also bullet proof, just a really good and reliable drivetrain. The early 3.5's had issues with cam phasers and the early 10 speed automatics were also problematic. Ford needed time to get all the bugs worked out I guess.
I'm a do it yourselfer and have never owned these motors but I am very capable mechanically. I'm currently restoring a couple of early GM cars. I also have all the tools to do pretty much anything. Now that Ford has updated the 5.0's, I believe they have gone backwards in a sense of their reliability down the road. The 3.5's have been out long enough for Ford to address their issues that the early ones suffered from. The 2021 and current 5.0's need more time now since they've updated them...they haven't been proven yet and I think Ford has cheapened up things and have now jeopardized their long term reliability.
Like I mentioned earlier, I'm not the type to trade off every 5 years so reliability is a very important factor for me. I also feel that people don't due their research before they buy new vehicles and end up having issues with them later on...sometimes very early on. With the prices of new vehicles now, people need to take the time and REALLY look at what they're buying before they commit.
I've seen some forum posts with people talking about early 10 speed issues but like you said.. it was the early ones that were affected. Really neat about the restoring cars! Are you shooting any videos showing the restoration process?
Fuel Theft: So the Easy Fuel system actually has the capability of shutting its self down if it senses a hose or anything that is not a gas nozzle.
How did I not know this haha! I just you could get creative and use the white spigot first and then feed a hose done but it's actually great to know that the system does that. Thanks!
I just recently started working at a ford dealership and it’s one of the walk around features. We are up here in Alaska where siphoning fuel is basically a past time for those less fortunate :/
Appreciate the heads up on that feature! First time working at a dealership?
Which is faster 3.31 vs 3.73?
Slightly better launch feeling? 3.73. You'd have better towing capacity in the 3.73 over the 3.31 too
I noticed Ford got chrome again around seat inputs
they cheaped out on my 2021 Lariat with the ambiant lighting...now it is blue only .
@@northlander4370 i think that the case since 2017…
Always small things changing from year to year on these things
@@northlander4370 Always surprised when I see LED ambient lights that are only one color. Lol it's not much more to get multi color and program that in
@@CarsWithSteve I got my multi coloured on Amazon for 12$ 😜
$60,000? Nuts😜
haha as I slowly turn away from the $90k Tremor I just reviewed
Truck review or try out to Juliard?
Shhh... it's character development
Either way well done. 👍🏽
I really dislike the way Ford has their options set up on the website...really wanted a F150 with Max Tow and HDPP on a XLT and you can no longer do that. Not sure what I'll be doing on my next truck. You get halfway down the options and pick another one you want and it erases everything you just put on your truck. I think it's BS especially with the current prices they want for these things.
I just realized that HDPP is no longer available on the XLT.. crazy change they made for the 2023. XL 101a will get you there but it's such a weird thing to take out of the XLT
Because with everything else you want in you vehicle there's no room for other stuff. This is all consumer based, Ford doesn't just spend tons of money on manufacturing vehicles because they want it, they do it because you do.
Also all the millions of little parts and stuff you never know when something previously manufactured that was piece of that engine or trim level is discontinued, and then they cant make it anymore without that piece or part.
Ford recommends ninety one plus
Recommend 91+ for best performance but minimum is 87
@@CarsWithSteve is apple car play and android auto wireless?
On this new Sync4 screen they both are!
Am gonna boycott these prices
It's a bit crazy right now.. year over year difference is pretty noticeable in some trims. I was in a Tremor that was almost $90k
Ya I’ll buy a RAM TRX hands down ! 702 hp supercharged 6.2 litre he’ll on earth engine, great cheap truck video though !
Think you'd go TRX over Raptor too?
No Supercab available in 2023? 👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽
Nope.. one of the weird changes they made. I really think they're streamlining more for just the SuperCrew
Looks like if you want to keep your hands toasty, you'll have to choose between feeling like James Bond in a 1999 Saab 9-5 or feeling like a budget Bond in a Kia Rio S, but hey, at least you can use that $150 heated wheel rebate in 2023 to buy some fingerless gloves and pretend you're in a car chase
HAHA yeah it's a bit odd they chose to ship without that feature
Over grown junk waiting to be a money cost factor after a few years. The junk is also TOO BIG. Now my 02 crew cab lariat is a resonable size and not over grown with elctronic garbage
I agree I have a 2004 F150 FX4 with 250k miles never really had a problem other than spark plug issue and the 5.4 tick . They have these trucks loaded up with options that will hardly or never will be used. 11:00
@@glennd9756 My 02 with the 4.6 has that tick when I start it cold and has for over 20 years, LOL. But I have studied this and its normal and is the left engine cam advamce . Your 04 was a decent size vehicle with great looks same as mine. My neighbor on the end of the street has a new f150 crew cab and I call it a chinese dragon because the front clip looks like a school bus to me, and shes the only one that drives this all alone and the waste is so horrible
Tough to compare the 2002 to this.. you'd be better off looking at the Maverick or Ranger instead
@@CarsWithSteve mUTED
Oh no 😢