The 2025 Ford Escape emerges as a noteworthy contender in the compact SUV segment, offering a versatile range of powertrains to suit diverse driving preferences. The base model features a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering a balanced 180 horsepower. For those seeking enhanced performance, an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides a robust 250 horsepower. Additionally, Ford caters to eco-conscious drivers with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, offering commendable fuel efficiency without compromising on power.
Beyond its engine offerings, the Escape boasts impressive fuel economy, with the base engine achieving up to 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The hybrid models further elevate efficiency, making the Escape a cost-effective choice for daily commutes and long-distance travel alike.
Inside, the Escape is equipped with user-friendly technology, including the SYNC 4 infotainment system with an available 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. This blend of performance, efficiency, and advanced features positions the 2025 Ford Escape as a compelling option for prospective buyers seeking a well-rounded compact SUV.
Overview Of The 2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape maintains its position as a compact SUV tailored for versatility and daily practicality. Slotting below the Edge and Bronco in Ford’s lineup, the Escape is designed to meet the needs of individuals and families seeking a harmonious blend of size, efficiency, and functionality.
With a range of powertrain options—including a base turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, a hybrid for enhanced fuel economy, and a robust 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder—the Escape offers choices to suit diverse driving preferences. Its comfortable seating and user-friendly technology further enhance its appeal in the competitive compact SUV market.
Performance And Driving Experience
The 2025 Ford Escape delivers a balanced performance that suits both city driving and highway cruising. While not a thrill-seeker’s SUV, it offers a smooth, predictable ride with enough power options to satisfy a range of drivers.
Engine Options And Specifications
The 2025 Escape offers two primary engine choices:
- Standard Engine: A 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine.
- Optional Engine: A more robust 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, available in higher trims.
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available for those seeking enhanced traction.
Ride Quality And Handling
The Escape provides a comfortable ride suitable for daily commutes and long drives. However, its handling is considered average for the class, lacking the sporty feel found in some competitors. The suspension effectively absorbs most road imperfections, contributing to a smooth driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is a strong suit for the 2025 Ford Escape, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious drivers. With the base turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive, it delivers an impressive 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Opting for the more powerful 2.0-liter engine with all-wheel drive slightly reduces efficiency, offering around 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Even so, these figures keep the Escape competitive within the compact SUV segment, balancing performance with practicality.
Interior Comfort And Cargo Space
The 2025 Ford Escape strikes a balance between functionality and comfort with a well-thought-out cabin layout. Designed with both passengers and practicality in mind, it offers a spacious interior complemented by flexible cargo options for everyday utility.
Cabin Design and Materials
The Escape’s interior is spacious, offering ample room for both front and rear passengers. While the cabin design is functional, some materials, particularly in lower trims, may feel less premium compared to rivals. Higher trims provide upgraded materials and finishes, enhancing the overall ambiance.
Seating and Comfort
Seating is designed for comfort, with supportive cushions suitable for extended journeys. The rear seats offer generous legroom, accommodating taller passengers with ease.
Cargo Capacity
The 2025 Ford Escape offers competitive cargo capacity that aligns well with segment expectations. It provides ample space behind the rear seats, making it suitable for groceries, luggage, or daily errands. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo area expands significantly, allowing for larger items or bulkier loads. This flexible storage layout ensures the Escape can adapt to a wide range of hauling needs, putting it on par with many of its compact SUV competitors.
Infotainment And Connectivity
The Escape is equipped with Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system:
- Standard Features: An 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.
- Available Upgrades: A 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls.
Safety And Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a priority in the Escape, which comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite:
- Standard Features: Forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Available Features: Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2025 Escape a five-star overall safety rating, reflecting its strong performance in crash tests.
Pricing And Trim Levels
The 2025 Escape is available in multiple trims:
- Active: Starting at $28,150.
- ST-Line: Starting at $29,150.
- ST-Line Select: Starting at $30,150.
- Platinum: Starting at $32,000.
- ST-Line Elite: Starting at $33,000.
Each trim offers a progressively richer set of features, allowing buyers to select a model that aligns with their preferences and budget.
Comparisons With Competitors
In the competitive compact SUV market, the 2025 Ford Escape faces strong rivals. Here’s how it stacks up against some key competitors:
Ford Escape vs. Toyota RAV4
- Performance: The Escape offers multiple engine options, including a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, providing more power than the RAV4’s standard 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Fuel Efficiency: Both vehicles offer competitive fuel economy, with the Escape achieving up to 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, comparable to the RAV4’s 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
- Interior Space: The RAV4 provides more cargo space, offering up to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, compared to the Escape’s 65.4 cubic feet.
Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
- Performance: The Escape’s optional 250-horsepower engine surpasses the CR-V’s standard 190-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Fuel Efficiency: The CR-V offers similar fuel economy to the Escape, with both vehicles achieving competitive mpg ratings in their class.
- Interior Space: The CR-V boasts more cargo capacity, providing up to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, compared to the Escape’s 65.4 cubic feet.
Ford Escape vs. Mazda CX-5
- Performance: The CX-5 offers a standard 187-horsepower engine and an optional turbocharged engine producing up to 256 horsepower, closely matching the Escape’s performance offerings.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Escape has an edge in fuel economy, achieving up to 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, compared to the CX-5’s 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
- Interior Space: The Escape offers more cargo space, with up to 65.4 cubic feet, while the CX-5 provides 58.1 cubic feet.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a versatile driving experience with multiple engine choices, including a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine delivering 180 horsepower and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine providing 250 horsepower. Its fuel efficiency is commendable, achieving up to 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the 1.5-liter engine. Inside, the Escape features user-friendly technology, such as an 8-inch or available 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, offering seamless connectivity.
While it may not lead in every category, the Escape’s blend of performance, comfort, and versatility make it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. Prospective buyers should consider their specific needs and preferences, but the Escape certainly warrants serious consideration.
