The 2025 Ford Escape aims to capture attention with its wide array of powertrain options, spacious interior, and feature-packed trim levels. While its versatility and affordability make it an attractive contender in the compact SUV segment, how well does it stack up against the competition? Let’s take a closer look at what this model has to offer—and where it falls short.

From base models with an efficient three-cylinder engine to turbocharged four-cylinder options and two hybrid variants, the 2025 Escape has a powertrain to suit nearly every driver.

• 1.5L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder: Offering 180 horsepower, this engine is peppy enough for city commutes but doesn’t offer much excitement for enthusiasts.
• 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder: For those craving more power, this 250-hp engine delivers smoother highway merges and confident passing ability.
• Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid: With fuel economy ratings as high as 101 MPGe, the hybrids are ideal for drivers prioritizing efficiency. The plug-in hybrid even offers up to 37 miles of all-electric range, making it a smart choice for eco-conscious commuters.

Despite its powertrain variety, the Escape’s handling is merely average. It’s comfortable and quiet, but rivals like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V offer sharper driving dynamics.

Inside, the Escape shines with a spacious cabin and user-friendly tech.

• Pros: The cabin comfortably seats five, with ample legroom in the rear. Standard tech like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an intuitive Sync 4 infotainment system, makes staying connected a breeze.
• Cons: Base trims feel a bit cheap, with hard plastics and an overall downmarket vibe. Even higher trims struggle to match the premium feel of competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester.

When it comes to cargo space, the Escape offers 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row (or 34.4 cubes in the plug-in hybrid). While it’s sufficient for most families, it trails behind class leaders like the CR-V.

The 2025 Escape includes Ford Co-Pilot360 across all trims, featuring safety essentials like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add options like a 360-degree camera and rear automatic braking. While safety ratings for 2025 aren’t yet available, the 2024 model earned solid marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it lagged in updated side-crash tests.

With six trim levels, the Escape offers a variety of features and price points:

• Active ($29,490): A value-packed base trim with essentials like dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen.
• ST-Line ($30,485): Our top pick, offering sportier styling and the option for a hybrid engine.
• Platinum ($37,110): A tech-loaded trim with a larger touchscreen, ambient lighting, and premium materials.

From the budget-conscious buyer to the tech-savvy driver, there’s an Escape for nearly everyone. However, stepping up to higher trims narrows the price gap with competitors offering more refinement.

The Escape excels with hybrid efficiency, offering up to 42 mpg in city driving for the standard hybrid and 101 MPGe for the plug-in hybrid. The gas-only models, however, lag slightly behind rivals in their class. For those needing towing capability, the Escape impresses with a 3,500-pound rating when properly equipped.

The 2025 Ford Escape stands out for its flexible powertrain lineup, spacious interior, and family-friendly features. However, its lackluster cabin materials and average driving dynamics hold it back from being a true standout in the fiercely competitive compact SUV market. Rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester offer more polished interiors and better all-around performance. Still, for those seeking variety and value, the Escape remains a strong contender worth considering.

Looking for the best deal on a new or used car? Visit Quotes.EverymanDriver.com to access real-time dealer pricing in your area. Thousands of buyers use this free search engine every day to compare prices and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their next car purchase. Whether you’re eyeing the 2025 Ford Escape or exploring other options, find the lowest prices and best deals today!