2025 Ford Escape Review: Specs, Performance, Features, and Pricing

The 2025 Ford Escape continues to play a critical role in Ford’s SUV lineup, serving as the brand’s mainstream compact crossover for buyers who want efficiency, technology, and everyday usability without moving into a larger or more expensive vehicle. Positioned between subcompact models like the Bronco Sport and midsize options such as the Edge, the Escape targets families, commuters, and hybrid-focused buyers who prioritize versatility and value.

For 2025, the Escape focuses on refinement rather than reinvention. Ford leans on a broad powertrain lineup, updated interior technology, and competitive pricing to keep the Escape relevant in one of the most crowded vehicle segments on the market.

Vehicle Category and Segment

The 2025 Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV. This segment is defined by five-passenger seating, car-like driving dynamics, and a balance of fuel efficiency and cargo flexibility. Vehicles in this class are typically sized for urban and suburban use while still offering enough interior space for small families and active lifestyles.

Within the compact SUV category, the Escape competes directly with models such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5. Ford positions the Escape as a versatile all-rounder, emphasizing powertrain variety and user-friendly technology rather than aggressive styling or off-road specialization.

Market Positioning and Intended Buyer Profile

Ford aims the 2025 Escape at buyers who want flexibility of choice. The lineup is designed to appeal to several distinct customer groups:

Commuters looking for strong fuel economy are drawn to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Families appreciate the Escape’s rear-seat space, safety technology, and manageable size. Tech-focused buyers benefit from Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system and available driver-assistance features. Meanwhile, shoppers who want stronger performance can opt for the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with standard all-wheel drive.

Rather than pushing the Escape as a premium or sporty SUV, Ford markets it as a practical, approachable compact SUV that covers most daily needs without excessive complexity.

What’s New for 2025

For the 2025 model year, the Ford Escape carries over largely unchanged following its recent refresh. The exterior design, interior layout, and powertrain offerings remain consistent, with updates focusing primarily on trim packaging and feature availability rather than mechanical changes.

This strategy allows Ford to maintain stable pricing and proven reliability while keeping the Escape competitive through technology and powertrain diversity.

Powertrain Options and Performance

One of the Escape’s strongest advantages is the breadth of its powertrain lineup, offering both traditional gasoline engines and electrified options.

Gasoline Engines

The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost three-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This engine prioritizes efficiency while delivering adequate power for daily driving.

For buyers seeking stronger acceleration and confident highway performance, Ford offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder. This engine produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It significantly improves passing power and towing capability compared to the base engine.

Electrified Options

The Escape Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a combined system output of 192 horsepower. Power is delivered through an electronic continuously variable transmission, with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations available.

At the top of the efficiency ladder is the Escape Plug-In Hybrid. It combines the same 2.5-liter engine with a larger battery pack, producing a total system output of 210 horsepower. This version is front-wheel drive only and allows for short all-electric trips before operating as a conventional hybrid.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Gasoline models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions use an eCVT. All-wheel drive availability depends on engine and trim, with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost offering standard AWD.

Performance and Efficiency

Performance varies widely depending on the chosen powertrain. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost delivers the quickest acceleration in the lineup, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrid prioritize fuel economy over outright speed.

Fuel efficiency remains a major selling point. The hybrid model achieves up to 42 mpg in city driving, while the plug-in hybrid offers triple-digit MPGe ratings when operating in electric mode. Gasoline models remain competitive within the segment, balancing power and efficiency without requiring electrification.

Interior Design, Comfort, and Cargo Space

Inside, the 2025 Escape emphasizes simplicity and functionality. The dashboard design is clean, with most controls integrated into the central touchscreen. Material quality improves as you move up the trim ladder, with higher trims offering soft-touch surfaces and upgraded upholstery.

Front seats provide good comfort for long drives, while rear-seat legroom is generous for a compact SUV. The Escape accommodates adults in the second row without feeling cramped, making it suitable for family use.

Cargo space is another strong point. With the rear seats in place, the Escape offers ample room for groceries, luggage, or strollers. Folding the second row expands cargo capacity significantly, allowing the vehicle to handle weekend trips or home improvement runs with ease.

Technology and Infotainment

All 2025 Ford Escape models feature Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system. The system is responsive and intuitive, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen interface is designed for quick access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings.

Available upgrades include a larger digital instrument cluster, built-in navigation, and premium audio systems on higher trims. Over-the-air update capability allows Ford to improve software features over time without requiring dealership visits.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety remains a priority for the Escape. Every 2025 model comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Higher trims add features such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, evasive steering assist, and enhanced lane-centering. These systems help reduce driver fatigue during highway travel and improve overall confidence in daily driving.

Real-World Usability

In everyday use, the Escape feels easy to live with. Its compact dimensions make parking and maneuvering straightforward, while the elevated seating position provides good outward visibility. Ride quality is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, absorbing most road imperfections without harshness.

Towing capability varies by engine. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost supports light towing duties, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost significantly increases towing capacity, making it more suitable for small trailers or recreational gear.

For buyers considering electrification, the plug-in hybrid offers the benefit of short electric commutes paired with gasoline backup, eliminating range anxiety.

Trim Lineup Overview

The 2025 Ford Escape is offered in several trims, each targeting a specific buyer type.

The Active trim focuses on value and everyday usability. ST-Line models add sport-inspired styling elements. Select and Platinum trims emphasize comfort, technology, and upscale features. The ST-Line Elite blends performance aesthetics with premium equipment. The Plug-In Hybrid stands alone as the most efficiency-focused option.

Buyers looking for a deeper comparison of future updates and equipment strategies may find it useful to reference the detailed 2026 Ford Escape guide at Rovnex when planning long-term ownership.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Pricing for the 2025 Ford Escape starts in the high-$20,000 range and extends into the upper-$30,000s for fully equipped or electrified models. This positions the Escape competitively within the compact SUV segment.

The value proposition lies in choice. Few competitors offer such a wide range of powertrains under one nameplate, allowing buyers to prioritize price, performance, or efficiency without switching brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines are available in the 2025 Ford Escape?

The Escape offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a 2.5-liter hybrid, and a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid.

Does the 2025 Escape offer all-wheel drive?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available on select gasoline and hybrid models and is standard on the 2.0-liter EcoBoost.

How fuel-efficient is the 2025 Ford Escape?

Fuel economy ranges from approximately 26 mpg combined for the 2.0-liter engine to up to 42 mpg city for the hybrid. The plug-in hybrid delivers over 100 MPGe in electric operation.

How much cargo space does the Escape have?

The Escape offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Is the Escape a good family SUV?

Yes. Its rear-seat space, safety features, and manageable size make it well-suited for small families.

Specifications

Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Seating Capacity	5
Transmission	8-speed automatic / eCVT

Powertrain and Performance

Powertrain	Horsepower	Torque	Drivetrain
1.5L EcoBoost	180 hp	199 lb-ft	FWD / AWD
2.0L EcoBoost	250 hp	280 lb-ft	AWD
2.5L Hybrid	192 hp (total)	—	FWD / AWD
2.5L Plug-In Hybrid	210 hp (total)	—	FWD

Fuel Economy / Driving Range

Powertrain	City	Highway	Combined	Range
1.5L EcoBoost	27 mpg	34 mpg	30 mpg	~444 mi
2.0L EcoBoost	23 mpg	31 mpg	26 mpg	~408 mi
2.5L Hybrid	42 mpg	36 mpg	39 mpg	~558 mi
Plug-In Hybrid	111 MPGe	91 MPGe	101 MPGe	—

Dimensions and Weight

Dimension	Value
Wheelbase	106.7 in
Length	180.1 in
Width	74.1 in
Height	66.0 in
Cargo Volume (rear seats up)	37.5 cu ft
Max Cargo Volume	65.4 cu ft

Pricing and Trims

Trim	Starting MSRP
Active	$29,515
ST-Line	$30,360
Active AWD	$30,915
ST-Line Select	$33,195
Platinum	$35,615
ST-Line Elite	$36,905
Plug-In Hybrid	$38,400

Conclusion

The 2025 Ford Escape succeeds by offering flexibility rather than flash. Its wide range of powertrains, competitive pricing, and strong safety and technology features make it one of the most adaptable compact SUVs on the market. While it may not be the sportiest or most luxurious option in its class, it delivers a balanced package that suits a broad range of buyers.

For shoppers who want choice, efficiency, and everyday practicality in a compact footprint, the Escape remains a compelling contender.