Escape crossover went through a mid-cycle refresh this year, which means the next couple of seasons we will see the same model. The next redesign is planned for 2026 when the EV could replace the standard engine configuration. Anyway, the 2025 Ford Escape will still be one of the most popular compact SUVs in the market. Well, the recent facelift should make it a more competitive rival to Toyota and Honda.
Sales of the Escape dropped significantly with the arrival of the current generation. From the 2023 data, the crossover is back on track again. Ford made 300k sales per year in the past, but the latest version cut it to half. The 2025 Ford Escape is fixing issues. The crossover is one of the most efficient vehicles in the market, with a combined gas mileage of 44 mpg. Still, its price is significantly higher compared to the competition. For extra money, Escape needs to offer more.
2025 Ford Escape Specs, Gas Mileage
We’ll start the review with the best part of the 2025 Ford Escape. The engine room packs a 1.5-liter turbo engine with three cylinders. An 8-speed automatic gearbox sends power to the front wheels. Total output is 180 hp and the plant also delivers 200 lb-ft of torque. You can also pick an AWD. The Escape is not there to tow too much, so the capacity is limited to 1,500 pounds. The gas mileage is not bad for the base configuration – 30 mpg combined.
Higher trim levels also offer an enhanced powertrain. A 2.0-liter turbo-four is available with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft, which is a bit higher output for a compact crossover. All-wheel drive is standard and it gets power through the same transmission. Consumption is a bit higher – 28 mpg combined, as well as the towing capacity – 2,000 pounds.
Finally, the budget-friendly setup is the 2025 Ford Escape hybrid. The third gas engine is used for this setup – a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated mill. In combination with an electric motor, the system is putting out 192 hp. The main upgrade is in the gas mileage segment, where the hybrid can do 42 mpg combined. A CVT is a gearbox for this engine. Also, the Escape PHEV is available. The configuration is similar to the regular hybrid, but the plug-in version offers a bigger battery. That allows the crossover to use electric power for driving. The range is 37 miles. The PHEV is also more potent, making 210 hp. This is still 92 hp fewer than the Rav4 Prime. The Escape plug-in hybrid returns 40 mpg on the combined drive.
Packages and Features
There are six trim levels ready for buyers, but everyone can add personalized options. For the entry-level Active model, there are no hybrid engines available. The offer could be more impressive for $29,000. Cloth upholstery and an 8-inch screen are something we rarely meet. Highlights of the base version are chrome trims, keyless functions (entry and start), and the safety suite. There you can find a blind-spot monitoring system, lane keep assist, forward collision mitigation and automatic high beams.
Three ST-Line versions are available. All of them will offer you a choice between a petrol and a hybrid engine. The base one is using a 1.5-liter unit, while ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite are boosting the performance with a 2.0-liter mill. Standard options for all three ST-Line editions are 18-inch wheels, skid plates, sporty steering wheel and roof rails. The 2025 Ford Escape ST-Line Select adds LED fog lights, heater mirrors, steering wheel and seats. Also, AWD is standard. The list of features for the ST-Line Elite is pretty long. Some notable upgrades are driver’s bucket memory settings, 13.2-inch infotainment system, ambient lights, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera…
Even the Platinum edition can’t top this, although we used this package to be the best one. We must mention the garage opener and leather seats as the main upgrades. Optional packages for most trims are a Tow Package, an Audio Package (with a premium B&O sound system), and optional features – panoramic sunroof, leather seats, or HUD. The PHEV engine uses a unique combo of features and that trim is comparable to top models.
Colors
Paintjobs of the 2025 Ford Escape are: Race Red, Oxford White, Carbonized Gray, Vapor Blue Metallic, Agate Black Metallic and Iconic Silver Metallic. The ST-Line adds the Star White Metallic Tri-coat as a $995 option, and the special paint for the ST-Line Select and higher trims is Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat ($495).
READ ALSO: 2025 Honda CR-V Redesign: Time to Dethrone the Toyota Rav4
2025 Ford Escape Pricing
The 2025 Ford Escape will be one of the expensive choices if you are looking for a compact crossover from a non-premium segment. Its price starts off at $29,000 and ends up over $40,000 for the Platinum and ST-Line Elite versions. The price is the same for the hybrid and 2.0 petrol engines, while the upgrade from a 1.5-liter mill will cost you $3,000. The PHEV version could be a bargain – you are getting high-end options, an efficient powertrain and a tax credit.
