2025 Ford Escape: A Focus on Daily Driving
Introduction: Ford Escape’s Role in Compact SUVs
The 2025 Ford Escape, unlike its mechanically related Bronco Sport, is designed to excel in everyday driving rather than off-road adventures. With the 2025 Ford Escape, you get a compact SUV that prioritizes daily commuting and family transport, offering efficient engine options, a spacious interior, and user-friendly infotainment systems. However, while it covers the basics well, it struggles to compete with top contenders in its class due to certain shortcomings.
Engine Choices and Performance
Powertrain Options
The non-hybrid 2025 Ford Escape provides two engine choices: a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and a more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2025 Ford Escape starts with the base three-cylinder engine, which, despite being adequate, lacks refinement. Upgrading to the 2.0-liter engine delivers a more compelling performance, especially with the standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration and Handling
The base three-cylinder engine, while sufficient for daily driving, doesn’t shine in performance tests. In contrast, the turbo-four engine allows the 2025 Ford Escape to achieve impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, making it one of the quicker models in its category. However, the overly firm suspension may detract from the driving experience, especially for those seeking a comfortable family ride.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World MPG
EPA Ratings
Fuel efficiency is a strong point for the 2025 Ford Escape, particularly with the 1.5-liter engine. The front-wheel-drive variant is rated at 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, making it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid option in the lineup. Even the more powerful 2.0-liter engine delivers respectable fuel economy, achieving 32 mpg in real-world highway tests.
Real-World Performance
Our testing showed that the all-wheel-drive Escape with the base engine managed an impressive 35 mpg on a 75-mph highway fuel economy route, surpassing EPA estimates. The 2025 Ford Escape offers a balance between performance and efficiency, catering to those who prioritize fuel savings without sacrificing too much power.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
Interior Design and Quality
Inside, the 2025 Ford Escape offers a spacious and stylish cabin, though lower trims feature some cheaper plastic materials that detract from the overall feel. Higher trims like the ST-Line and Platinum offer better quality, with textured cloth or faux-leather seating surfaces, but still fall short compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, and Honda CR-V.
Cargo Capacity
Cargo space is another strong suit for the 2025 Ford Escape, providing ample room for luggage and gear. With the rear seats in place, you can fit up to eight carry-on suitcases, tying with competitors like the Chevrolet Equinox. Folding the rear seats expands the cargo hold, allowing for up to 21 carry-on cases, though still slightly behind the Equinox’s capacity.
Pricing and Trims
2025 Ford Escape Pricing
The 2025 Ford Escape’s pricing starts at $29,490 and goes up to $39,605, depending on the trim level and options selected. The ST-Line trim is a recommended choice for those seeking a balance of performance and value, offering the powerful 250-hp engine, all-wheel drive, and sporty design elements.
Which Trim to Choose
For those looking to maximize performance and features, the ST-Line model, equipped with the optional Premium Technology package, is an excellent choice. This package upgrades the infotainment system to a 13.2-inch display and includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, enhancing the driving experience and modernizing the cabin.
Conclusion: The 2025 Ford Escape in a Competitive Market
Final Thoughts
While the 2025 Ford Escape offers solid performance, efficiency, and practicality for everyday driving, it faces stiff competition in the compact SUV market. Its strengths in fuel economy and cargo space are somewhat offset by less engaging handling and interior quality that doesn’t quite match up to its rivals. Nonetheless, for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and daily usability, the 2025 Ford Escape remains a viable option in a crowded field.
Infotainment and Connectivity in the 2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape comes equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment system in the Active and ST-Line models, offering seamless technology integration. For those seeking a larger interface, the 13.2-inch touchscreen is standard on the Platinum model. Both screen options run on Ford’s latest Sync 4 interface, delivering Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay capabilities. Additionally, the system supports over-the-air updates, ensuring the 2025 Ford Escape remains up to date without manual intervention. Optional features include a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, in-dash navigation, a pop-up head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display for a more immersive driving experience.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority in the 2025 Ford Escape, with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features offered as standard across all models. Key safety systems include forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These features are designed to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. For detailed crash test results, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites offer further insights.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2025 Ford Escape comes with a standard warranty package that includes a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. However, it falls short of competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, which offer longer powertrain coverage. Unlike some of its rivals, the Ford Escape does not come with complimentary scheduled maintenance, which may influence buyers looking for more comprehensive ownership benefits.
Vehicle Specifications: 2020 Ford Escape SE 1.5T AWD
The 2020 Ford Escape SE 1.5T AWD offers a well-rounded package, featuring a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 engine with 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this compact SUV delivers a responsive driving experience. Suspension consists of struts at the front and a multilink setup at the rear, while braking is managed by 13.0-inch vented discs at the front and 11.9-inch discs at the rear.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Performance tests reveal the 2020 Ford Escape SE 1.5T AWD can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 122 mph. The vehicle offers an observed fuel economy of 26 mpg, achieving an impressive 35 mpg during 75-mph highway driving, with a total highway range of 540 miles. EPA estimates for fuel economy are 28 mpg combined, 26 mpg city, and 31 mpg highway.
Vehicle Specifications: 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite AWD
For those looking for a more powerful option, the 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite AWD features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It delivers a thrilling performance with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph. The observed fuel economy is 28 mpg, with a 75-mph highway driving fuel economy of 32 mpg and a total range of 500 miles.
