2025 Ford Escape

Price Range: $29,515 - $38,400

The 2025 Ford Escape is more competitive after its latest refresh. Updated sheetmetal gives the exterior a more distinctive and expressive design, and an updated entertainment interface keeps Ford's compact SUV competitive in its class. We give the Escape high marks for its comfortable ride and easy-to-use tech, but the non-electrified powertrains still make the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions more appealing.Read full review

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$25,588

236 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in WI thru 6/30/25

Final assembly in USA

6 Colors
6 Trims
5 Packages

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2025 Ford Escape Review

by Josh Jacquot

rating written by Cameron Rogers

Pros

Roomy and comfortable seating
Smooth ride quality
Easy-to-use controls
Available hybrid powertrain that gets around 40 mpg

Cons

Transmission's abrupt shifts
Lackluster handling

What's new

Minor revisions to standard and optional feature availability
Part of the fourth Escape generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The Escape is Ford's compact SUV, which puts it in competition with the most popular — and best — small SUVs sold today. The Escape is a functional small SUV, but it lacks both the driving engagement and the interior quality of many of its competitors. It will cover the standard SUV buyer's needs, but it doesn't really get our blood pumping like similarly priced and sized alternatives.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Wisconsin

$123/mo

$174/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Gas, hybrid or plug-in hybrid

The 2025 Escape offers an abundance of choices for motive power. A turbocharged 1.5-liter engine good for 180 horsepower comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers optional all-wheel drive. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine on midlevel trims makes 250 horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder is paired with two electric motors in the Escape Hybrid, which generates 192 combined horsepower and offers optional all-wheel drive. Finally, there's the PHEV, which offers 37 miles of all-electric driving from its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. It's only available in front-wheel drive. Read our Expert Rating for all the details.

Competitors to consider

The Escape's problem isn't that it's bad; it's that its competitors are so good. Mazda offers two excellent picks: The CX-50 is an outstanding SUV with modest off-road intentions and stunning interior quality. And even the aging CX-5 remains an excellent choice in this category. Honda's CR-V and Kia's Sportage are also solid picks. Chevy's redesigned Equinox is another compelling alternative.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7/10

How does the Escape drive? We tested the Escape ST-Line Elite with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This motor makes plenty of power, allowing it to easily squirt through traffic and accelerate up to highway speeds. In Edmunds' testing, our Escape covered 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is better than rival small SUVs with an upgraded engine.

Unfortunately, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts slowly and can be jerky with its upshifts. Downshifts are similar, and you'll feel multiple small shocks as you decelerate. Even the engine stop-start system bucks the Escape when it restarts the engine as you take your foot off the brake. It all feels terribly unrefined and like something that Ford should have fixed before putting the Escape on sale.

The Escape's handling is disappointing too. It rolls a lot and has a ponderous feel as you go around turns. There's not much grip from the tires either. As for the steering, it's very light and low-effort in the default drive mode. Selecting Sport mode gives it more heft and makes it easier to figure out where the front wheels are pointed.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Escape? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort the Escape offers. The front seats are well shaped and have a pleasing amount of cushioning. The rear seats are also comfortable and provide a suitable amount of thigh support for adults.

Around town and on the highway, the Escape rides in a smooth and composed manner. It's also fairly quiet at speed, with road noise the prevailing source of sound intrusion. A dual-zone climate control system is now on the options list. Unfortunately, ventilated front seats and heated rears remain unavailable on any Escape trim.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The Escape's cabin is functional and pleasantly laid out. The primary controls are easy to reach, and the steering wheel buttons take no time to decipher. The Sync 3 touchscreen interface is snappy and simple to operate as well but also grows to integrate more functions into the touchscreen. Tech-savvy buyers might appreciate the giant tablet display, while others might miss physical climate controls. The driver's seat gives you a commanding view outward, and it's only mildly impeded by the rising beltline toward the rear. The seat itself offers numerous adjustments that make it a cinch to dial in the perfect position. On the downside, the door armrests are a touch too narrow.

We're impressed by the Escape's use of space inside. There's plenty of room all around, and the deeply sculpted front seatbacks afford rear passengers lots of knee room. Headroom might run out for very tall rear occupants on models with the panoramic sunroof. Other than the tall doorsills, there are no issues getting into or out of the Escape.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2025 Ford Escape pricing in Milwaukee, WI

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Build & Price

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The Ford Escape's infotainment system is a highlight. The navigation setup is easy to use and quick to act, but oddly the newest version doesn't show you directional info when a point-of-interest search returns multiple locations (e.g., a Starbucks is 1 mile forward, or 0.5 mile to the left), as the pre-refresh version did. The standard six-speaker audio system is excellent for a base system, producing clear audio and punchy bass. The optional 10-speaker B&O system is even more impressive for this price class. Smartphone integration is excellent, and every model comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and plenty of powerpoints throughout the cabin.

The driving aids work well and almost all are standard. The lane centering feature works quite well on the highway, avoiding the "ping-ponging between the lanes" effect found on many rivals.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The Escape, compared to most compact SUVs, has a cargo area that's a little smaller, at 33.5 cubic feet. We like the low floor and high seatbacks, affording you a lot of vertical storage space before luggage cuts into rear visibility. The rear seats don't fold flat, but the outboard seat belts can be disengaged from their seat holsters so there's no obstruction while loading cargo.

Interior storage is much better, with large cubbies in the front and sizable door pockets in the back. All cupholders have anti-tip tabs, which is fairly uncommon in this vehicle class. Easily accessible car seat anchors and tethers, plus the large rear seat, make it a breeze to load a child safety seat.

Escape models with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is typical for the segment.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Escape with the turbo 2.0-liter engine, which is what we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined. This is better than other small SUVs with similarly potent engines. Though the estimates are stellar, our observed fuel economy with our test vehicle fell short of expectations. We averaged just 20.2 mpg in our own real-world testing.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Escape a good value? The Escape's interior has plenty of soft-touch plastics up front, while hard plastics are generally silver, gloss black or otherwise textured in a way that shows effort. The synthetic leather upholstery on lower trims is surprisingly convincing, though the genuine leather on our tester was too stiff to be comfortable. The panel gaps are a little inconsistent and the interior door handles feel inexcusably cheap, but overall it's an appealing cabin for the price.

Ford's pricing is competitive with other small SUVs with potent turbocharged engines, and revisions to the features structure over the years add value throughout the Escape lineup. (Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, for instance.) Ford offers basic warranty coverage for three years/36,000 miles, with powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles. All are average for the class.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The Escape has a fairly distinctive exterior and the ST-Line variants lend a sporty flair to the interior. The cabin is less immediately impressive if you select one of the non-ST variants, but after living with the Escape for a while, you'll appreciate how effortlessly usable it is. Oddly, the 2.0-liter turbo powertrain is the letdown here, with the transmission never quite feeling at ease. This trim with the hybrid engine is probably the sweet spot.

Which Escape does Edmunds recommend?

Go for the Escape ST-Line. The base Active is a good value pick, but going for the ST-Line gets you some sportier styling details plus the option to get the hybrid powertrain.

Compare 2025 Ford Escape trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Ford Escape Owner Reviews

3.9

30 reviews

5(63%)

4(6%)

3(8%)

2(3%)

1(20%)

The overall sentiment for the 2025 Ford Escape is mixed. Owners love the comfort, heated features, roomy interior, and good fuel efficiency. However, some owners have faced issues with the transmission and noisy alerts, and a few have reported quality problems with parts like roof panels and interior materials. Some also found the automatic features annoying or malfunctioning.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 30 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Review

Perfect Hybrid

Joe S., 01/28/2024

2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)

I have a 2024 Ford Escape St-Line AWD. Excellent mileage, solid, comfortable, quiet and well laid out interior. The transisition between hybrid and gas powered is seamless. Put your foot into it and you can merge, pass or enter an expressway quickly and safely. Drive it smartly and you can get north of 45 MPG..

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Ford Escape, so we've included review for other years of the Escape since its last redesign.

See all 30 reviews of the Ford Escape

Write a vehicle review

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2025 Ford Escape video

Top 10 Best Compact SUVs | Ranking the Best Small SUVs of 2021

NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Ford Escape, but since the 2025 Ford Escape is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

At Edmunds, we are big fans of the compact SUV. With enough room and comfort for passengers and good fuel economy, compact SUVs are a great choice for shoppers looking for an SUV that can do just about anything. In this video, Ryan ZumMallen from Edmunds presents our ranking of the Top 10 Best Compact SUVs and what makes each one different. From the popular Toyota RAV4 to…

2025 Ford Escape Features & Specs

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Active

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,515
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$123/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	37.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

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2025 Ford Escape

At a Glance:

6 Colors
6 Trims
5 Packages
$29,515starting MSRP

Build & Price Ford.com

Safety

Key safety features on the Escape include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Good
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Marginal
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

FAQ

Is the Ford Escape a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Escape both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Escape gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Escape ranges from 34.4 to 37.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Escape. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Ford Escape?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Ford Escape:

Minor revisions to standard and optional feature availability
Part of the fourth Escape generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

To determine whether the Ford Escape is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Escape. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Escape's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Ford Escape a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Ford Escape is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Escape and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Escape gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Escape is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Ford Escape?

The least-expensive 2025 Ford Escape is the 2025 Ford Escape Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,515.

Other versions include:

Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $29,515
ST-Line 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $30,360
Active 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $30,915
ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $31,760
ST-Line 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $32,490
ST-Line Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $33,195
ST-Line Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $34,190
Platinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $35,615
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $35,910
ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $36,905
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $37,115
ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $38,110
Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) which starts at $38,400

Learn more

What are the different models of Ford Escape?

If you're interested in the Ford Escape, the next question is, which Escape model is right for you? Escape variants include Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), ST-Line 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Active 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), and ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Escape models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2025 Ford Escape

Pricing

2025 Ford Escape Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: Gas, hybrid or plug-in hybrid

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $7,648 with Edmunds

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Escape does Edmunds recommend?

Ford Escape Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Review

Perfect Hybrid

Helpful shopping links

2025 Ford Escape video

Top 10 Best Compact SUVs | Ranking the Best Small SUVs of 2021

2025 Ford Escape Features & Specs

Compare the Ford Escape

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Escape include:

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Ford Escape a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Ford Escape?

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

Is the 2025 Ford Escape a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Ford Escape?

What are the different models of Ford Escape?

Related 2025 Ford Escape info

Submodels of Escape

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