The 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is perfect for daily driving around town without using a sip of gasoline. This compact SUV is also quite comfortable, spacious and loaded with modern tech features. Ponderous handling and lackluster acceleration are its main drawbacks.Read full review
Josh Jacquot is a seasoned automotive journalist with a career spanning more than two decades. His passion for cars has been the driving force behind his career, fueling his love for storytelling and technical work. Josh has held staff positions at Edmunds and Car and Driver, where he performed instrumented testing and wrote everything from technical breakdowns to long-form adventure stories. This hands-on enthusiast's early fascination with cars evolved into a professional journey that blends his technical knowledge and deep appreciation for engaging driver's cars.
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
Roomy and comfortable seating
Plenty of cargo space
Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons
No all-wheel-drive option
Lackluster handling and acceleration
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Ford Escape PHEV Insights
Trim:
Escape Plug-In Hybrid
All Electric Range
37 miles
EPA Estimated Electric Range
The Escape will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Cypress, Texas. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
8 yrs or 100,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
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Cost to Drive
$70/mo
Escape
vs
$154/mo
SUV Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
Am I Ready for a Plug-In Hybrid?
EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet) This typically means a 240V home installation, or other places your car is parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice.
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in This is an estimate for your area. Using your address and the answers you provide, Treehouse can provide a more accurate price.
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn moreEdmunds customers receive a 10% installation discount and 4% smart charger discount. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
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
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is perfect for daily driving around town without using a sip of gasoline. This compact SUV is also quite comfortable, spacious and loaded with modern tech features. Ponderous handling and lackluster acceleration are its main drawbacks.
How does the Escape Plug-In Hybrid drive? The Escape Plug-In Hybrid's performance is overshadowed either by rival plug-ins or other Escape versions. It gives you an immediate shove forward when you hit the accelerator but is ultimately a bit slow. We took our test vehicle to our test track and measured a 0-60 mph sprint of 8.1 seconds. This is a bit better than a regular Escape Hybrid but ultimately slower than a regular Escape with the upgraded engine or the hot-rod Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in (5.6 seconds). The Escape PHEV is also a little soft and ponderous around corners. The steering can feel overly light and doesn't give you a good sense of the road or what the front tires are up to.
It's not all doom and gloom, however. While the brake pedal does require a fair push to slow the Escape, it's easy to come to smooth stops. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid also performed well in our 60-0 mph panic-stop tests.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the Escape Plug-In Hybrid? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort offered. The front seats are well shaped and comfortable. The rear bench — though a little flat — is also nice, offering good thigh support. Our Titanium trim test vehicle included a height-adjustable passenger seat, which is a rarity in this class. The ride quality is generally relaxed, though driving over certain bumps causes harsher impacts in the cabin than we've noticed in other Escape models.
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid moves smoothly away from a stoplight with all-electric power. The experience is noticeably more pleasant than in non-hybrid Escapes; they have an engine stop-start system that roughly brings the engine to life after you leave a stop.
The automatic climate system delivers plenty of airflow on hot days, and it features a three-stage system that allows you to set a maximum fan speed. Unlike rivals, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are not available on any trim.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? The Escape's cabin is functional and pleasantly laid out. There's plenty of room all around, though headroom might run out for very tall rear occupants in models with the panoramic sunroof. The primary controls are easy to reach and use, and the driver's seat offers a commanding view outward. The driver's seat also has numerous adjustments that make it a cinch to dial in your preferred position. On the downside, the door armrests are a touch too narrow, and tall drivers might have a hard time seeing the projection of the available head-up display.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,036 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,036 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid trim.
2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid pricing in Cypress, TX
How’s the tech? Ford's touchscreen system is a highlight. Programming the available onboard navigation system is easy. The B&O audio system in our test model produced clear and punchy sound. Unfortunately, we did note some trim rattling with the volume turned up. The Escape's advanced driving aids work well and almost all are standard. Adaptive cruise control avoids the sudden braking exhibited by some competing systems, and the lane centering feature is great on the highway — it doesn't ping-pong the vehicle between lanes as some rival systems do.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The Escape Plug-In Hybrid's cargo area behind the rear seats is pretty useful. We like the low floor and high seatbacks; it opens up a lot of vertical storage space before luggage impedes your 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 you're loading cargo. The cargo area will hold up to 60.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is less than the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Interior storage is helped out by large cubbies in the front and sizable door pockets in the back. The cupholders have tabs to hold your drinks in place, which is an uncommon feature in this vehicle class. Easily accessible car seat anchors and tethers, plus the large rear seat, will make loading car seats a breeze.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How economical is the Escape Plug-In Hybrid? According to the EPA, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 37 miles on electric power alone on a full charge, then achieve 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving using the gas engine. The latter figure is impressive since the PHEV's weight penalty is expected to reduce combined fuel economy by only 1 mpg compared to the front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid. But we did notice that on our standardized test route that the Escape Plug-In Hybrid traveled 30.7 miles on electric power before the gas engine kicked on, or about 6 miles less than what the EPA estimated. Other plug-in hybrids we've tested have done a better job of meeting or exceeding the EPA's number.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Escape Plug-In Hybrid a good value? The Escape's interior has some nice soft-touch plastics, and hard plastics are generally silver, gloss black or otherwise textured in a way that makes the cabin look nice. The panel gaps are a little inconsistent, the interior door handles feel inexcusably cheap, and the faux wood trim won't fool anyone. We also noticed that the Titanium trim's leather upholstery is rougher and not as premium-feeling as lower trims' synthetic leather. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid also costs quite a bit more than the gas-only and hybrid versions. Warranty coverage is average for the class.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid isn't the most exciting vehicle to drive or look at, but it's quite sensible and will serve you well on an urban commute. Plus, its plug-in hybrid powertrain makes it quicker than the Escape Hybrid and you get a useful 37 miles of estimated EV range on a full charge. A styling update would go a long way in giving the Escape Plug-In Hybrid a more expressive personality.
Which Escape does Edmunds recommend?
The PHEV is only available in a single trim that comes with 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. A Premium package adds many safety, comfort and technology features.
2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT)
Efficient power solution and with amazing Sound system. We used to have a 2021 Escape Hybrid SEL, the only think we complain was about the sound system and the small 12V battery. We made the upgrade with a PHEV 2025 and ensure we got the B&O sound system, night/day difference, be sure to get this package. Basic sound system is not bad, but not good.
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… the off-roading Jeep Wrangler, Ryan runs down our list of what we consider the best small SUVs you can buy. This is our ranking of the Top 10 Best Compact SUVs.
101 MPGeMPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.
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 7.9 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Escape has 34.4 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
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 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 7.9 out of 10. 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 Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $38,400.
Other versions include:
Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) which starts at $38,400
If you're interested in the Ford Escape, the next question is, which Escape model is right for you? Escape variants include Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT). For a full list of Escape models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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