Refreshed Styling That Turns Heads
The updated Ford Escape gets its biggest visual changes up front. New LED signature lighting, a redesigned bumper, and a bolder grille with a larger Blue Oval badge give it a more confident, slightly aggressive stance. The side profile and rear remain familiar, with only subtle tweaks and new wheel designs.
The Active trim is the one to pick if you want rugged looks and a bit more capability. It adds body cladding, unique wheels, and off-road-inspired accents that work perfectly for weekend adventures on gravel roads or light trails around the country.
A High-Tech Cabin You’ll Actually Enjoy
Inside, the Escape steps up with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system running on a massive 13.2-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and over-the-air updates keep everything fresh. Climate controls have moved to the screen, which takes a little getting used to on the move.
Driver-assist tech is seriously impressive: adaptive cruise control that slows for curves and intersections, a 360-degree camera, and even trailer-aware navigation that factors in your tow load. Parallel parking this SUV has never been easier.
Powertrains & Real-World Performance
Choices range from the peppy 1.5L EcoBoost (180 hp) to the full hybrid we tested. The 2.5L hybrid + electric motor combo delivers a smooth 200 hp total in AWD form. The available Plug-in Hybrid adds up to 37 miles of pure electric range from its 14.4 kWh battery — perfect for short commutes with zero gas.
Starts are silent on electric power, and the gas engine is barely audible when it kicks in. The eCVT transmission keeps everything buttery smooth, though it dulls the excitement a bit. 0-60 mph arrives in a respectable 8.0 seconds — quicker than the old model and plenty for merging onto busy interstates.
Ride & Handling
The suspension is tuned primarily for comfort, soaking up potholes and expansion joints with ease, even on 19-inch wheels. Switch to Sport mode and it firms up noticeably for curvier back roads. Steering is precise and confidence-inspiring whether you’re cruising I-95 or carving through the mountains.
Fuel Economy That Actually Delivers
In hybrid AWD guise, the EPA rates it at 39 mpg combined. Real-world testing around Los Angeles and on road trips to Vegas showed 37–41 mpg depending on traffic and climate control use — outstanding for an AWD compact SUV.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Approximate U.S. market pricing (MSRP before destination & incentives, late 2025 figures):• 1.5L EcoBoost models: $29,500–$34,000• Front-wheel-drive Hybrid: $33,500–$37,500• Hybrid AWD (tested): $35,000–$40,000• Plug-in Hybrid: $39,000–$45,000Many buyers will see additional federal tax credits up to $7,500 on the PHEV version, plus possible state incentives.
The Verdict
The 2025 Ford Escape 2.5 Hybrid AWD nails the sweet spot for American families: roomy, refined, packed with tech, and genuinely frugal at the pump. Add sharp new styling, confident handling, and strong value (especially with potential tax credits), and it’s one of the most compelling compact SUVs on sale today. If you’re shopping the segment, put the Escape Hybrid high on your test-drive list.
