A versatile American SUV
The Ford Escape has been in the market for 25 years, which makes it one of the long-lasting entrants in the compact SUV segment. Although it hasn’t seen the same sales success as some of its rivals, the Escape has continued to be a crowd favorite for its versatility and affordable pricing structure. For 2025, the Ford Escape is better than before, offering a few different engine choices, a roomy interior, and an intuitive infotainment system.
There are five different trim levels to choose from: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite. The base Active and ST-Line models come standard with a 180-horsepower, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine and a front-drive configuration, but all-wheel drive is optional. The three highest trim levels come with a 250-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive. Every model comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
There are also hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Escape, which offer more fuel efficiency and a limited electric range. The base Escape comes standard with basic amenities, including manually adjustable cloth seats, an 8-inch infotainment display, a proximity key, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It also comes equipped with plenty of standard safety and driver-assist features.
There are also a few packages, including an Active Premium Tech package that upgrades the audio system, adds power-adjustable seats, and a power liftgate for an extra $4,370. The Cold Weather package includes heated front seats, remote start, and a heated steering wheel for an extra $995. Lastly, the Tech Package includes Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance suite, lane-centering assist, navigation, evasive-steering assist, steering assist, and a 13.2-inch touchscreen.
While you can technically opt for a base Ford Escape, add the Active Premium Tech package, and call it a day, some of the higher trim levels come with more desirable features like a leather interior, a 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, and a strong engine.
The 2025 Ford Escape also has plenty of passenger and cargo space, with up to 65.4 cubic feet behind the first row. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 2,000 pounds. As for pricing, the Ford Escape starts at $29,150 for the base model and soars to $35,940 for the top-trim ST-Line Elite. The Escape’s pricing is on par with its competitors, and while it has a lot to offer, some of its competitors may be a better fit for some buyers.
2025 Kia Sportage
Although it has been in the U.S since 1995, the Kia Sportage has always been a bit of a wild card in the compact SUV segment. It was never as popular as its rivals from Japan, especially since earlier versions lacked good build quality. Nowadays, though, the Kia Sportage has come into its own. For 2025, the Sportage wears a bold design that stands out in the compact SUV crowd, but what really sets it apart is the value it brings to the table.
The base Kia Sportage LX starts at $27,390 and comes with a wealth of standard features, such as an eight-inch touchscreen navigation system, HD radio, a USB port, Bluetooth, remote keyless entry, and a 12.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Moving up the trim levels unlocks more premium features, like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The Sportage is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 187 horsepower, but a hybrid version is also available for those who value fuel economy. Whichever powertrain you choose, front-wheel drive is standard, but an all-wheel drive configuration is also available. Compared with the Ford Escape, the Kia Sportage offers an easier way to choose a trim level since every trim is value-packed with features. However, it’s worth noting that the Sportage costs a little more when the top-trim X-Pro Prestige is chosen, as it has a starting price of $38,290, which is over $2,000 more than the equivalent Escape model.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 stands out from the crowd with its upscale cabin, engaging driving dynamics, and refined ride quality. However, it does cost a little more than the Ford Escape at every trim level. The CX-5 comes in eight different trim levels, with the base model starting at $28,770 and the top-trim 2.5 Turbo Signature starting at $40,800. But what do you get for the money?
The base CX-5 comes standard with a 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, a 10.25-inch touch screen, and rear cross-traffic alert. The higher trim levels come with more premium features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, and a Bose premium audio system. The highest trim levels upgrade the engine to a 250-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and add more amenities like a Nappa leather interior, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display.
In terms of interior space, the Mazda CX-5 offers a little less than the Ford Escape, with only 58.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. However, buyers may find that the CX-5’s fun driving dynamics and high-horsepower engine are its saving grace when it comes to spending a little more for a crossover.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has been a perennial favorite over the past few decades, and it doesn’t look like buyers will be losing interest in it any time soon. What makes the Toyota RAV4 so great is its value-packed trim levels and reputation for reliability. It’s also a little more rugged-looking than others in its class, which could appeal to some buyers.
Beyond that, the Toyota RAV4’s trim level tree is easy to navigate as there are only four different trims to choose from. The base LE model comes well-equipped and starts at $29,250. For that kind of money, buyers get a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, an eight-inch infotainment screen, a cloth interior, and a single-zone climate control. However, opting for higher trim levels opens up more features like dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a moonroof.
The Toyota RAV4 also sports plenty of cargo space, measuring 69.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, which is a little more room than the Ford Escape. However, choosing a RAV4 over an Escape comes with a premium, as the top trim level starts at $37,555, which is a couple thousand more than the fully loaded Ford Escape.
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has been a front-runner in the SUV segment with its solid build quality, practicality, and refinement. Like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V is easy to shop for as there are only three different gas-powered trim levels to choose from, in addition to three hybrid trims. However, they all come packed with set features at every step, which takes the burden off of adding packages like you would have to do with the Ford Escape.
The base Honda CR-V LX starts at $30,100, which is a little more than the Escape. At this price level, the CR-V comes with the basic necessities, including a 190-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Honda Sensing Suite of driver-assist features, a cloth interior, and smartphone integration. Stepping up to the higher trim levels unlocks features like a leather interior, a power tailgate, a larger infotainment screen, and a Bose premium audio system.
A CR-V Hybrid model is also available, which adds a 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain that can achieve up to 40 mpg in combined driving. Every trim level, except the highest Sport Touring trim, comes standard with a front-drive configuration, but an all-wheel-drive layout is available. Additionally, the CR-V boasts a good amount of cargo space, measuring a whopping 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, which bests the Escape by about 11 cubic feet.
As for pricing, the Honda CR-V tops out at $35,000 for the top-trim gas version and $41,100 for the Sport Touring Hybrid model, which is a little more than the Escape.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, the 2025 Ford Escape is the middle-of-the-road option when it comes to pricing and value. However, it can be a little confusing when configuring the different trim levels and adding packages, which can drive up the price. Some of the alternatives, like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which are packaged better, or the Kia Sportage, which costs a little less, can be better choices for buyers in the market for a compact SUV.
