A versatile American SUV
The Ford The Ford Escape has been around for 25 years, making it one of the enduring models in the compact SUV category. Despite not matching the sales figures of certain competitors, it remains popular among consumers due to its adaptability and reasonable price point. In the model year 2025, the Ford Escape comes with improved features including multiple engine options, ample cabin space, and a user-friendly entertainment interface.
There are five distinct trims available: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite. Both the basic Active and ST-Line versions feature a 180-horsepower, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine paired with front-wheel drive as standard; however, all-wheel drive can be added for extra cost. In contrast, the top three trims—ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite—are powered by a more potent 250-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine along with all-wheel drive included. Each version includes an eight-speed automatic gearbox as part of their equipment list.
The Escape also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that provide enhanced fuel economy along with a restricted all-electric driving range. At its core, the base model includes fundamental comforts such as manual cloth seating, an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment, a keyless entry system, and seamless smartphone integration via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, this version is fitted with numerous standard safety and assistance technologies.
The vehicle offers several optional packages: firstly, the Active Premium Tech package enhances the audio experience, introduces power-adjustable seating, and installs a power liftgate for an additional cost of $4,370. Secondly, the Cold Weather package equips you with heated front seats, remote engine starting capabilities, and a warm steering wheel at an extra charge of $995. Finally, the Tech Package comes loaded with Ford’s comprehensive Co-Pilot360 driving assistance features, incorporates lane-centering technology, integrates advanced navigation systems, provides evasive-steering support, aids with steering adjustments, and places a sizable 13.2-inch touch display within reach.
Although you could choose the basic model of a Ford Escape, include the Active Premium Tech package, and be done with it, certain upscale trims offer more appealing amenities such as a leather interior, a 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system, and a powerful engine.
The 2025 Ford Escape offers ample room for passengers and luggage, providing up to 65.4 cubic feet of storage area behind the front seats. With appropriate configuration, it can pull trailers weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. In terms of cost, the starting price for the basic version of the Ford Escape is set at $29,150, whereas the highest trim level, known as the ST-Line Elite, comes in at $35,940. Pricing-wise, the Escape aligns well with similar vehicles from rival manufacturers; however, certain prospective buyers might find that alternative options within this segment could suit their needs more effectively.
2025 Kia Sportage
Even though it has been in the U.S. since 1995, the Kia The Sportage has traditionally been somewhat of an unpredictable choice within the compact SUV market. It didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as its Japanese competitors, particularly due to inferior construction quality in previous models. However, the Kia Sportage has now found its niche. In the year 2025 model, the Sportage boasts a striking appearance that makes it distinct among other vehicles in the compact SUV category. What truly distinguishes it, however, is the exceptional value it offers.
The basic model of the Kia Sportage LX has a starting price of $27,390 and includes numerous standard amenities, including an eight-inch touch screen for navigation, HD radio capability, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, remote keyless access, and a 12.2-inch digital instrument panel. Upgrading to higher trims provides additional luxury items such as a 12.3-inch digital display, a larger 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless phone charging, and a top-tier Harman Kardon sound system.
The Sportage comes equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine delivering 187 horsepower, though a hybrid option is offered for better fuel efficiency. Regardless of whether you opt for this or another drivetrain, front-wheel drive is included across the lineup; however, all-wheel drive can be added. When compared to the Ford Escape, selecting a trim level for the Kia Sportage becomes simpler due to each variant being well-equipped with features. It should be mentioned that at the highest trim level—the X-Pro Prestige—pricing increases significantly, beginning at $38,290, making it over $2,000 pricier than its comparable counterpart from Ford.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda The CX-5 distinguishes itself from competitors thanks to its sophisticated interior, dynamic handling, and smooth ride. Nonetheless, it carries a slightly higher price tag compared to the Ford Escape across all trim levels. This SUV offers eight distinct trims, ranging from a base model priced at $28,770 up to the premium 2.5 Turbo Signature variant which starts at $40,800. So, what exactly does your investment buy you here?
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.
When considering interior volume, the Mazda CX-5 provides slightly less storage capacity compared to the Ford Escape, offering just 58.1 cubic feet of luggage room with the rear seats lowered. Nonetheless, potential purchasers might conclude that the CX-5’s engaging handling and powerful motor could be worthwhile factors, making it worth the additional investment over similar SUVs.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota The RAV4 has consistently been popular over the years, and it seems unlikely that customer enthusiasm for it will wane anytime soon. The Toyota RAV4 stands out due to its well-equipped trims and strong track record of dependability. Additionally, its somewhat tougher appearance compared to competitors might attract certain purchasers.
The Toyota RAV4’s range of trim levels is straightforward with just four options available. Starting at $29,250, the entry-level LE version includes standard amenities such as a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-inch touchscreen display, fabric seats, and a single-zone air conditioning system. Upgrading to higher trim grades adds extras including two-zone automatic temperature control, leather seating surfaces, a leather-covered steering wheel, and a sunroof.
The Toyota RAV4 boasts ample storage capacity, offering 69.6 cubic feet when the back seats are lowered, providing slightly more luggage space compared to the Ford Escape. Nevertheless, opting for a RAV4 instead of an Escape entails a higher cost, since the highest trim version begins at $37,555, placing it roughly two thousand dollars above the completely equipped Ford Escape.
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda The CR-V has consistently excelled in the SUV market due to its robust construction, functionality, and sophistication. Similar to the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V offers simplicity when purchasing because customers can select among just three gasoline-driven variants along with an additional trio of hybrid options. Notably, each version includes a standard array of amenities right out of the gate, eliminating the necessity to opt for supplementary bundles—unlike what one might encounter with the Ford Escape.
The entry-level Honda CR-V LX has a starting price of $30,100, slightly above the cost of an Escape. For this amount, you get standard equipment such as a 190-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the comprehensive Honda Sensing Suite for advanced driving assistance, a fabric interior, and compatibility with smartphones. Upgrading to superior trims adds luxury touches like leather upholstery, a powered rear gate, a bigger touchscreen display, and a high-end Bose sound system.
A hybrid version of the CR-V is offered as well, featuring a 204-horsepower hybrid power system capable of delivering up to 40 miles per gallon in mixed driving conditions. All trims come equipped with front-wheel drive by default, excluding the top-tier Sport Touring variant; however, all-wheel drive is optional. Furthermore, the CR-V offers ample storage space, totaling approximately 76.5 cubic feet when the back seats are lowered—a capacity exceeding Ford’s Escape by roughly 11 cubic feet.
When it comes to prices, the highest trim level of the Honda CR-V costs up to $35,000 for the gasoline variant and reaches $41,100 for the Sport Touring Hybrid edition, slightly above what you'd pay for an Escape.
Final thoughts
In the end, the 2025 Ford Escape represents an average choice regarding cost and value. Still, navigating through various trim options and added features might bump up the final price tag. Competitors such as the well-equipped Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, along with the more affordable Kia Sportage, could offer greater appeal to those seeking a compact SUV.