Makes›Ford›Escape›2025

2025 Ford Escape

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.

Ford Escape
Pictured: 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL AWD in Oxford White, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 1.5l AWD, 4dr SUV 1.5l FWD, 4dr SUV 2.0l AWD, 4dr SUV 2.5l Hybrid AWD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
40 combined · 42 city / 37 hwy
Length
180.7 in
Curb weight
3,283–3,904 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 38% better than the average 2025 small SUV (29 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 40 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2025 Ford Escape is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive, part-time 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 181 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,419 lb (4dr SUV 1.5l AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (42 city / 37 highway), 38% better than the 2025 small SUV average of 29 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2025

  • New plug-in hybrid version

Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 Escape →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.5L turbo
Engine–2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Engine–2.0L turbo
Engine–2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

ActivePHEVPlatinumST Line Select

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Louisville, Kentucky

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2025 Escape configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 1.5l AWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,419 lb58/42
4dr SUV 1.5l FWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,283 lb59/41
4dr SUV 2.0l AWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,543 lb58/42
4dr SUV 2.5l Hybrid AWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,904 lb58/42
4dr SUV 2.5l Hybrid FWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,519 lb59/41
4dr SUV 2.5l PHEV AWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,684 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escape FWD PHEV Plug-in Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive42 / 37 / 40+38%$1,70078
Escape FWD HEV Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive42 / 36 / 39+34%$1,700225
Escape AWD HEV Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive42 / 36 / 39+52%$1,700225
Escape FWD1.5L 3-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 34 / 30+3%$2,250298
Escape AWD1.5L 3-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive26 / 32 / 28+9%$2,400316
Escape AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+2%$2,600336
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
29 MPG2025 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2025 Ford Escape.

Similar 2025 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2025 Ford Escape (this car)40 MPGNot rated10
2025 Toyota RAV439 MPG★★★★★4
2025 Honda CR-V40 MPG★★★★★6
2025 Ford Bronco20 MPGNot rated19
2025 Hyundai Tucson38 MPG★★★★★7
2025 Subaru Forester35 MPG★★★★★4
2025 Mazda CX-528 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (10)

Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Mar 3, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Feb 17, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V091000 · 25,237 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software, free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. This recall expands previous recall numbers 24V954 and 25V489. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 18, 2026.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Dec 12, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V862000 · 780 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Corsair and Escape vehicles. The seat belt retractors for the left and right rear passenger seats may not be securely fastened.
Risk
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and secure, or replace the seat belt retractor bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C68. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 15, 2025.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments · Dec 1, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V829000 · 108,762 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Nov 14, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V787000 · 2 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick and Escape vehicles. The cover for the electric brake booster's ECU may cause the printed circuit board to overheat and result in a loss of vehicle stability control systems (anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control) or a loss of brake power assist.
Risk
Loss of vehicle stability control or brake power assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the electric brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 17, 2025.
Engine · Jun 3, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V372000 · 404 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Risk
An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · May 23, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V343000 · 6,781 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Risk
An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Mar 14, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V161000 · 4,721 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Escape vehicles. The rearview camera may incorrectly display an inverted image when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
An inverted rearview camera image will not accurately display what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C08.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 31, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V049000 · 298 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco Sport, Escape, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may not illuminate at startup or while driving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" as well as FMVSS numbers 126, 108, 135, 138, 208, and 305.
Risk
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C02.
Air Bags › Frontal · Nov 8, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V850000 · 15 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Escape vehicles. The passenger side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
During air bag deployment, the air bag cover may break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the passenger side instrument panel cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C38.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2025 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

31Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
5,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System10
Unknown Or Other6
Engine5
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Power Train3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking3
Steering2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
25/06: 125/08: 225/09: 125/10: 225/11: 126/02: 126/03: 626/04: 326/05: 226/06: 226/07: 226/08: 326/09: 326/10: 225/0625/0925/1126/0326/0526/0726/09max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2025 Ford Escape buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Engine And Engine Cooling — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Escape years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Escape40180.7 inNot rated34
2024 Escape39180.7 in★★★★★1088
2023 Escape40180.7 in★★★★★13138
2022 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★21386
2021 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★21498
2020 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★251,908
2019 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★3597
2018 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★41,822
2017 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★42,702
2016 Escape26178.7 inNot rated41,170
2015 Escape26178.7 inNot rated91,131
2014 Escape26178.7 inNot rated162,023

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →