7 Exciting Configurations for the 2025 Ford Escape You Need to Know About
The 2025 Ford Escape has made quite the buzz in the SUV market With new configurations that are tailored to just about every driver this year’s model is packed with features and performance upgrades that are hard to ignore From eco-conscious hybrids to turbocharged engines the Escape lineup is offering more versatility than ever before
But hey no car is perfect right? I’ll highlight the pros and the quirks of each configuration so you can make the best decision for your next ride Let’s dive in!
The Ford Escape Trims and Configurations: A Breakdown
Ford continues to spoil us with 7 incredible configurations for the 2025 Escape Each trim caters to a different type of driver making sure there's a version of the Escape to fit your personality or driving needs Here’s a look at each configuration and what they bring to the table
1. 2025 Ford Escape S: The Base Model That Surprises
The Ford Escape S is the entry-level trim but don't let the word “base” fool you It packs a punch in all the right places
Key Features:
- 1.5L EcoBoost® Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology
- Front-wheel drive
- 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Ford SYNC® 4
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- 17-inch steel wheels
Pros:
Price point: The Escape S is the most affordable option for budget-conscious buyers while still coming equipped with modern features like smartphone connectivity
Fuel efficiency: With the 1.5L EcoBoost engine you’re looking at around 30 MPG combined which is solid for daily commuting
Cons:
Basic interior materials: Let’s be honest, if you’re expecting plush leather seats and a premium finish in the Escape S, think again It's more of a “coffee spill won't ruin this seat” kind of vibe
Steel wheels: They get the job done, but the base wheels look like the ones your grandma’s car probably had in the ‘90s Functional but not fabulous
Alex Collantes a car enthusiast I chatted with about the Escape S said “It’s a solid car for the price, but the interior feels like it’s missing something... like a personality Maybe that’s just me though I like a little more luxury!”
2. 2025 Ford Escape SE: Stepping It Up
The SE model cranks things up a notch from the S trim with a few more premium features that might catch your eye without breaking the bank
Key Features:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ suite (advanced safety features)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Optional panoramic sunroof
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Pros:
Safety first: Ford Co-Pilot360 brings in a variety of features like lane-keeping assist automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera giving you peace of mind on the road
Optional panoramic roof: It makes the inside feel a little more spacious and upscale especially if you're the kind of person who enjoys soaking in the sunshine or stargazing
Cons:
Still basic materials: While it’s a step up from the S trim don’t expect luxury just yet The seats are comfy but not “I just sunk into a cloud” comfy
Middle child syndrome: It’s not as affordable as the S nor as feature-packed as the higher trims so it can feel a little like the middle child trying to get attention
Alex said, “The SE is great if you’re someone who appreciates a few extra perks but let’s be real you’re still not going to impress your friends with it” he joked
3. 2025 Ford Escape ST-Line: Sporty and Stylish
For drivers who want a bit more flair the ST-Line offers a sportier design and some extra tech goodies to play with
Key Features:
- 1.5L EcoBoost engine
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Unique ST-Line grille and badges
- 19-inch black-painted aluminum wheels
- Ford SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition
Pros:
Looks that kill: The ST-Line’s bold design with black accents and 19-inch wheels gives it a serious edge over the more modest trims If you like making an entrance this one’s for you
Sportier ride: The tuned suspension offers a more engaging driving experience It’s still not a race car but it’s zippier than its lower trim siblings
Cons:
Price creep: You’re starting to edge into the “I’m paying more for the looks than anything else” territory here
Lack of engine upgrade: The sporty design might lead you to expect a beefier engine but the 1.5L is still the same as the S and SE trims Talk about a tease!
4. 2025 Ford Escape SEL: The Sweet Spot
The SEL trim is where Ford starts bringing some luxury into the mix without going full-on boujee
Key Features:
- Available 2.0L EcoBoost engine
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter
- Power liftgate
- Heated front seats
Pros:
Balance of comfort and tech: The SEL strikes a nice balance with comfort features like heated seats and a power liftgate that’ll make grocery runs feel like less of a hassle
Optional 2.0L EcoBoost: This engine offers more horsepower (250 hp) giving the Escape some extra oomph if you’re craving more speed on the highway
Cons:
Feels too serious: The SEL’s look might be a bit too “grown-up” for some drivers The sporty flair from the ST-Line is gone and replaced with a more corporate vibe
Optional engine costs: The 2.0L engine is great but it’ll cost you significantly more adding to the overall price tag of your “budget-friendly” SUV
Alex pointed out “The SEL is where I’d probably land if I was buying It’s got enough features to keep me happy without making me feel like I’m showing off or spending too much”
5. 2025 Ford Escape Titanium: The Luxury Leader
Here we go Now we’re talking The Titanium trim is the top of the Escape lineup and it’s where things start feeling fancy
Key Features:
- 2.0L EcoBoost engine standard
- Hands-free foot-activated liftgate
- B&O® 10-speaker sound system
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Leather-trimmed seats
Pros:
Premium everything: The Titanium trim goes all-in on luxury from the leather seats to the premium audio system If you like your car to feel like a high-end hotel room you’ve found your match
Smooth ride: With the 2.0L engine standard it has enough power to make your morning commute feel less like a chore and more like a joyride
Cons:
Pricey: You guessed it luxury isn’t cheap The Titanium trim starts to flirt with pricing that puts it dangerously close to some luxury SUVs from other brands
Too tech-heavy?: Some drivers might feel overwhelmed by all the gadgets and screens It’s like Ford threw every tech feature into the Titanium hoping you’ll figure it out
As Alex put it “The Titanium is like driving a techie’s dream It’s awesome if you love gadgets but man I felt like I needed an IT degree just to adjust the settings on the sound system!”
6. 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid: Green Driving
If you’re all about saving the planet while also saving on gas the Plug-In Hybrid Escape might just be your new best friend
Key Features:
- 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 hybrid engine
- Electric-only range up to 37 miles
- Level 1/Level 2 charging capability
- Regenerative braking
- SYNC® 4 with a 13.2-inch display
Pros:
Green and clean: With the ability to drive on electric power alone for short distances this configuration helps you reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing practicality
Tax incentives: Depending on where you live you could be eligible for federal or state tax incentives for choosing a plug-in hybrid That’s some green in your wallet too!
Cons:
Charging hassle: If you don’t have a charging station at home or live near one having to charge the vehicle could become a pain pretty quickly
Battery bulk: The battery pack adds weight to the Escape so don’t expect the same zippy performance you’d get from the EcoBoost models
7. 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid: The Efficient Middle Ground
The regular hybrid option offers better fuel economy than the gas-powered models while still keeping things simple No need to worry about plugging in with this one
Key Features:
- 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 hybrid engine
- 44 MPG city / 37 MPG highway
- Regenerative braking
- 8-inch infotainment screen
- Available all-wheel drive
Pros:
No plug needed: Unlike the Plug-In Hybrid the regular Hybrid charges itself as you drive so you never have to worry about finding a charger
Fuel economy: If you’re looking to save at the pump the hybrid’s efficiency is hard to beat especially for an SUV
Cons:
Mediocre acceleration: The hybrid engine prioritizes fuel savings over speed so don’t expect to win any races
Tech overload light: Compared to the Titanium trim the Hybrid’s tech features are a little light but maybe that’s a good thing depending on how tech-savvy you are
Wrapping Up: Which 2025 Ford Escape is Right for You?
There’s no denying that the 2025 Ford Escape offers a lot of variety Whether you're a tech nerd eco-warrior or someone who just needs a solid daily driver there's a trim for you But no SUV is perfect The Escape has its little quirks from basic materials in the lower trims to overwhelming tech in the higher ones
Still it’s hard to find a reason not to consider the 2025 Escape if you’re in the market for a compact SUV that covers a wide range of driving needs without completely blowing your budget. The base S might feel a bit plain the SE and SEL offer balanced upgrades and the Titanium and hybrids cater to luxury and eco-conscious drivers respectively.
So what's your pick for the perfect Ford Escape? Let’s just hope Ford doesn’t try to escape from delivering on all these promises