2025 Ford Escape Hybrid Model Review
2025 Ford Escape Hybrid Review with Specs, Price, & Photos
Key Features
- Starting at $32,490 MSRP*
- Hybrid or Plug-in hybrid 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine
- Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with 88kw electric motor
- Available Hybrid on ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite trims, or Plug-In Hybrid via a dedicated trim
- Liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery
- Available intelligent AWD and AWD disconnect
- Towing Capacity of 3,500 lbs with Towing Package
- 4 selectable drive modes
About the Ford Escape Hybrid
Looking for a state-of-the-art hybrid SUV? The Ford Escape Hybrid is for you! Available in 5 hybrid trims including a dedicated Plug-In Hybrid trim, all varieties come equipped with a hybrid 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine with an 88 kW electric motor.
The Escape Hybrid is lower, wider, and delivers more interior space than previous generations. The Escape Hybrid makes the most of that interior space through the use of a smaller liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery right underneath the floor of the second row of seats. The size of the battery is equivalent to the size of a normal briefcase and is significantly smaller as compared to the hybrid battery in previous Escape Hybrid models. Thanks to the clever design of the Escape Hybrid, the battery’s position leaves more room available for you and your gear - resulting in a maximum cargo space of 60.8 cubic feet. The Ford Escape Hybrid is available now with similar trim options to the non-hybrid model.
What the Critics Say
"The Escape Hybrid is fun to drive thanks to agile handling that’s light, which makes this compact SUV easy to place on the road. Its sensible proportions – despite being wider and longer – also mean it’s not a pain to park." -- Cars.com
"The Escape Hybrid is both zippy and fuel-efficient, and it offers composed handling and a blissful ride over rough pavement. When optioned as a plug-in hybrid, it has an all-electric driving range of up to 37 miles. There's sufficient seating space for adults in both rows, and the Escape Hybrid is packed with a user-friendly infotainment system and lots of active safety features. It's also one of the more affordably priced vehicles in the hybrid SUV class." -- U.S. News
Ford Escape Hybrid Features
Powerful Hybrid Engine Capabilities
Both versions of the Ford Escape Hybrid – both the Escape Hybrid and Escape Plug-In Hybrid – come equipped with a proven 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson Cycle engine mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and an 88 kW electric motor. Add to that electric power-assisted steering, 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, and AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and you have an SUV that delivers not only fuel savings – but maximum control and safety as well. It also breaks the stereotype that a hybrid SUV is incapable of towing anything behind it thanks to a standard towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Models equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package are capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.
Versatile Fuel Efficiency
The Ford Escape Hybrid models tout some creative ways to save fuel without having to compromise on other features. The Escape Hybrid has an available AWD Disconnect feature that transforms into FWD by disabling the rear driveline whenever the system finds no need for AWD. Using the AWD Disconnect helps reduce drag and excess energy consumption for the drivetrain.
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes with a Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging port giving you flexibility when charging your vehicle. The 110-volt Level 1 charger can take 10 to 11 hours to fully charge. But through the use of the 240-volt Level 2 charger, an Escape Plug-In Hybrid only takes 3.5 hours to reach a full charge.
Next-Generation Technology
The technology on all Ford Escape models – both the traditional gas powertrains as well as the hybrid powertrains – are all designed for both fuel efficiency as well as comfort and convenience. Four selectable drive modes, including Eco, Sport, Normal, and Slippery ensure your Escape Hybrid is sure-footed regardless of the terrain. The driving modes are displayed on the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and each mode can modify the electronic stability control system and traction control system automatically. Normal mode functions best for everyday driving for perfect balance while Eco Mode delivers maximum fuel efficiency and driving range. All Ford Escape Hybrid models come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and other driving-assist technologies, and additional driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition, are available in the optional Ford Co-Pilot360 Plus package.
Trims & Specs
ST-Line
- Starting at $32,490 MSRP*
- 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson Cycle I4 hybrid engine
- 18-inch Rock Metallic painted aluminum wheels
- Aluminum SVT foot pedal
- Painted front and rear bumpers
- Sport contour bucket seats
ST-Line Select
- Starting at $34,190 MSRP*
- All-wheel drive with Sport Handling Suspension/Tuning
- Available 19-inch machined-face Ebony-painted aluminum wheels
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- LED fog lamps
- Unique ST-Line badging
Platinum
- Starting at $35,615 MSRP*
- 19-inch machined-face Dark Tarnish-painted aluminum wheels
- 12.3-inch digital productivity screen
- Heated steering wheel
- Ambient lighting with floor lights
- Black roof-rack side rails
ST-Line Elite
- Starting at $38,110 MSRP*
- 19-inch machined-face Ebony-painted aluminum wheels
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- Front rain-sensing wipers
- Wireless charging pad
- Unique interior accents
Plug-In Hybrid
- Starting at $38,400 MSRP*
- 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson Cycle engine with all-electric range of 37 miles
- 18-inch machined-face Magnetic aluminum wheels with Painted Pockets
- Mobiles Power Cord included
- SYNC 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition
- Heated steering wheel
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (also referred to as "MSRP", "Base MSRP", "Base Price" or the "Starting At" price), excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees, and total of options.
**EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.