I started driving an SUV very late in the game, which confused my friends and family at first. After all, my kids were already grown, which meant I was typically the only one in the vehicle—surely, I didn’t need the amount of room an SUV offers. The truth they came to realize, and that I already knew, is that a compact SUV is a fantastic option at any stage of life. So much so that I’m excited about upgrading to the 2025 Ford Escape—and I have everyone’s full support.
The Ford Escape is a great option for not only growing families but also for the non-typical SUV driver like me. For instance, I’ve used mine to haul supplies for vendor fairs, take my friends on long road trips, and load up more than enough Christmas packages to spoil my nieces and nephews like any good aunt should do. That’s why I’m excited about the newest version you can find at your local Ford dealer and everything it has to offer.
Breaking Down the 2025 Ford Escape
The Escape initially debuted in 2001. Its creation was a joint venture with Mazda, and it was Ford’s first SUV to be built on a unibody platform, as the other SUVs in its lineup had been built on a truck platform. The change was due to wanting a smoother, more car-like ride. Additionally, the brand hoped to create an SUV that was more fuel efficient and offered better handling, more interior space, and a lower center of gravity, all of which could be achieved by using the unibody platform. While it was a gamble to try something new, it paid off, as the Escape was an instant hit.
Today, the Escape continues to be a strong contender in its class, offering a number of benefits for the everyday driver. For me, the cargo space, responsive handling, wide open views, comfort, and efficiency were all bonuses, and as I’ve continued to drive an Escape over the years, I’ve enjoyed quite a few additional benefits as well. Here are some of the things I’m most looking forward to regarding the latest model—and things you should know if you’re considering a compact SUV.
Advanced Technology and Driver-Assist Tools
Technology is always evolving, and lately, automotive manufacturers have done a great job keeping up. When it comes to the 2025 Ford Escape, it’s hard to miss the focus on technology—and the available 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen as you slide into the driver’s seat. Even better? Once you turn it on, you’ll see the crisp images and all the features offered by the SYNC4 software. For instance, you’ll be able to access directions to your next destination, seamlessly connect your phone to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and access Ford Assistant for extra support.
That’s not all. By connecting your compatible phone, you’ll have your favorite apps right at your fingertips, allowing you to make hands-free calls, pull up your favorite playlist, and much more using voice commands. You’ll also be able to see better than ever before, thanks to the available 360-degree camera. No more worrying about whether you’re too far to one side or the other when parking or wondering what’s behind or beside you as you navigate out of tight situations. Plus, there’s a split-view option that provides you with even more detail.
Another technology plus, and possibly my favorite, is the driver-assist alerts. With Ford Co-Pilot360 on your side, you have a long list of safety features and alerts to keep you informed of what’s happening in the area around your vehicle. For instance, with BLIS—Ford’s blind spot information system—you’ll be informed if a vehicle is in the lane next to you, allowing you to react accordingly. Other driver-assist features you can find throughout the Escape lineup include Reverse Brake Assist, a Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control, just to name a few.
Interior, Exterior, and Design
When it comes to aesthetic appeal, the 2025 Ford Escape turns heads at every angle. It features a sleek, modern design that combines luxury with a sporty edge. The powerful front end includes a large, octagonal grille flanked by sharp, thin LED headlamps. Combined, these two features give it a distinctive, aggressive appearance. If you’re familiar with previous versions, you’ll notice quickly that the bodywork of this newest version is more sculpted and aerodynamic, with smooth, flowing lines that enhance the profile and draw you in for a closer look. At that backend, you’ll find a sculpted tailgate and sleek, wraparound LED taillights, coming full circle and creating an overall modern yet rugged appearance that gives you the confidence to go wherever you want.
The interior—which is my second favorite thing—isn’t about to be outdone by the exterior. The truth is that a well-planned, thoughtful space will get me every time, as it allows me to keep things organized and find things more quickly when I need to. Plus, a clean and uncluttered space is more calming, allowing me to enjoy the drive that much more. The interior of the 2025 Ford Escape doesn’t disappoint, combining modern design with functionality, resulting in a spacious cabin with available premium materials that deliver a feeling of luxury, especially when combined with available ambient lighting. Additionally, ergonomic seating offers ample head and legroom for all, making even longer trips comfortable.
The 2025 Ford Escape is also convenient and functional, whether you need the cargo space to move your oldest into his dorm, load up your goods for a vendor fair, or make a quick trip to the hardware store—all of which I’ve done. And, of course, it’s also room enough for the groceries, the kids’ soccer gear, and whatever else you might want to use it for. Plus, with the available power liftgate, unloading and loading cargo is as easy as can be. Speaking of cargo, with the rear seats folded down, you’ll have access to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is a lot of space for a smaller SUV.
Trim Levels
When looking into the 2025 Ford Escape, you’ll find a number of trim levels, each with its own benefits. You’ll also find that even at the base level, the brand has provided a number of amenities to make the drive more connected, safe, comfortable, and convenient. That base level is the Active, which comes in just under $30,000. The three ST-Line trims—the ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and ST-Line Elite—offer unique styling, features, and performance, resulting in a sportier vibe than the rest of the trim levels. There is also the Platinum trim, which offers hints of luxury and refinements that you might not expect but will definitely enjoy, such as a heated 10-way power driver’s seat, a power liftgate, connected navigation, and more.
A Strong Contender
The 2025 Ford Escape is a strong contender in its class and a fun SUV to drive. Not only that, but you get a number of features at a great price point, which leaves more money on the table for putting the cargo space to good use and traveling across the country. There’s not just one reason why the Escape has continued to be popular; there are many. Of course, I might be a little biased, but I’m not the only one in my family with an Escape in their driveway anymore, which speaks for itself.
When you’re looking for something a bit different than what people think you should drive, the 2025 Escape might just check all the boxes. I know that for me, my Escape has been a fun and reliable vehicle that has helped me make a lot of memories with families and friends, and I’m excited to get a closer look at the newest model.
