There are five trim packages for the 2025 Ford Escape: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite. The Active and ST-Line have a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 181 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The ST-Line Select and above are upgraded with standard AWD and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 250 horsepower. All trims have an eight-speed automatic transmission; the 250 hp powertrain comes with paddle shifters.
Fuel efficiency in the base-engine Escape with FWD comes in at 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while the AWD edition returns 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. With the more powerful 2.0-liter engine, the ratings change to 22 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on highway. A ’25 Escape with the 250-hp engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds when it’s equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Starting with the Active trim, the Escape provides a comprehensive array of amenities. Among these are dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat, automatic LED headlights, fabric upholstery, Intelligent Access (proximity keyless entry), push-button ignition, a sliding second row with 60/40 split-folding capability, an 8-inch driver information display, a tilt and telescopic steering column, rear privacy glass, a wrapped steering wheel, four USB ports (two per row), and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Each of the three ST-Line variants showcases sporty design treatments, highlighted by a black mesh grille, an enhanced rear spoiler, roof-rack side rails, and rear underbody protection. Aside from those aesthetic differences, the ST-Line is equipped like the Active, but with sport-contoured bucket front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with red contrast stitching, upholstery in a mix of vinyl and cloth (also with red stitching), a power liftgate, and 18-inch aluminum wheels finished in Rock Metallic. The ST-line Select adds remote start, heated front seats, a blend of fabric and leatherette upholstery, a heated flat-bottomed steering wheel, LED fog lamps, and heated side mirrors in body color.
The Platinum shifts the aesthetic from track-inspired to high-style with accents like chrome exterior detailing and a distinctive LED light strip spanning the grille. This premium edition also adds wireless device charging, a heated steering wheel, stain-resistant ActiveX perforated upholstery, power front seats (ten-way for the driver and six-way for the passenger), a driver’s position memory system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 19-inch machined-face wheels. For buyers wanting both luxury and sport, the ST-Line Elite combines the Platinum’s upscale features with the ST-Line Select’s athletic design elements.
Every 2025 Escape trim gets the Ford Co-Pilot360 technology suite, consisting of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, dynamic brake support, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping alert/assist, and a driver alert monitor. The Platinum and ST-Line Elite also get adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, rear parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor (while the lower trims can add most of these features as options, the surround-view camera remains exclusive to the two topmost trims). A semi-automated parking system is optional for the Platinum and ST-Line Elite.
Central to the Escape’s technology experience is an 8-inch touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC4 operating system. This hub brings together wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment situation is upgraded in the Platinum and ST-Line Elite with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and navigation (available on the lower grades). All 2025 Escapes have access via subscription to a Wi-Fi hotspot and FordPass Connect services. A six-speaker audio system is standard across the trim range, with a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen upgrade available.
