If You’re Shopping for a 2025 Ford Escape, Should You Go Gas, Hybrid, or Plug-In?

When shopping for a new vehicle, drivers tend to prioritize efficiency and functionality. This is one of many reasons why SUVs are the top-selling type of vehicle in the nation, as they offer both. Of course, that means you also need to narrow down which SUV is best for your needs, and in recent years, that also means choosing the powertrain that fits your lifestyle. The 2025 Ford Escape offers four powertrain options: a 1.5L EcoBoost, a 2.0L EcoBoost, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid.

At Schaumburg Ford, our knowledgeable and friendly team can help you navigate the powertrain options you have when shopping for a Ford Escape for sale to ensure you find the best fit. We will also take the time to answer any questions you might have regarding trim levels and packages, as well as offer recommendations. We have helped drivers in our area find the right vehicles for their needs since the 1960s, and we’re sure we can help you as well. Keep reading to learn more about the four powertrains offered on the 2025 Ford Escape, then reach out to us online or stop in and talk with a team member today to see this SUV up close.

2025 Ford Escape: EcoBoost Engines

The EcoBoost engine family was first introduced in 2009, making its way into the Escape in 2013. By the time 2014 rolled around, 90% of Ford vehicles were available with an EcoBoost option. The engines are designed to enhance fuel efficiency and performance while reducing emissions due to technologies such as turbocharging, which allows for more power despite a smaller engine, and direct fuel injection. Direct fuel injection is available thanks to a high-pressure fuel system that injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber. As a result, drivers enjoy improved efficiency and power.

As mentioned, there are two EcoBoost options when it comes to the 2025 Ford Escape: a 1.5L engine and a 2.0L engine. Regarding trim levels, you will find the 1.5L in the Active and ST-Line, while the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum are equipped with the 2.0L engine. It’s important to note that of the six trims available, the Active is the base option, while the ST-Line Elite is the top-of-the-line version.

For fuel economy, the 1.5L EcoBoost provides you with an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined when choosing front-wheel drive. If you opt for all-wheel drive, you can expect an estimated 28 MPG combined. If you choose the 2.0L engine, fuel economy drops slightly, but the added performance you gain might be worth it. For instance, while the EPA estimate is 26 MPG combined for the larger engine, you will also gain more towing power—3,500 lbs compared to the 2,000 lbs the 1.5L engine offers. Other perks found in the higher trims include details like a standard 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, optional head-up display, standard Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Predictive Speed Assist, rear parking sensors, and wireless charging. In addition, the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum have standard all-wheel drive.

2025 Ford Escape: Hybrid

The hybrid powertrain is compelling for many drivers as it doesn’t require you to plug in the vehicle overnight or find a place to charge when enjoying a road trip. Instead, the vehicle charges on the go. Essentially, hybrids combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution. Depending on the driving conditions, the system will switch between the two or use both power sources at once. For instance, at low speeds and with light acceleration, the electric motor driven by a battery can power the car, lowering fuel usage. When extra power is required, such as during rapid acceleration or high-speed driving, the gasoline engine takes over or works alongside the electric motor. Hybrid vehicles also utilize regenerative braking, which recharges the battery by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy as the vehicle slows down. This combination improves fuel economy, lowers emissions, and strikes a balance between performance and efficiency.

For the 2025 Ford Escape, the ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum all offer the option of choosing a hybrid powertrain instead of the standard EcoBoost engine. In doing so, you gain better fuel economy—44 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway—and increased peace of mind when it comes to your carbon footprint. For many, choosing a hybrid is the perfect blend of both worlds, which is something to consider when determining which powertrain is best for your needs. However, it’s important to note that the hybrid powertrain option might not be the one for you if you plan to tow more than 1,500 lbs.

Beyond improved efficiency, you will enjoy the same perks mentioned above when it comes to comfort and convenience. Plus, all 2025 Escape models, regardless of powertrain, allow you to seamlessly connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to enjoy your favorite playlist, get turn-by-turn directions, and more. You will also appreciate the focus the brand has put on safety—and the results. In fact, the 2025 Ford Escape earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). On the functionality side of things, all but the base Active and ST-Line trims offer a standard power liftgate, and you can opt to add this feature to those trims. 

2025 Ford Escape: Plug-in Hybrid

Last but not least, the 2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid stands on its own. It is equipped with the same 2.5L gasoline engine as the Escape Hybrid but combines it with more powerful electric motors and a much larger 14.4 kWh battery pack. Also unlike the traditional hybrid, this version can be plugged in to recharge, allowing you to drive without burning gasoline for longer distances. As a result, its powertrain provides smooth performance, lower emissions, and better efficiency, making it perfect for drivers seeking a vehicle that combines electric and gasoline propulsion for increased sustainability and driving range.

When choosing the 2025 Escape Plug-in Hybrid, you can enjoy an EPA-estimated 105 MPGe and 37 miles of electric range before the gasoline engine kicks in. The battery can be recharged from a standard 120V household outlet using the included power cord or from a Level 2 EV charging station. When it comes to towing, the plug-in hybrid has the same maximum capacity of 1,500 lbs found in the hybrid.

Beyond these powertrain details, the plug-in hybrid is quite similar to the Platinum trim, with both offering premium features like a standard power liftgate and optional head-up display. Additional perks that can be added to this trim that you might enjoy include a heated steering wheel and heated front-row seats, a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen that includes 10 speakers and a subwoofer, and a Panoramic Vista Roof with Power Shade—which are also options for many of the other Escape trims.

Check Out the 2025 Ford Escape Today

At the end of the day, the 2025 Ford Escape offers a number of features that today’s drivers both want and need, along with solid efficiency. Choosing between the four powertrains comes down to how much efficiency you want and how much towing power you need. While the plug-in hybrid and hybrid options allow you to go further, if you plan to tow anything more than a small travel trailer, you will need to opt for an EcoBoost option instead.

Our team here at Schaumburg Ford is happy to provide you with more insight into these four powertrain options as well as go into more detail about standard and available features the 2025 Escape offers. You can reach out to us online or stop by and talk with a team member today. We look forward to helping you find your next vehicle!

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