The Ford Escape continues to define the compact SUV segment with its impressive blend of on-road performance, versatile capability, and advanced technology. For the new model year, the Escape lineup offers an expanded selection of powertrain options, each engineered to deliver a specific driving experience that balances power, efficiency, and refinement. Whether navigating urban environments or venturing beyond paved roads, the Escape provides the confidence and capability to match diverse driving needs and lifestyle requirements.

Powertrain Options

The Escape offers a comprehensive range of powertrains, allowing customers to select the perfect balance of performance and efficiency for their specific needs.

1.5-Litre EcoBoost

The foundation of the Escape lineup begins with the proven 1.5-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. This efficient yet spirited powerplant delivers 181 horsepower and 257 Nm of torque, providing responsive acceleration and excellent fuel economy. Ford engineers have refined this engine with enhanced calibration for improved throttle response and reduced turbo lag.

The 1.5-litre EcoBoost features cylinder deactivation technology that seamlessly shuts down one cylinder under light load conditions, improving efficiency without compromising performance. When additional power is needed, the cylinder instantly reactivates to deliver full engine capability. This transition occurs in milliseconds and remains imperceptible to the driver.

This powertrain has an 8-speed automatic transmission with smoother shifts and improved durability. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with intelligent all-wheel drive available for enhanced traction in variable conditions.

2.0-Litre EcoBoost

For drivers seeking more robust performance, the available 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 250 horsepower and 376 Nm of torque. This powerful engine transforms the driving character of the Escape, providing confident acceleration and enhanced passing ability, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

The model year brings several refinements to this powertrain, including revised intake and exhaust systems that enhance both performance and the engine’s acoustic signature. The 8-speed automatic transmission features unique programming to handle the increased torque, with sport mode providing more aggressive shift patterns when desired.

This engine comes exclusively with the intelligent Ford all-wheel drive system, ensuring optimal traction for this performance-oriented powertrain. The system can disconnect the rear driveline when all-wheel drive isn’t needed, improving fuel efficiency during highway cruising.

2.5-Litre Hybrid

The Escape Hybrid continues with its advanced 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle hybrid powertrain, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a total system output of 200 horsepower. The seamless integration of electric and gasoline power provides a refined driving experience with immediate response from a standstill.

The hybrid system receives software updates that further optimize the transition between electric and gasoline propulsion, resulting in smoother operation and improved efficiency. The electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) reduces interior noise levels under acceleration.

The hybrid powertrain is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the latter system specially calibrated to work in harmony with the hybrid powertrain’s unique power delivery characteristics.

2.5-Litre Plug-in Hybrid

At the technology forefront of the Escape lineup stands the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine combined with a larger electric motor and a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. This advanced powertrain delivers 221 system horsepower while enabling up to 60 kilometres of pure electric driving range.

The latest model year brings enhanced electric power management and faster charging capability, reducing the time needed to replenish the battery. The PHEV system offers four selectable drive modes that allow drivers to choose how and when to use electric power:

• Auto EV: The vehicle decides whether to run on gas or electric power
• EV Now: Uses only electric power until the battery is depleted
• EV Later: Reserves battery power for later use
• EV Charge: Uses the engine to charge the battery while driving

The plug-in hybrid variant comes standard with front-wheel drive to maximize efficiency and electric range.

Performance Dynamics

Beyond raw power specifications, the Escape delivers a refined driving experience through sophisticated chassis engineering and advanced technology.

Handling Precision

The Escape platform features a rigid structure that provides the foundation for precise handling and a comfortable ride. Ford engineers have retuned the suspension across all models, with model-specific calibrations that match each powertrain’s character.

The front suspension utilizes MacPherson struts with specially tuned dampers and an isolated subframe that reduces road noise and vibration. The rear suspension features an independent multi-link design that balances handling precision with ride quality, even over rough surfaces.

The Escape ST-Line models receive a sport-tuned suspension with firmer springs and dampers, along with a 10mm lower ride height that reduces body roll during cornering. The electric power-assisted steering system features unique calibration on these models to improve feedback and precision.

Driving Modes

All Escape models feature selectable drive modes that allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s character to specific conditions or preferences:

• Normal: Balanced settings for everyday driving
• Eco: Optimizes fuel efficiency through modified throttle response and climate control settings
• Sport: Enhances throttle response, modifies transmission shift patterns, and increases steering weight
• Slippery: Adjusts traction control and throttle response for improved confidence on wet or icy roads
• Deep Snow/Sand: Allows more wheel slip to maintain momentum in challenging conditions

These modes modify multiple vehicle systems simultaneously, creating distinct driving personalities from a single vehicle. The drive mode selector is conveniently located on the center console for easy access while driving.

All-Terrain Capability

While primarily designed for on-road comfort, the Escape offers surprising capability beyond the pavement when equipped with all-wheel drive.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

The available intelligent all-wheel drive system continuously monitors traction conditions and can transfer up to 100% of available torque to the rear wheels when needed. Unlike more basic systems, the Escape AWD can also distribute torque side-to-side across the rear axle to address specific traction challenges.

The system features enhanced predictive capability that can pre-emptively engage all-wheel drive based on numerous inputs, including outside temperature, wiper usage, and driver behaviour patterns. This proactive approach ensures optimal traction before wheel slip occurs.

The system operates automatically, requiring no driver intervention, and can disconnect the rear driveline when additional traction isn’t needed, improving fuel efficiency during highway cruising. All-wheel-drive models maintain the same ground clearance as front-drive variants: 198 mm for standard models and 188 mm for ST-Line models.

Trail Management

When venturing beyond paved surfaces, the Escape offers several features that enhance capability:

• Hill Descent Control: Maintains a set speed when descending steep grades, allowing the driver to focus on steering
• Advanced Traction Control: Includes specific calibrations for different surface types, from gravel to mud
• 180-Degree Front Camera: Helps navigate tight trails and visualize obstacles
• Underbody Protection: Strategic shielding for vulnerable components

While not designed for extreme off-roading, the Escape with all-wheel drive confidently handles cottage access roads, winter conditions, and moderate trails that connect adventure destinations.

Towing Capability

The Escape offers impressive towing capacity for a compact SUV, making it suitable for a wide range of recreational activities.

Engine-Specific Capacities

Towing capability varies by powertrain:

• 1.5-litre EcoBoost: 907 kg maximum when properly equipped
• 2.0-litre EcoBoost: 1,588 kg maximum when properly equipped
• 2.5-litre Hybrid: 680 kg maximum when properly equipped
• 2.5-litre Plug-in Hybrid: 680 kg maximum when properly equipped

The available Class II Trailer Tow Package includes a wiring harness, enhanced cooling system, and trailer sway control that works in conjunction with the vehicle’s stability control to maintain composure when towing.

Towing Technology

The Escape offers several technologies that make towing easier and more secure:

• Pro Trailer Backup Assist: Simplifies reversing with a trailer through intuitive controls
• Trailer Sway Control: Automatically detects trailer sway and applies selective braking to bring things under control
• Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage: Extends blind spot monitoring to cover the length of the trailer
• Rear View Camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist: Provides guidelines to simplify trailer hookup

These features transform the Escape into a capable towing platform that handles weekend toys and small trailers with confidence.

Performance Technology

The Escape incorporates advanced technology that enhances both performance and driver confidence across various conditions.

AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control

This sophisticated system uses gyroscopic sensors to monitor vehicle motion and can selectively apply brakes and modify engine power to maintain stability. The system includes Curve Control, which can detect when a vehicle is entering a curve too quickly and automatically slow it.

The system receives updated programming with specific calibrations for each powertrain and drive configuration. This tailored approach ensures optimal intervention that maintains safety while preserving the unique driving character of each Escape variant.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go

Available Adaptive Cruise Control takes the stress out of long highway drives by maintaining a set distance from vehicles ahead, even in fluctuating traffic conditions. The system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary and resume driving when traffic moves again.

On models equipped with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a visual representation of detected vehicles appears, confirming the system’s operation and enhancing driver confidence.

OEM Parts: The Only True Choice

When it comes to maintaining or enhancing the performance and capability of your Ford Escape, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts represent the only recommended option. These factory-original components are designed specifically for your vehicle, ensuring perfect fit, function, and durability that aftermarket alternatives simply cannot match.

The Ford rigorous testing procedures guarantee that each OEM part meets exacting standards for performance and longevity. This is particularly important for components that affect vehicle dynamics, such as suspension parts, brake components, and engine management systems. Using genuine Ford parts preserves your vehicle’s warranty coverage while maintaining the precise driving characteristics that Ford engineers meticulously developed.

The sophisticated all-wheel drive system, hybrid powertrains, and performance-tuned suspension systems in the Escape require precision-engineered parts to function as intended. When these systems require service, only OEM parts can ensure they continue to deliver the capability and refinement you expect.

5 Escape Performance Facts

• The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine features a unique “hard-cut” cylinder shut-off during aggressive deceleration, which creates a subtle exhaust rumble reminiscent of performance vehicles when the accelerator is suddenly released.
• Ford engineers used advanced computational fluid dynamics modelling to reshape the underbody shields, resulting in a 4% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency that benefits both performance and fuel economy.
• The all-wheel drive system in the Escape can analyze and respond to changes in wheel traction in as little as 10 milliseconds – faster than the blink of a human eye, which takes approximately 300-400 milliseconds.
• During development testing, prototype Escapes with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine completed over 1,000 full-throttle acceleration runs in a single 24-hour period to validate cooling system performance and engine durability.
• The Escape Plug-in Hybrid’s battery cooling system can bring the battery temperature down by as much as 8 degrees Celsius in under 30 seconds, preserving battery life and maintaining optimal performance during repeated acceleration events.

What is the maximum electric range of the 2025 Escape Plug-in Hybrid?

• The Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 60 kilometres on pure electric power when the 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery is fully charged. This range is sufficient for many daily commutes and local errands, potentially allowing owners to complete their regular driving without using gasoline. Actual electric range varies based on driving conditions, temperature, terrain, and use of climate control systems. When the battery’s charge is depleted, the vehicle seamlessly transitions to normal hybrid operation, combining gasoline and electric power for continued efficient driving without range anxiety.

How does the Escape Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system work?

• The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system continuously monitors traction conditions using dozens of sensors that collect data 100 times per second. The system can transfer up to 100% of available engine torque to the rear wheels when needed, and can also distribute torque side-to-side across the rear axle. The system features enhanced predictive capability that can engage all-wheel drive proactively based on inputs such as outside temperature, wiper usage, and driver behaviour patterns. This ensures optimal traction before wheel slip occurs. To improve fuel efficiency, the system can disconnect the rear driveline when additional traction isn’t needed, essentially converting to front-wheel drive during steady highway cruising.

What performance differences exist between the ST-Line and standard Escape models?

• The ST-Line models feature several performance enhancements compared to standard variants. They receive a sport-tuned suspension with firmer springs and dampers, along with a 10mm lower ride height that reduces body roll during cornering for more responsive handling. The electric power-assisted steering system features unique calibration on these models to improve feedback and precision. Visually, ST-Line models feature larger 19-inch machined-aluminum wheels with high-performance all-season tires for improved grip. Inside, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters let you manually shift the transmission when desired. The ST-Line is available with either the 1.5-litre EcoBoost or the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines, with the latter delivering 250 horsepower and 376 Nm of torque for significantly more spirited acceleration.

How does the cylinder deactivation system in the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine function?

• The 1.5-litre EcoBoost’s cylinder deactivation technology automatically shuts down one of the three cylinders under light load conditions to improve fuel efficiency. The system uses sophisticated electronic controls to disable both the fuel injector and the intake and exhaust valves for the deactivated cylinder, effectively turning the engine into a two-cylinder under cruise conditions. When additional power is needed, the system instantly reactivates the cylinder by resuming fuel injection and valve operation. This transition occurs in milliseconds and remains imperceptible to the driver. The system continuously evaluates multiple factors, including vehicle speed, engine load, and driver demand, to determine when to engage cylinder deactivation. The technology can improve fuel efficiency by up to 6% during steady-state highway cruising while maintaining the engine’s full power capability when needed.

What is the most powerful engine option for the 2025 Escape, and what are its performance specifications?

• The most powerful engine available in the lineup is the 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, which delivers 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 376 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. This turbocharged engine features direct injection, variable valve timing, and an integrated exhaust manifold for responsive performance throughout the rev range. When properly equipped, this powertrain enables the SUV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited). The engine is exclusively paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The latest model year brings several refinements to this powertrain, including revised intake and exhaust systems that enhance both performance and the engine’s acoustic signature. This engine also enables the maximum towing capacity of 1,588 kg when equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.