2025 Ford Escape Versus the Competition
Ford offers St. Louis drivers a well-established legacy of leading performance and reliability alongside innovative technology for an overall best-in-class experience. Pair Ford's track record with the impressive capabilities and versatile use of an SUV, and you have automobile magic! Ford offers a number of SUVs including the Escape and Explorer. While both offer the performance, technology and dependability that distinguishes Ford, there are key variances that may lead Missouri drivers to prefer one over the other.
For shoppers seeking comprehensive pros and cons, we compiled useful details to help guide their decision on whether a 2025 Escape or 2025 Explorer better serves their budget and needs. Curious about other similar models available to St. Louis drivers? Read our overview of Ford SUVs compared by size.
Get to Know the 2025 Ford Escape
In 2011, Ford rolled out the Escape to provide families with a compact SUV more generously sized than a sedan but not as large as other options. It quickly became a hit, second only to F-Series pickup trucks in regards to the most popular Fords. In 2024, it continues to cater to drivers seeking the perfect balance between affordability and performance, as it is smaller than the Ford Explorer yet larger than some other models.
Get to Know the 2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV first made a splash in 1990 and has captivated the SUV market ever since. It's designed to accommodate families with its ample cargo space and seating for up to seven passengers. Moreover, it provides more power than the Ford Escape, enabling it to haul heavier loads and achieve greater speeds.
Ford Escape vs. Explorer Pricing in 2025
Specific rates may vary from one St. Louis dealership to the next, but 2025 Ford Escapes start at $29,495, while Ford Explorers start at $36,860. So why the difference? The Ford Explorer offers more space and power, all of which are points we'll discuss further below. While this added oomph may be just what some Missouri families need, others may find that the gas-efficiency and overall higher affordability of the Ford Escape better aligns to their household.
Ford Escape vs. Explorer Room & Storage
The most obvious difference between the Ford Escape versus the Ford Explorer is that the Escape offers a respectable five seats while the Explorer can seat up to seven people. More impressive is the fact that the Explorer achieves this without sacrificing individual's comfort, thanks to its overall more spacious dimensions.
The Ford Escape offers ample headroom of 40 inches in the first row and 39.3 inches in the second row, with legroom measuring at 42.4 inches in the front and 40.7 inches in the back. Its passenger volume is 104 cubic feet, providing comfortable space for passengers.
On the other hand, the Ford Explorer boasts headroom of 40.7 inches in the first row, 40.5 inches in the second row, and 38.9 inches in the third row. Its legroom varies with 43 inches in the first row, 39 inches in the second row, and 32.2 inches in the third row.
The Ford Escape provides ample versatility with its fold-down seats. Similarly, the third row of seats within the Ford Explorer also flips downward for extra cargo space.
Our point? Both SUVs are designed for overall comfort. The true differentiator between the Ford Escape vs. Explorer's seating and storage configuration comes down to how many passengers you expect to transport on a regular basis.
Ford Escape vs. Explorer Engines
The 2025 Ford Escape and Explorer offer distinct engine options tailored to different driving needs. The Escape provides a range of engines, including a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder (180 HP), a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder (250 HP), a hybrid 2.5L Atkinson cycle I4 (192 HP), and a plug-in hybrid 2.5L Atkinson cycle I4 (210 HP). In contrast, the Explorer features more powerful options: a 2.3L EcoBoost I4 with 300 HP and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 400 HP, both paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or AWD.
To summarize, the Explorer offers greater engine muscle than the Escape. However, the Escape provides excellent versatility, including hybrid engine options that allow St. Louis drivers to enjoy the benefits of both gasoline and electric power.
Ford Escape vs. Explorer Towing Capabilities
While both the 2025 Ford Escape and Explorer offer respectable towing capabilities, the Explorer excels with its ability to tow up to 5,600 pounds thanks to features like trailer sway control and hill descent control. Meanwhile, the Escape offers a reduced towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, though it has heightened fuel efficiency as a result.
Ford Escape vs. Explorer SUV Efficiency
When focusing on cost-saving fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape distinctly outperforms the Explorer. Among its engine options, the 1.5L EcoBoost® three-cylinder stands out, achieving up to 34 mpg on highways, while the Hybrid 2.5L Atkinson cycle I4 excels with an impressive 42 mpg in city driving conditions.
Ford Escape vs. Explorer Terrain Handling
The Ford Explorer 2025 can boast the ultra-advanced Terrain Management System™ upon request, giving Missouri drivers the power to adjust their SUV to fit the demands of the road, no matter the weather or conditions. Options include:
Normal - Prioritizes torque to the front wheels, sending it to the rear only when necessary
Mud/Ruts - Adopts a more proactive throttle mode, limits upshifting, and reduces stability control sensitivity
Sand - Delivers maximum torque to the wheels to maximize spinning, all the while keeping the transmission in lower gears for extended periods
Grass/Gravel/Snow - Adjusts the throttle to minimize wheel slip
In comparison to the Ford Explorer, the Ford Escape isn't quite as adaptable to diverse terrains, though it's still quite capable. For the ultimate ease of driving, it automatically detects whether front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is necessary and adjusts accordingly, maximizing fuel efficiency while delivering stability when needed most.
Ford Escape vs. Explorer - Shared & Differing Standard Features
Infotainment Systems
Where the Ford Explorer differs from the Escape is in its inclusion of some small standard upgrades. For instance, while both models offer infotainment systems with Ford's latest technologies, the Explorer's standard LCD Capacitive Portrait Touchscreen measures 10.1 inches, whereas the Escape's version is an 8.0-inch infotainment system (which can be upgraded for an additional cost).
Additional Features Available in Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and Escape
FordPass® Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot
Wireless charging pad
Automatic climate control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Heated steering wheel
Heated seats
Heated sideview mirrors
Power liftgate
LED headlamps and fog lamps
Ambient lighting
Lane keeping
Adaptive cruise control
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Ford Co-pilot
Please note, specific trim-levels may offer more features than others.
Why Shop With Bo Beuckman Quality Ford For Your Explorer or Escape
Shop with Bo Beuckman Quality Ford for your Explorer or Escape to experience the type of exceptional customer service and expert knowledge that makes us one of the best dealerships in the St. Louis area. Bo Beuckman offers both new and pre-owned Ford Escapes and Explorers, and will gladly work with you to find the ideal year and model that meets both your budget and vehicle preferences. Visit us today and discover why our customers keep coming back!
Contact
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Bo Beuckman Quality Ford
15675 Manchester Road
Ellisville, MO 63011
- Sales: 636-227-5700
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