2025 Ford Escape vs. 2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Ford Escape presents a sleek, aerodynamic profile with refined styling across its trim levels. From the sporty ST-Line with black accents and 18- to 19-inch wheels to the upscale Platinum with chrome detailing and body-color fascias, the Escape delivers a personalized look across the lineup. An available panoramic Vista Roof adds an open-air feel, while features like a power liftgate and black roof rails boost daily practicality. The 2025 Kia Sportage follows a bolder, angular design theme, featuring a distinctive grille and optional two-tone roof on select trims. It offers 17- to 19-inch wheels, roof rails, and a Smart Power Liftgate. X-Pro trims add off-road character with all-terrain tires and up to 8.3 inches of ground clearance. While both SUVs provide diverse styling options, the Escape blends modern aesthetics with functional design and versatile features that support everyday utility.

Design and Exterior

The 2025 Ford Escape offers a wide array of powertrains designed to match varying driving preferences. Its 1.5L EcoBoost® engine produces 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0L EcoBoost® boosts output to 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft, paired with AWD for enhanced traction. Hybrid (192 hp combined) and plug-in hybrid (210 hp combined) options are also available. Towing capacity ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 lbs, giving the Escape a strong edge in flexibility. The 2025 Kia Sportage provides a 2.5L engine with 187 horsepower, a hybrid version producing 227 hp, and a PHEV with 265 hp. While the plug-in model offers more horsepower, its towing capacity maxes out at 2,000 lbs. By contrast, the Escape's available Class II trailer tow package adds serious capability for drivers with hauling needs. Overall, the Escape delivers a well-rounded mix of power, efficiency, and real-world performance versatility.

Performance and Powertrain Options

Inside, the 2025 Ford Escape offers a clean, modern cabin with intuitive controls and smart design. It comfortably seats five, with up to 104 cubic feet of passenger space and 65.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity in gas models. Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom and sliding second-row seats. Technology includes SYNC® 4 with an 8-inch or available 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and options like a 10-speaker B&O® Sound System, wireless charging, and panoramic Vista Roof. The 2025 Kia Sportage also features a roomy interior with up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space and 41.3 inches of rear legroom. Its tech includes available dual 12.3-inch displays and standard smartphone integration. While both vehicles offer high-end features, the Escape stands out for its user-friendly SYNC® 4 system and greater accessibility of premium features across a wider range of trims.

Interior Features and Technology

The 2025 Ford Escape prioritizes safety with its standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and a Rear View Camera. Available upgrades include Adaptive Cruise Control, Evasive Steering Assist, and a 360-Degree Camera. Advance Trac® with Roll Stability Control™ and a full complement of airbags further enhance protection across diverse driving conditions. The 2025 Kia Sportage includes its own ADAS features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot Collision Warning, with additional options on higher trims such as a Surround View Monitor. While both SUVs are safety-focused, the Escape's Co-Pilot360 system offers a consistent, comprehensive safety experience across more trim levels.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

The 2025 Ford Escape offers excellent fuel efficiency across its lineup. The 1.5L EcoBoost® provides reliable mileage, while the hybrid version delivers an estimated 192 horsepower with improved fuel savings. The PHEV model adds all-electric driving capability with an EPA-estimated range (TBA), ideal for daily commutes. With towing capacity up to 3,500 lbs and AWD hybrid options, the Escape balances power and efficiency seamlessly. The 2025 Kia Sportage achieves up to 28 mpg combined with its gas engine and up to 43 mpg combined with its hybrid. The PHEV provides around 34 miles of electric-only range. Though the Sportage hybrid slightly leads in mpg, the Escape's greater towing capacity, AWD hybrid flexibility, and trim-wide efficiency advantages offer more practical value.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

The 2025 Ford Escape starts at $29,515 for the Escape Active and offers a wide range of trims that cater to different priorities - from everyday value to upscale tech and efficiency. Trims like the ST-Line and ST-Line Elite feature sporty design and available hybrid powertrains, while the Platinum provides a refined experience with standard AWD and high-end features. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid, starting at $37,400, delivers electric-only driving with advanced tech like a 13.2" touchscreen. The 2025 Kia Sportage begins at $28,690 for the LX trim and spans a diverse lineup including the EX, X-Line AWD, SX, and top-end SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige models. While the base trims offer strong value, key features like AWD, panoramic sunroof, and enhanced driver assist tech are concentrated in higher trims. Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid variants are available, with pricing often near or above $39,000. Escape's broad feature availability and balanced pricing structure make it a strong value across the lineup.

Both the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Kia Sportage bring strong offerings to the compact SUV segment, but the Escape stands apart with its flexibility, efficiency, and feature-rich design. With four available powertrains, including hybrid and PHEV options, plus excellent towing capacity, user-friendly tech, and broad safety coverage, the Escape is built to handle daily needs and weekend adventures alike. Whether you're a commuter, a growing family, or a driver looking for eco-friendly performance, the 2025 Ford Escape offers a confident, well-rounded driving experience. Ready to take the next step? Visit Dorian Ford in Clinton Township, MI, or schedule your test drive today to explore the 2025 Ford Escape in person.