2025 Ford Escape vs. Hyundai Tucson

The 2025 Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson each have their own visual appeal, with styling that emphasizes versatility and modernity. The Escape’s exterior stands out with its sleek, sporty design and distinct ST-Line trim options, which add unique 18- or 19-inch wheels, body-colored cladding, and a bold rear spoiler for an athletic appearance. In addition, Ford offers a wide array of color choices, such as the newly added Space Silver Metallic, allowing for more personalization.

The Hyundai Tucson presents a more rugged look, particularly with its XRT trim, which includes black cladding and exclusive 18-inch wheels for a tougher stance. However, while the Tucson XRT is styled for an off-road look, it lacks added capability for off-road driving, which may limit appeal for adventurous drivers seeking more than aesthetics.

Overall, the Ford Escape’s design blends sporty style with functional touches that enhance both its appeal and practicality, offering a balanced look well-suited for city and outdoor settings alike.

Design and Exterior for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Hyundai Tucson:

The 2025 Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson offer a range of powertrain options to suit different driving needs, from efficiency to enhanced performance. The Ford Escape presents a strong performance profile, with an available 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Standard all-wheel drive on this engine enhances traction and stability, particularly for drivers navigating varying conditions. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged engine also delivers a solid mix of power and efficiency, achieving up to 35 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive, making it a practical choice for daily commutes.

The Tucson’s standard 2.5-liter engine produces 187 horsepower, which some drivers may find underpowered, particularly during highway merging or passing. Additionally, the eight-speed transmission in the Tucson can feel less refined under stress, impacting responsiveness. Tucson drivers seeking a boost in fuel economy and power may opt for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid models, though these come at a higher price point and still may not match the Escape’s performance.

Overall, the Ford Escape provides a broader selection of powertrain options with impressive power and efficiency, catering to drivers who prioritize both spirited performance and everyday practicality.

Performance and Powertrain Options for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Hyundai Tucson:

The 2025 Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson both offer spacious interiors, high-quality materials, and the latest in technology to enhance the driving experience. The Ford Escape stands out for its user-friendly SYNC 4 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen as standard with the option to upgrade to a 13.2-inch display on higher trims. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, offering seamless connectivity. Escape models with premium trims offer additional comforts like a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a head-up display, creating an upscale, modern feel.

The Hyundai Tucson also incorporates cutting-edge technology, including dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment and digital gauge cluster on upper trims, giving it a sleek, high-tech look. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while features like a premium Bose audio system, ambient lighting, and Hyundai’s Bluelink+ connectivity enhance convenience and comfort.

Overall, the Ford Escape’s combination of advanced technology, intuitive controls, and flexible seating configurations make it highly adaptable for daily driving and longer journeys alike.

Interior Features and Technology for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Hyundai Tucson:

Safety is a priority for both the 2025 Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson, each offering a suite of advanced driver-assistance features. The Ford Escape comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 system, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For those seeking extra assurance, available upgrades include adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, a 360-degree camera, and reverse brake assist, providing added peace of mind in various driving conditions.

The Hyundai Tucson also includes a solid array of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims bring additional features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and Hyundai’s Blind-Spot View Monitor, which displays a live video feed of the vehicle’s blind spot in the gauge cluster when changing lanes. The Tucson’s available Surround View Monitor offers a comprehensive 360-degree view, aiding in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.

While both SUVs are well-equipped for safety, the Ford Escape provides a well balanced approach with comprehensive standard features and advanced options that cater to a range of driving needs. The Tucson, with its unique Blind-Spot View Monitor, also brings innovative touches, making it a decent choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Hyundai Tucson:

The 2025 Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson both provide efficient options, particularly with their hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Ford Escape’s 1.5L EcoBoost I-3/Automatic (AWD) engine offers impressive fuel economy, achieving up to 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. Real-world testing of the all-wheel-drive version even exceeded expectations, reaching up to 35 mpg on the highway. For buyers focused on maximum fuel savings, the Escape’s hybrid model is estimated to achieve around 42 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, while the plug-in hybrid variant provides approximately 40 (mpg combined city/hwy gas engine only) driving range.

The Tucson’s standard 2.5-liter engine delivers up to 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway in front-wheel drive, with slightly lower ratings for all-wheel drive. Tucson buyers can also opt for hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions; the Tucson Hybrid achieves 38 mpg combined on the Blue trim and 35 mpg combined on other trims, while the plug-in hybrid offers an estimated 33 miles of all-electric range. However, real-world testing shows that Tucson’s highway fuel efficiency may fall short of EPA estimates, making it less efficient than the Escape for longer trips.

With multiple fuel-efficient options, the Ford Escape stands out for its balance of performance and economy, particularly with its hybrid models that excel in both city and highway driving, while the Tucson provides good options for city-focused drivers.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Hyundai Tucson:

The 2025 Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson both offer a range of trims to suit different budgets and preferences, with options spanning from practical base models to more premium configurations. The Ford Escape’s entry-level Active trim starts at an accessible $28,150 for front-wheel drive, offering essential tech and safety features like the SYNC 4 infotainment system and Ford Co-Pilot360. Higher trims like the ST-Line and Platinum add sporty elements, advanced technology, and luxury touches. For eco-conscious drivers, the Escape offers both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with pricing starting at $32,490 for the ST-Line Hybrid AWD and $38,400 for the Plug-in Hybrid FWD model.

The Hyundai Tucson also provides a diverse lineup, starting with the base SE trim at $28,605, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL and SEL Convenience trims introduce more convenience and tech features, while the Limited trim, priced at $38,545, offers high-end amenities like leather seating and a Surround View Monitor. Hyundai’s Tucson Hybrid lineup includes the Blue trim at $33,365 and tops out with the Limited at $41,195, while plug-in hybrid versions start with the SEL Convenience at $39,865.

Both vehicles offer a wide range of features, but the Ford Escape’s trim lineup is structured to deliver a strong mix of performance, tech, and comfort at each level, making it highly customizable for drivers seeking both value and versatility.

Pricing and Trim Levels for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Hyundai Tucson:

When choosing between the 2025 Ford Escape and the Hyundai Tucson, each vehicle offers distinct advantages to meet a range of buyer needs. The Ford Escape shines with its well-rounded performance options, including a powerful 2.0L turbo engine and multiple hybrid models that deliver both fuel economy and engaging driving dynamics. Its intuitive SYNC 4 infotainment system, generous cargo space, and sliding rear seats enhance everyday convenience, making it versatile for commuting, family travel, and weekend adventures.

The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, appeals to drivers who prioritize interior space and tech-forward features, especially with its dual 12.3-inch screens on higher trims. While its standard engine may feel underpowered to some, Tucson’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer competitive fuel economy for eco-conscious drivers.

Ultimately, the Ford Escape offers a winning blend of power, efficiency, and customization across its trims, making it a great choice for those seeking a dynamic, adaptable compact SUV. Schedule a test drive at Dorian Ford today to experience the 2025 Ford Escape’s impressive features firsthand and find the perfect model for your lifestyle.