The Ford Escape continues to evolve, bringing smarter technology, refined styling, and improved efficiency. But are the 2025 upgrades worth the higher price tag?
2024 Ford Escape vs 2025 Ford Escape: The 2025 model enhances interior quality, expands standard tech like the 13.2-inch touchscreen, and increases hybrid efficiency. However, its price jumps over $2,800 compared to the 2024 Escape, which remains a solid value for budget-conscious buyers.
Ford’s latest changes align the Escape with premium rivals while addressing past criticisms. With our expertise in Ford vehicles and a deep understanding of what matters to buyers, we’re here to break down these differences in a way that helps you make the right choice.
So, which model best suits your needs? Let’s explore how these two SUVs stack up across performance, technology, pricing, and overall value.
Tech and Interior Upgrades
The new 2025 Escape adds a larger standard touchscreen, better interior materials, and a more advanced driver-assist system.
Hybrid Efficiency Gains
The 2025 Plug-In Hybrid improves electric range to 42 miles (vs. 37 in 2024), and the standard hybrid gets a slight MPG boost.
Value vs. Price
The 2024 Escape is more affordable, while the 2025 model justifies its price increase with upgraded features and better long-term value.
Overview of the 2024 Ford Escape: Reliable, Efficient, and Budget-Friendly
The 2024 Ford Escape is a versatile compact SUV with strong fuel efficiency, multiple powertrain options, and an affordable price tag. It offers an 8-inch SYNC® 4 touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, while higher trims add a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Though practical, base trims feature hard plastic materials, and the ride can feel firm over rough roads, keeping it budget-friendly for Carlsbad drivers.
Overview of the 2025 Ford Escape: Modernized, Tech-Forward, and More Refined
The 2025 Ford Escape brings a more refined interior, enhanced hybrid efficiency, and upgraded technology for a premium feel. A new 13.2-inch touchscreen is now standard on most trims, featuring improved voice recognition and wireless updates. With a longer 42-mile electric range on the plug-in hybrid and a higher price tag, it offers better long-term value for those prioritizing advanced features and comfort.
Key Differences Between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Escape: What’s Changed?
While the 2024 and 2025 Ford Escape share the same core design, Ford has made strategic upgrades to enhance the newer model’s technology, comfort, and efficiency. Whether you're focused on aesthetics, performance, or overall value, understanding these key differences will help you decide which model fits your needs best.
1. Design and Exterior Features
The 2025 Ford Escape refines its look with subtle but noticeable changes, including a more aggressive grille design and updated LED headlights and taillights. Wheel options now range from 17 to 19 inches, with the ST-Line Elite gaining sleek Ebony-painted alloy wheels for a sportier stance. While overall dimensions remain the same, these small design tweaks give the 2025 Escape a more modern and upscale appearance compared to the 2024 model.
2. Interior Features and Comfort
The biggest interior upgrade for 2025 is the expanded use of soft-touch materials and premium finishes on mid-to-upper trims. A heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats are now available on more models, making the Escape feel more refined and comfortable. While both years offer generous cargo space, the 2025 Escape feels more premium, addressing previous complaints about the 2024’s basic interior materials.
3. Performance and Engine Options
Both models share the same engine lineup, with the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost® engines carrying over, along with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. However, the 2025 Escape optimizes hybrid performance, increasing the plug-in hybrid’s electric-only range to 42 miles. Additionally, the ST-Line Elite now features a sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling, giving performance-focused drivers a more engaging drive.
4. Technology and Safety Features
Ford stepped up its tech game in 2025, making the 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 touchscreen standard on more trims and improving voice recognition and over-the-air update capabilities. The 2025 Escape also expands driver-assist features, adding enhanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and an available 360-degree camera system. Compared to the 2024 model’s smaller screen and more limited safety suite, the 2025 Escape offers a more advanced and connected driving experience.
5. Pricing and Value
With all its upgrades, the 2025 Ford Escape comes with a higher starting price, beginning at $32,860—about $2,875 more than the 2024 base model. While the price increase may give budget-conscious buyers pause, the added technology, improved materials, and better hybrid efficiency make it a compelling long-term investment. For those looking for a lower upfront cost, the 2024 Escape remains a solid value, while the 2025 model caters to buyers seeking a more future-proof SUV.
The decision between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Escape ultimately comes down to priorities. If you’re after the best deal and don’t mind skipping the latest upgrades, the 2024 model offers plenty of value. However, for drivers who want a more modern, tech-focused, and refined SUV, the 2025 Escape delivers noticeable improvements. Either way, Ford’s commitment to efficiency and innovation ensures that both models remain strong contenders in the compact SUV segment.
Which Model Is Right for You? Choosing the Best Escape for Your Needs
The 2024 Ford Escape is the better choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a well-equipped SUV at a lower price. If you value the latest technology, improved hybrid efficiency, and a more refined interior, the 2025 model offers an upgraded driving experience. Test-driving both at Carlsbad Ford is the best way to see which one suits your lifestyle.
A Final Word on 2024 Ford Escape vs 2025 Ford Escape
Now that you know the key differences between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Escape, the next step is choosing the model that best fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for the affordability of the 2024 Escape or the upgraded technology and efficiency of the 2025 model, both offer strong performance, smart features, and excellent versatility for drivers in Carlsbad and beyond.
At Carlsbad Ford, we’re here to help you find the perfect Escape with a wide selection of both model years, competitive pricing, and flexible financing options. Our team is ready to guide you through trim levels, features, and exclusive dealership offers to ensure you get the best deal. Whether you're commuting through Roswell, heading to Hobbs, or exploring Midland, we’ll make sure you drive away in the right Escape for your needs. Visit us today for a test drive at 2802 West Pierce, Carlsbad, NM 88220, or call 888-683-8485 to learn more about our current inventory and offers!