The Ford Escape has long been a popular nameplate in Australia’s mid-size SUV market, balancing practicality with a touch of sporty character. For 2025, Ford has given the Escape a significant update, not only refining its styling and improving its interior technology but also offering Australian buyers something they’ve been asking for: a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option.
This move positions the Escape as a serious competitor to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. But does the Escape deliver enough to win over Aussie families looking for a versatile SUV with lower running costs? Let’s take a deep dive into what the 2025 Ford Escape brings to the table.
Design and Exterior Styling
The 2025 Escape carries a refreshed design that balances European sophistication with Ford’s trademark rugged appeal. The front fascia has been reshaped, with a wider grille that gives it a bold, premium presence on the road. Slimmer LED headlights with dynamic signature lighting enhance the modern look, while the re-sculpted bumper integrates aerodynamic air curtains for better efficiency.
Buyers can choose from several trims, with each offering slightly different exterior accents. Higher-grade models feature chrome touches, sporty alloy wheels up to 19 inches, and contrasting black roof options for a more dynamic personality.
The Escape doesn’t go for an overly aggressive design like some rivals, but instead takes a middle path—family-friendly yet stylish enough to look sharp in the office car park. Ford has also introduced fresh colour palettes, including eco-inspired metallic greens and blues that highlight its hybrid credentials.
Dimensions and Practicality
In terms of size, the 2025 Ford Escape sits right in the heart of the mid-size SUV category:
Length: Around 4.6 metres
Width: 1.8 metres
Height: 1.7 metres
Wheelbase: 2.7 metres
This means plenty of cabin space for families without making it too cumbersome to park in tight city spots. Its compact footprint compared to full-size SUVs ensures it’s easy to manoeuvre, yet it doesn’t compromise on interior comfort.
Boot space remains a strong point, offering around 500 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to over 1,600 litres when folded flat. That makes it suitable for school runs, road trips, and even light adventure gear. Importantly, Ford has designed the PHEV’s battery placement cleverly, so cargo capacity is only minimally affected compared to the petrol versions.
Powertrain Options – Petrol and Plug-In Hybrid
One of the headline updates for the 2025 Escape is the arrival of the plug-in hybrid variant in Australia, finally giving buyers a mid-size SUV alternative to Toyota and Mitsubishi. Let’s break down the options.
Petrol Engines
The Escape continues to offer efficient petrol engines for those not ready to go hybrid. Expect a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine producing around 135 kW, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on select trims.
Performance is lively enough for daily commuting and highway cruising, and Ford’s tuning ensures responsive handling. Fuel economy sits in the mid-7L/100km range, which is competitive but not class-leading.
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
The star of the lineup is the new PHEV option. It combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Together, they produce around 165 kW, offering smooth acceleration and strong torque delivery.
Pure EV Range: Around 50–55 km on a full charge
Charging: 7.4 kW AC charging capability, topping up the battery in around 3.5 hours
Fuel Economy: As low as 1.6L/100km when regularly charged
For many urban Aussies, this means they can do daily school runs and commutes almost entirely on electric power, only tapping into petrol for longer weekend trips. It’s a perfect balance between efficiency and versatility.
Driving Experience
The Ford Escape has always had a reputation for being one of the more dynamic SUVs in its class, and the 2025 model continues that tradition. The steering feels precise, body roll is well-managed, and the suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort and sportiness.
The PHEV variant is particularly smooth, with near-silent running in electric mode. Acceleration is linear and instant, thanks to the electric motor’s torque. When the petrol engine kicks in, the transition is refined, though under heavy load you may hear it working harder.
All-wheel drive versions bring extra grip, making the Escape a confident handler in wet conditions or light off-road trails. It’s not a hardcore 4x4, but for gravel roads, camping trips, and beach access tracks, it’s more than capable.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the 2025 Ford Escape, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels more premium and user-friendly than before. Ford has invested in soft-touch materials, cleaner lines, and better ergonomics.
Key Interior Features:
Digital Cockpit: A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that displays everything from navigation to hybrid energy flow.
Infotainment: The latest SYNC 4 system on a 13.2-inch central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Connectivity: Built-in FordPass app integration allows remote start, lock/unlock, and charging monitoring (for PHEV).
Seating: Comfortable, supportive seats with optional leather trim. Heated and ventilated front seats available in higher trims.
Rear Comfort: Generous legroom and reclining rear seats make long drives comfortable for passengers.
The cabin design strikes a balance between practicality and modern flair. Clever storage compartments, adjustable boot floor, and USB-C ports throughout ensure families are well catered for.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a major focus in the 2025 Escape, with Ford packing in its Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite as standard across the range.
Standard Safety Features:
Autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection)
Lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Traffic sign recognition
Rear-view camera and parking sensors
Higher trims and optional packs add features like a 360-degree camera, evasive steering assist, and advanced parking assistance.
The 2025 Escape is expected to achieve a strong ANCAP safety rating, making it a reassuring choice for family buyers.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
For buyers focused on efficiency, the PHEV option is the standout. With a usable EV-only range, many owners could drastically cut down on petrol use, especially if they can charge at home overnight.
The petrol-only versions are still reasonably efficient, though regular urban drivers will find the hybrid a much better long-term investment in terms of savings. Ford also offers competitive servicing packages, and hybrid components are covered by extended warranties to ease concerns about long-term costs.
Technology and Features
Beyond the drivetrain, the Escape continues to impress with its technology suite:
Over-the-air software updates keep the infotainment system current.
Voice recognition is smarter, with natural language commands.
Wireless smartphone integration and charging pad.
Optional premium audio system from Bang & Olufsen for music lovers.
Advanced navigation with real-time traffic and EV charging station integration.
This level of connectivity and tech-forward features gives the Escape an edge over some rivals that still rely on older infotainment systems.
How It Compares to Rivals
The 2025 Ford Escape enters a fiercely competitive space. Here’s how it stacks up against key rivals:
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: The benchmark for hybrid SUVs in Australia, but lacks a plug-in option. The Escape PHEV offers greater pure electric flexibility.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Bigger, with 7-seat availability, but more expensive. The Escape is better suited to families who don’t need a third row.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: Stylish and efficient, but Ford’s PHEV option gives the Escape an upper hand for eco-conscious buyers.
Mazda CX-5: Known for premium feel and driving enjoyment, but lacks hybrid options in Australia.
Overall, the Escape’s plug-in hybrid makes it one of the most versatile choices for buyers who want efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Pricing and Value
Ford Australia is expected to price the 2025 Escape competitively, with petrol variants starting in the low-to-mid $40,000s and the PHEV models edging closer to the $55,000–$60,000 bracket, depending on trim.
While not the cheapest option, the Escape’s strong equipment list, advanced technology, and plug-in capability make it solid value. Factor in potential fuel savings with the PHEV, and it could be a smart long-term choice for Aussie families.
Ownership and Maintenance
Ford continues to back its vehicles with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with capped-price servicing plans. The hybrid components in the PHEV are expected to carry extended coverage, giving buyers peace of mind.
Running costs are competitive, with service intervals designed to minimise visits to the dealership. Insurance premiums are in line with other mid-size SUVs, though PHEV models may attract slightly higher costs due to their advanced battery systems.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Ford Escape?
The 2025 Escape is aimed at a wide audience, but particularly suits:
Families needing a safe, practical, and tech-laden SUV.
Urban commuters who can benefit from the PHEV’s electric-only range.
Buyers who want something different from the Toyota RAV4 but with equal or greater efficiency.
Drivers looking for a mid-size SUV that balances comfort and driving enjoyment.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Ford Escape arrives at the right time for the Australian market, offering not only petrol practicality but also the eco-friendly plug-in hybrid that many buyers have been waiting for. It blends sharp design, cutting-edge technology, strong safety credentials, and real-world efficiency into a package that should appeal to both traditional Ford fans and newcomers.
While pricing and availability will determine how quickly it gains traction, the Escape’s PHEV option ensures it stands out in a crowded SUV landscape. For Aussie buyers who want a future-ready SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort or driving enjoyment, the 2025 Ford Escape deserves a place at the top of the shortlist.
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