2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Escape launches with efficiency and maneuverability as its hallmarks, boasting an excellent 30 MPG combined rating from its 180 hp powertrain and a tighter 180.1-inch footprint. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz thrills with a slightly punchier 191 hp, embracing its truck-like persona with a longer 195.7-inch frame, although its combined fuel economy dips to 25 MPG. While the Escape prioritizes stretching fuel stops with its 34 MPG highway rating, the Santa Cruz offers a more potent engine feel, leveraging its 181 lb-ft of torque against the Escape's 199 lb-ft advantage. For value, the Santa Cruz undercuts the Escape, starting at $28,750 versus $29,515, creating a compelling dynamic between efficiency leader and compact utility. These two crossovers aim at vastly different drivers, defined by their MPG difference and overall design philosophy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape is the clear commuter choice due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape offers a more traditional, enclosed crossover format with 37.5 cu ft of cargo space, better suited for typical family hauling.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its slightly higher 191 hp output and unique compact truck styling.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides a lower barrier to entry with its $28,750 MSRP compared to the Escape's $29,515 starting price.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel stops, benefiting from the Escape's 34 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle for easier city maneuvering, noted by its 180.1-inch length.
- You value peak torque for gentle low-speed pulling, thanks to its 199 lb-ft rating.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prefer the aesthetic and utility of an open bed, typical of the Santa Cruz's design.
- You seek a slightly higher horsepower figure, with the Santa Cruz offering 191 hp versus the Escape's 180 hp.
- You want the lower starting price, as the Santa Cruz begins at $28,750.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 195.7" |
| Width | 74.1" | 75.0" |
| Height | 66.0" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 245/60R18 |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the primary fuel efficiency advantage of the Ford Escape over the Santa Cruz?
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a significant fuel economy lead, achieving 30 MPG combined, which is 5 MPG better than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined rating. This difference translates directly to fewer stops at the pump during daily commuting.
Which vehicle offers better performance specifications based purely on horsepower and torque?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz edges out the Ford Escape in raw power with 191 horsepower compared to the Escape's 180 hp. However, the Escape counters with greater torque, offering 199 lb-ft versus the Santa Cruz’s 181 lb-ft.
How do the exterior dimensions of these two crossovers compare?
The Santa Cruz is a physically larger vehicle overall, measuring 195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide. In contrast, the Escape is more compact at 180.1 inches in length and 74.1 inches wide, making it slightly easier to fit into tight parking spaces.
Is there a noticeable price difference between the base models?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a lower starting MSRP of $28,750, undercutting the 2025 Ford Escape's base price of $29,515. This provides the Santa Cruz with a slight edge in upfront value.
What is the cargo capacity difference, given their body types?
While the provided data only specifies the closed cargo area for the Escape at 37.5 cubic feet, the Santa Cruz's utility is defined by its open bed, which appeals to users needing to haul larger, oddly shaped items that won't fit inside a traditional SUV compartment.
Do these vehicles use the same type of gasoline and transmission?
Both the Escape and the Santa Cruz are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep running costs predictable. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission, though the Santa Cruz specifies its unit as 'shiftable'.
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