2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander often comes down to prioritizing fuel efficiency versus size and perceived utility. If your daily commute involves lots of stop-and-go traffic, the Escape pulls ahead significantly with a combined MPG of 30 versus the Outlander's 27 MPG. The Escape is also more nimble, measuring 180.1 inches long compared to the Outlander's 185.8 inches. However, the Outlander packs a bit more punch in terms of power, boasting 181 horsepower to the Escape's 180 hp, though the Escape wins on torque with 199 lb-ft against the Outlander's 181 lb-ft. While the Outlander is taller at 68.7 inches, its surprisingly small 10.9 cu ft cargo capacity drastically trails the Escape's 37.5 cu ft, making the Escape the more practical day-to-day hauler despite its slightly lower MSRP of $29,515 compared to the Outlander's $29,995.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 30.
2025 Ford Escape
Despite the Outlander being physically taller, the Escape offers nearly four times the usable space with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape provides better low-end responsiveness thanks to its 199 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander's 181 lb-ft.
2025 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is cheaper with a lower MSRP of $29,515 and delivers better fuel economy for long-term savings.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You want the best fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG on the highway.
- You need maximum usable cargo space, as the Escape offers 37.5 cu ft.
- You prefer a traditional feel from the 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You want a slightly taller and longer vehicle (185.8 inches long and 68.7 inches high).
- You want the peak horsepower figure, even if only by 1 hp (181 hp vs 180 hp).
- You are comfortable with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for smoother, albeit potentially less engaging, acceleration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 185.8" |
| Width | 74.1" | 74.7" |
| Height | 66.0" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 348.0/449.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| 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 | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.0 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 | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | P235/60R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander.
How do the fuel costs compare between the 2025 Escape and the 2025 Outlander?
The Ford Escape is the clear winner for fuel savings, rated at 30 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel. The Mitsubishi Outlander trails slightly with a combined rating of 27 MPG.
Which crossover has better towing or hauling capability based on these specs?
While neither vehicle's towing capacity is listed, the Ford Escape is substantially better for internal cargo hauling, offering 37.5 cu ft versus the Outlander's notably small 10.9 cu ft of cargo space.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander significantly larger than the Ford Escape?
Yes, the Outlander is longer, measuring 185.8 inches compared to the Escape's 180.1 inches, and it is also taller at 68.7 inches versus the Escape's 66.0 inches.
What is the key mechanical difference affecting driving feel?
The Escape uses a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, which many drivers prefer for distinct gear shifts. The Outlander employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which provides smoother, non-shifting acceleration.
How close are the engines in terms of performance metrics?
They are very closely matched; the Outlander technically has 1 more horsepower (181 hp vs 180 hp), but the Escape dominates in pulling power with 199 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander's 181 lb-ft.
If price is a major factor, which one is the better starting point?
The Ford Escape starts slightly lower on MSRP at $29,515, giving it a minor initial cost advantage over the Mitsubishi Outlander's starting price of $29,995.
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