2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Escape enters the ring as the lighter, more city-friendly entrant, boasting a distinct advantage in fuel economy with a combined 30 MPG from its 180 hp powertrain. Its lower MSRP of $29,515 provides immediate fiscal appeal. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Forester immediately establishes dominance with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, offering superior traction regardless of weather. While both crossovers share an identical 180 hp output, the Escape generates more pulling power with 199 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 178 lb-ft. The Forester counters with a taller stance (68.1 inches vs. Escape's 66.0 inches) and marginally greater length at 183.3 inches, though its maximum cargo capacity lags behind the Escape's generous 37.5 cubic feet. This comparison pits efficiency and torque against all-weather capability and height.
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 rating of 30, beating the Forester's 29 MPG.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape offers significantly more utility for families with a cavernous 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Forester
The standard All-Wheel Drive system in the 2025 Subaru Forester promises more confidence and engagement when spirited driving meets adverse road conditions.
2025 Ford Escape
With an MSRP of $29,515, the Ford Escape undercuts the Subaru Forester by nearly $500 while offering better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Your priority is maximizing fuel stops, as the Escape achieves 34 MPG on the highway.
- You need the absolute maximum storage volume, highlighted by its 37.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer a bit more responsive low-end power, leveraging the Escape's 199 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Year-round traction is essential, as the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You desire a slightly taller driving position, given the Forester's 68.1-inch height.
- You value Subaru's established reputation for durable, off-pavement-ready engineering.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 183.3" |
| Width | 74.1" | 72.0" |
| Height | 66.0" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.7 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 | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 225/60R H |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Subaru Forester.
Which crossover is better for highway commuting in terms of gas mileage?
The 2025 Ford Escape pulls ahead for highway cruisers, achieving 34 MPG on the highway compared to the Subaru Forester's 33 MPG. This means fewer stops at the pump during long drives.
How significant is the difference in power between the two 180 hp engines?
Although both produce 180 horsepower, the Ford Escape has a noticeable edge in torque with 199 lb-ft versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft. This extra 21 lb-ft means the Escape might feel slightly quicker getting up to speed from a standstill.
Does the Subaru Forester's standard AWD justify its slightly higher price point?
The Forester is priced $480 higher at $29,995, but that cost buys you a permanent AWD system, which is a major advantage over the Escape's standard Front Wheel Drive layout.
Which vehicle offers more practical cargo space for hauling gear?
The 2025 Ford Escape provides substantially more space, offering 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Subaru Forester lags behind significantly with only 29.6 cubic feet.
What is the dimensional difference between the two crossovers?
The Subaru Forester is longer (183.3 inches vs. 180.1 inches) and significantly taller (68.1 inches vs. 66.0 inches), suggesting a slightly bulkier footprint and better headroom than the Ford Escape.
Are there differences in the transmissions used in these models?
Yes, the Ford Escape utilizes a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, providing distinct gear changes. The Subaru Forester opts for a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission for smoother power delivery.
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