2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Escape launches into the fray with a punchy 180 horsepower and a robust 199 lb-ft of torque, promising a more engaging drive than the leaner 2026 Hyundai Kona. The Kona counters with sharp efficiency, boasting a combined 31 MPG versus the Escape’s 30 MPG, while undercutting the Ford significantly with an MSRP of $25,350 compared to the Escape's $29,515—a difference of $4,165. While the Escape offers superior hauling capabilities with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space against the Kona’s 25.5 cu ft, the Kona remains nimble, aided by its smaller 171.3-inch length. The Escape’s 8-speed automatic provides a traditional feel against the Kona's CVT, giving drivers seeking more dynamic interaction a clear preference for the larger Ford, despite the Kona’s admirable fuel economy and lower entry cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG and lower entry price.
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape is better suited for families, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 37.5 cubic feet.
2025 Ford Escape
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Ford Escape for its superior power output of 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides better value by offering a $4,165 lower MSRP than the Ford Escape.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You prioritize horsepower, as the Escape delivers 180 hp versus the Kona’s 147 hp.
- You frequently carry large amounts of gear, benefiting from the Escape's expansive 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the more traditional feel and responsiveness of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Kona saves you $4,165 upfront with its $25,350 MSRP.
- Maximum fuel efficiency is key, with the Kona achieving 34 MPG highway to the Escape's 34 MPG highway (but slightly better city/combined).
- You prefer maneuvering a smaller vehicle, as the Kona is nearly 9 inches shorter in length than the Escape.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 171.3" |
| Width | 74.1" | 71.9" |
| Height | 66.0" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 104.7" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | continuously variable-speed 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 | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 12.4 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| 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. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.3 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. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 215/60R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
How significant is the performance difference between these two crossovers?
The performance gap is substantial, with the 2025 Ford Escape generating 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Kona produces only 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Ford will feel considerably quicker.
Which vehicle is better for highway road trips regarding fuel consumption?
Both vehicles are impressively efficient on the highway, achieving an identical 34 MPG. However, the Kona edges out the Escape in the city (29 MPG vs 27 MPG) and combined driving (31 MPG vs 30 MPG).
How much more practical is the Ford Escape in terms of carrying capacity?
The Ford Escape offers significantly more utility for hauling cargo, boasting 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Hyundai Kona is tighter inside, offering 25.5 cubic feet, resulting in an 12 cubic foot advantage for the Escape.
Is the price difference justified by the features offered?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is $4,165 less expensive than the 2025 Ford Escape. Buyers must decide if the Escape's 33 extra horsepower and superior cargo space are worth the significant upfront price increase.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different between the Escape and the Kona?
Yes, the transmission philosophies differ greatly; the Escape uses a conventional 8-speed automatic designed for predictable shifts. The Kona utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smoothness and efficiency over sporty engagement.
How do the exterior dimensions impact maneuverability?
The 2026 Kona is the smaller, more city-friendly option, measuring 171.3 inches long and 62.2 inches high. The 2025 Escape is larger at 180.1 inches long and 66.0 inches high, which contributes to its greater interior volume but might feel less agile in tight parking situations.
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