2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Escape bursts onto the scene boasting superior fuel efficiency with a 30 MPG combined rating, thanks to its FWD setup, significantly outpacing the 2026 Subaru Forester's 29 MPG combined. While both crossovers offer an identical 180 hp, the Escape leads in torque with 199 lb-ft versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft, giving it a slight edge in responsiveness. The Escape is the slightly smaller vehicle overall at 180.1 inches long, contrasting with the taller Forester at 68.1 inches. However, the Forester counters with a commanding 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Escape's 37.5 cu ft (note: This suggests the Escape's measurement might include underfloor storage or the listed capacities are calculated differently; in this context, we state the provided numbers). The Forester's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers inherent stability, whereas the Escape emphasizes gas savings with its FWD configuration. The Forester's slightly higher starting MSRP of $29,995 compared to the Escape's $29,515 makes the Escape marginally cheaper upfront.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG.
2025 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers substantially more utility with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.
2025 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape provides 21 lb-ft more torque (199 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft), suggesting a more engaging initial acceleration feel.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape offers better fuel economy and significantly more cargo space for a lower base MSRP of $29,515.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy and achieving up to 34 MPG on the highway.
- You need maximum space, as the Escape boasts a larger 37.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You want the slightly more accessible starting price of $29,515.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You live in areas with inclement weather and require the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a taller stance, as the Forester rides 2.1 inches higher at 68.1 inches.
- You value the traditional feel of a standard 8-speed automatic transmission over the Forester's CVT.
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 2026 Subaru Forester.
Which vehicle is better for slippery winter roads?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is generally superior for snow and ice as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Ford Escape is listed with Front Wheel Drive.
How significant is the difference in power delivery?
Both vehicles share an identical 180 horsepower rating, but the Ford Escape edges out the Forester by producing 199 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 178 lb-ft.
Does the higher height of the Forester impact handling?
The Forester's greater height (68.1 inches vs. the Escape's 66.0 inches) might translate to more body roll in spirited driving compared to the lower-slung Escape, despite both being crossovers.
What is the trade-off between the Escape's MPG and the Forester's AWD?
The FWD Escape achieves 30 MPG combined, sacrificing potential traction for fuel savings, while the AWD Forester sacrifices a bit of efficiency (29 MPG combined) for enhanced grip.
Is the Escape's cargo area truly larger than the Forester's?
Based on the specifications provided, the 2025 Ford Escape offers 37.5 cu ft, significantly exceeding the 2026 Subaru Forester’s 29.6 cu ft capacity.
Are these vehicles similarly priced?
Yes, they are closely matched, with the 2025 Ford Escape starting at $29,515 and the 2026 Subaru Forester beginning at $29,995, representing a difference of less than $500.
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