2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Ford Escape
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between daily electric savings and upfront affordability in a compact crossover? The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid ($39,730 MSRP) battles the newly refreshed 2026 Ford Escape ($30,350 MSRP). The core difference is the powertrain: the Tucson PHEV delivers 268 hp and an impressive 32 miles of electric range, allowing many daily commutes to run on pure electricity. Conversely, the Escape offers a lower entry point and better highway mileage when operating as a standard hybrid, achieving 34 MPG highway compared to the Tucson's 35 combined rating across all modes. While the Tucson boasts superior power and AWD capability, the Escape counters with significantly more cargo space at 37.5 cu ft versus the Tucson's 31.9 cu ft, and it undercuts the Hyundai's price by a substantial $9,380.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers 32 miles of electric range, drastically cutting fuel costs for shorter daily trips.
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape provides superior utility with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the Tucson’s 31.9 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid dominates in performance, offering 268 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is the clear winner on initial outlay, saving buyers $9,380 upfront compared to the Tucson PHEV.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize performance and want the higher output of 268 horsepower.
- You need the added security and traction of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You can consistently take advantage of the 32-mile all-electric range for zero-emission driving.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price under $31,000 is a primary concern.
- Maximum storage is critical, as it offers 37.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You frequently drive long highway distances where its 34 MPG highway rating will shine.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 180.1" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.1" |
| Height | 66.3" | 66.0" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 106.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | — |
| 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 35/35 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.5/388.5 mi. | 399.6/503.2 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 80/73 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 77 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 32 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 44 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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 | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 225/65R H |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Ford Escape.
What is the real-world fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?
The Tucson PHEV posts a rating of 35 MPG combined, though this is averaged with electric use; the Escape manages 34 MPG highway when running purely on gasoline. The Tucson's 32-mile electric buffer will drastically lower the owner’s reliance on gas stations overall.
Which car is quicker to accelerate, based on horsepower?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is significantly quicker, producing 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial 88 hp advantage over the 2026 Ford Escape's 180 hp.
How much money do I save by choosing the Escape instead of the Tucson?
The 2026 Ford Escape has an MSRP of $30,350, which is $9,380 less than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid's starting price of $39,730.
Does the Tucson PHEV require premium gasoline?
No, thankfully both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither car requires more expensive premium gasoline for optimal performance.
If I need to haul large items, which crossover offers more utility?
The Ford Escape offers noticeably better utility, providing 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, whereas the Tucson offers 31.9 cubic feet.
Is the Tucson’s All-Wheel Drive worth the higher price over the Escape’s FWD?
The Tucson includes standard All-Wheel Drive for better grip in poor weather, while the Escape utilizes Front Wheel Drive at its base trim. If AWD is a necessity, the Tucson includes this in its higher $39,730 price.
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