2025 Ford Escape Trim Breakdown: Which One Fits Your Drive?
With multiple engine choices, advanced tech, and flexible designs, the 2025 Ford Escape lineup is tailored for a wide range of drivers—from fuel-conscious commuters to families who value comfort and convenience. In this blog, we’ll break down the most popular trims: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and Platinum, diving deep into what makes each model unique—not just in specs, but in real-world usability.
Escape Active: Value-Packed Versatility
The Ideal Starting Point for Daily Drivers
The Escape Active trim is perfect for those entering the SUV market or seeking a well-equipped, affordable option. It gives you a strong mix of efficiency, technology, and utility without going overboard on price.
You get a standard 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 turbocharged engine, offering 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. This small-but-mighty engine delivers great fuel economy for your commutes while still giving responsive performance in city or highway driving. The available AWD system improves grip and control when the weather turns.
Want even better efficiency? You can upgrade to the 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. It combines gas and electric power for a total of 192 hp, giving you smoother acceleration and less time at the gas pump. Great for city dwellers or those with long daily routes.
Inside, you’ll find stain-resistant cloth seating, a user-friendly 8-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, and plenty of charging options. Rear seats fold flat for larger cargo loads—perfect for weekend errands or road trips.
Best For: Budget-focused buyers who need a dependable, comfortable SUV for daily life.
Escape ST-Line: Sporty Looks, Smart Efficiency
Add Some Style Without Losing Practicality
The ST-Line takes the practicality of the Active trim and gives it a sportier personality. It wears a black mesh grille, unique exterior styling, and red stitching inside—subtle but confident upgrades that make it stand out in a parking lot.
Under the hood, it shares the same 1.5L EcoBoost as the Active, making 180 hp. You also have the same hybrid upgrade option, giving you choices depending on your priorities. Both engines offer enough punch for daily use, but the hybrid stands out in stop-and-go traffic where electric torque kicks in early.
Inside, you’ll notice the ST-Line’s flat-bottom steering wheel, red accent stitching, and dark-themed interior design. This is an ideal trim for someone who enjoys driving and wants their vehicle to reflect that personality.
Best For: Drivers who want to blend efficiency with a sporty aesthetic and slightly more premium feel.
Escape ST-Line Select: More Power, More Capability
A Step Up in Performance and Practical Use
The ST-Line Select is where things get more serious. It comes standard with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4, generating 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s a big jump in performance and perfect for those who plan to tow, merge onto highways often, or just enjoy a more powerful drive.
This trim also unlocks Intelligent AWD as standard, giving you all-weather confidence and sharper handling on curvy roads. If efficiency still matters to you, Ford gives the option to switch back to the 2.5L Hybrid—perfect if you're looking for a smart balance of savings and comfort.
The towing capacity also jumps to 3,500 lbs, allowing you to haul small trailers, jet skis, or even lightweight campers.
Inside, the ST-Line Select includes upgraded materials, a digital instrument cluster, and heated front seats. It bridges the gap between utility and modern comfort while keeping the sport-focused look of the ST-Line family.
Best For: Drivers who want performance and capability, but still need daily drivability and hybrid flexibility.
Escape Platinum: Modern Comfort Meets Intelligent Power
A Refined Daily Driver for Those Who Want It All
The Platinum trim is all about comfort, tech, and convenience without entering luxury badge pricing. It features the same 2.0L EcoBoost engine as the ST-Line Select for confident power and towing, but wraps it in a far more refined package.
Inside, you’ll find leather-trimmed seats, a 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4A, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assist tech like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.
Comfort upgrades like the B&O premium sound system, wireless charging, and available panoramic Vista Roof elevate every drive. You can also choose the 2.5L Hybrid engine to get better mileage without losing out on interior features.
For families, the Platinum’s hands-free liftgate, multiple USB ports, and quiet ride make it a great road trip vehicle.
Best For: Buyers who want the best mix of premium comfort, modern tech, and strong everyday performance—especially for commuting or longer drives.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Escape lineup is flexible enough to fit nearly every driver's priorities. From the cost-effective Active trim to the fully-loaded Platinum, each model offers distinct advantages:
Choose Active if you want affordability and efficiency.
Go ST-Line for sporty design with familiar performance.
Step up to ST-Line Select for power and versatility.
Pick Platinum for top-tier tech and everyday luxury.
With multiple engine options—including two hybrid configurations—the Escape lineup continues to be one of the most adaptable SUVs on the road today.
