2025 Ford Escape: Choose the Right Trim for Your Lifestyle
The Ford Escape continues to be a popular choice in the compact SUV segment for Canadian drivers. With its blend of style, efficiency, and versatility, the Escape offers a range of trim levels to suit various preferences and needs. Let’s break down each trim level of the Ford Escape to help you decide which model best fits your lifestyle.
The 2025 Ford Escape Lineup
The Ford Escape comes in six distinct trim levels for the Canadian market:
Active
ST-Line
ST-Line Select
Platinum
ST-Line Elite
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
Each trim level offers unique features, styling cues, and powertrain options.
Active: The Foundation of the Escape Range
The Active trim serves as the entry point to the Escape lineup, offering a solid set of features at an accessible price point.
Key Features:
1.5L EcoBoost engine (180 horsepower)
Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional
17-inch Shadow Silver-painted aluminum wheels
SYNC 4 infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Ford Co-Pilot360 technology suite
Design Elements:
Unique cloth seating
Black beltline and upper window molding
Body-colour door handles
The Active trim is ideal for those seeking a well-equipped compact SUV without breaking the bank. It offers a good balance of features and value, making it a popular choice for first-time SUV buyers or those looking for a reliable daily driver.
ST-Line: Sporty Styling Meets Efficiency
The ST-Line trim adds a touch of sportiness to the Escape, with unique styling cues and a hybrid powertrain option.
Key Features:
Standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine or optional 2.5L hybrid powertrain
FWD standard, AWD optional
18-inch Rock Metallic-painted aluminum wheels
Sport contour bucket seats
Flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching
Design Elements:
ST-Line badging
Black mesh grille
Body-colour rocker panels and front/rear fascia
Large single-wing rear spoiler
The ST-Line is perfect for those who want a sportier look without sacrificing efficiency. The available hybrid powertrain makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers who still appreciate a touch of performance.
ST-Line Select: Elevated Performance and Comfort
Building on the ST-Line’s sporty character, the ST-Line Select adds more power and premium features.
Key Features:
2.0L EcoBoost engine (250 horsepower)
Standard AWD with AWD Disconnect
Heated front seats and steering wheel
Remote start system
10-way power driver’s seat with memory function
Design Elements:
Unique ST-Line Select badging
19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets
The ST-Line Select is ideal for drivers with a more powerful engine and additional comfort features. Its standard AWD makes it an excellent choice for those living in areas with challenging weather conditions.
Platinum: Luxury and Technology Combined
The Platinum trim represents the pinnacle of luxury and technology in the Escape lineup.
Key Features:
2.0L EcoBoost engine or available 2.5L hybrid powertrain
Standard AWD with AWD Disconnect
13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4A
B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers
Adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
Design Elements:
ActiveX-trimmed seats with mini-perforation
19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with dark tarnish-painted pockets
Unique Platinum grille
The Platinum trim is perfect for those who want the best of everything. It offers a luxurious interior, advanced technology features, and the choice between powerful gas or efficient hybrid powertrains.
ST-Line Elite: The Sportiest Escape
The ST-Line Elite takes the sporty character of the ST-Line to the next level, offering the most performance-oriented Escape experience.
Key Features:
2.0L EcoBoost engine or available 2.5L hybrid powertrain
Standard AWD with AWD Disconnect
19-inch machined-face ebony-painted aluminum wheels
360-degree camera with split view
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ 2.0
Design Elements:
Unique ST-Line Elite badging
Body-colour fascia, rocker panels, and bumpers
Coast-to-coast LED light bar
The ST-Line Elite is the ultimate choice for driving enthusiasts who want the sportiest Escape possible. It combines aggressive styling with advanced performance and technology features.
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): The Eco-Warrior
The Plug-In Hybrid trim is a standalone model that offers the best fuel efficiency in the Escape lineup.
Key Features:
2.5L Atkinson-cycle hybrid powertrain (210 total system horsepower)
Electric-only range of approximately 60 km
13.2-inch touchscreen with connected navigation
Level 1/Level 2 AC charging capability
Design Elements:
18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with magnetic-painted pockets
Unique PHEV badging and styling cues
The PHEV is ideal for eco-conscious drivers who want to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. It’s perfect for those with short daily commutes who can use the all-electric range.
Powertrain Options
The Ford Escape offers four distinct powertrain options:
- 1.5L EcoBoost Engine
180 horsepower
Estimated fuel economy: 9.2 L/100 km city, 7.4 L/100 km highway
Available on Active and ST-Line trims
- 2.0L EcoBoost Engine
250 horsepower
Enhanced towing capability (up to 1,587 kg when properly equipped)
Standard on ST-Line Select and Platinum trims
- 2.5L Hybrid Engine
192 total system horsepower
Estimated fuel economy: 5.6 L/100 km city, 6.5 L/100 km highway
Available on ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims
- 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid Engine
210 total system horsepower
Electric-only range of approximately 60 km
Standard on the Plug-In Hybrid trim
Technology and Safety Features
All Ford Escape models come standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies, which includes:
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
Lane-Keeping System
Auto High-Beam Headlamps
Rear View Camera
Higher trims offer additional advanced features such as:
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
Evasive Steering Assist
Active Park Assist 2.0
Head-Up Display
The SYNC 4 infotainment system is standard across all trims, with screen sizes ranging from 8 inches to 13.2 inches, depending on the trim level. This system offers enhanced voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and over-the-air update capability.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The Ford Escape offers a spacious and versatile interior across all trim levels. Key interior features include:
Seating for up to five passengers
60/40 split-fold rear seats
Sliding second-row seats (on select trims)
Available panoramic Vista Roof
Cargo space is generous, with 1,062 litres behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with the rear seats folded down (slightly less in hybrid models due to battery placement).
Exterior Design and Customization
The Escape features a sleek, modern design with unique styling elements at each trim level. Exterior colour options vary by trim but generally include a range of vibrant and sophisticated choices.
Wheel options range from 17-inch to 19-inch, with various designs and finishes available depending on the trim level.
Choose Your Ideal 2025 Ford Escape
With six distinct trim levels and four powertrain options, the Ford Escape offers something for every type of driver. Here’s a quick summary to help you choose:
For budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-equipped SUV: Active
For those wanting sporty styling with efficient hybrid option: ST-Line
For performance enthusiasts desiring more power and features: ST-Line Select
For luxury seekers wanting top-tier amenities: Platinum
For the ultimate in sporty performance and styling: ST-Line Elite
For maximum fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness: Plug-In Hybrid
When deciding, consider your priorities regarding performance, fuel efficiency, technology, and styling. Test drive multiple trims if possible to get a feel for the different powertrains and features.
The Ford Escape continues to be a versatile and appealing option in the compact SUV segment. With its range of trim levels and customization options, you will find an Escape that perfectly fits your lifestyle and preferences.
