The 2025 Ford Explorer vs. the 2025 Ford Escape: Midsize vs. Compact Family SUV

Mar 21, 2025

Front driver's side view of a black 2025 Ford Explorer parked next to a lake with hills behind and a slightly cloudy blue sky overhead

The 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Ford Escape are two popular options for families seeking an SUV. To help you decide which is a better fit for you and your loved ones, here’s a rundown of each model’s main features side-by-side.

The 2025 Ford Explorer vs. the 2025 Ford Escape

Power Options

Choosing between the Explorer and the Escape often comes to choosing between adventure-capable power and fuel economy. The midsize Explorer’s base powertrain pairs a powerful 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost I-4 engine with rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 300 horsepower and providing a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. A bigger 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine and all-wheel drive are available.

The compact Escape comes in standard front-wheel drive, pairing a 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This system generates 180 horsepower and provides a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, but fuel economy ratings of 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on highways make it perfect for daily commutes and on-road adventures. You can also customize this model with all-wheel drive and other engine options, including a hybrid.

Interior and Comfort

Made for growing families, the Explorer is a three-row SUV designed to accommodate up to seven riders. Second-row captain’s chairs with E-Z entry and armrests are standard, but you can opt for a 35/30/35 split fold-flat bench. Heated front seats with 10-way power adjustments for the driver and 4-way power adjustments for the front passenger also come standard for enhanced comfort, while the roomy cabin provides plenty of legroom for all riders.

The Escape is perfect for smaller families and urban mobility, offering seating for five in a compact vehicle that’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Unique cloth front bucket seats with manual adjustments offer customized back and lateral support, while power-adjustable seats are optional. The rear row boasts a 60/40 split-fold bench with sliding seats that move back for increased legroom or forward for added cargo space.

Infotainment Systems

Both models have intuitive infotainment systems, but the Explorer uses the Ford Digital Experience interface whereas the Escape the SYNC 4 system. Ford Digital Experience comes with Google built-in, allowing you to connect your Google profile for a personalized user experience. You can select from a wide range of apps available from the Play Store and enjoy fast 5G connectivity.

The SYNC 4 system also includes personal profiles you can customize with your favorite settings, alongside cloud-based navigation with traffic information. This system is also compatible with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, making it easy to interact with your devices without distractions.

Whether you’re looking for a three-row hauler or a two-row daily driver, visit us at Ewald’s Venus Ford, LLC in Cudahy, WI to explore the 2025 Explorer and the 2025 Escape yourself.

Posted in Ewald's Venus Ford, Ford Dealer, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer | No Comments »

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