Compact SUVs dominate today’s market, with the 2025 Ford Escape and Honda CR-V sitting at the top of many shoppers’ lists. Both have their strengths, but the Escape pulls ahead where it counts. From raw power to tech features, the Escape offers serious advantages if you’re looking for a new car for your family, weekend getaways, or daily driving. The Escape simply offers more bang for your buck. In this article, we’ll get into the details of why you may want to choose the Ford Escape over the Honda CR-V.
Performance: The Ford Escape Outperforms the Honda CR-V
The 2025 Ford Escape outmuscles the CR-V on the road and has more engine options. The available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine packs a punch with 250 horsepower compared to the CR-V’s 190 horsepower. With its base 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, the Escape hits 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while the CR-V lags at 8.1 seconds. You’ll get more pep in your drive with the Escape.
Fuel Efficiency: The Ford Escape Leads the Charge
Gas-powered Escapes with the base engine get 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, nearly matching the CR-V’s 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. But here’s where it gets good: the Escape’s larger 14.8-gallon tank (compared to CR-V’s 14-gallon tank) stretches your range slightly further than the CR-V. That’s fewer pit stops on road trips and more time actually enjoying your destination
The Escape’s hybrid powertrain gets nearly the same efficiency as the CR-V hybrid models. The CR-V hybrids come in at 40 mpg combined versus the Escape’s 39 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive models.
Cargo and Passenger Space: The Ford Escape Offers More Versatility
Climb into an Escape, and you’ll notice it’s roomy and practical. Rear passengers get about the same legroom as the CR-V, coming in at 40.7 inches for the Escape and 41 inches for the CR-V. However, the Escape wins with more second-row hip room. Your rear passengers will get 53.3 inches of hip space compared to CR-V’s 52.6 inches. It might be a small difference, but it’ll add comfort for your passengers in the back.
The CR-V’s 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space edges out the Escape’s 37.5 cubic feet, but the Escape has an advantage with its sliding rear seats. Your cargo space is more versatile with the different ways you can slide the seats.
Technology: The Ford Escape Takes the Lead
If tech is important to you, you’ll love what the Escape offers. Both SUVs have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Escape’s optional 13.2-inch touch screen makes the CR-V’s 9-inch display look downright tiny. A bigger display makes it much easier to see navigation and other important information at a glance. The tech advantages don’t stop there. Only the Escape offers a head-up display and an optional 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Towing Capacity: The Ford Escape Tops the Honda CR-V
You’ll get a big advantage by choosing the Escape when it comes to towing. The Escape can haul up to 3,500 pounds — over double the CR-V’s 1,500-pound capacity. Even the eco-friendly hybrid models maintain the Escape’s advantage. Escape hybrids can pull 1,500 pounds, while CR-V hybrids max out at just 1,000 pounds.
Price: The Ford Escape Provides More Value
The Escape starts at $29,150, compared to the CR-V’s starting price of $30,100. That’s an extra $950 you could spend on accessories, gas, or just keep in your pocket. If you’re looking for a hybrid model, the CR-V’s first hybrid trim starts at $34,650, which is much more than the Escape’s first hybrid option at $32,490.
Why the Ford Escape Is the Best Choice
If you’re looking for stronger engine options with excellent fuel economy, you’ll prefer the Escape. The sliding rear seat and extra rear hip room also make a huge difference for your passengers. Tech features exclusive to the Escape, such as the bigger touch screen and head-up display, keep you connected and safe. If you do any towing, the Escape also has a massive advantage, offering more than double the CR-V’s towing capacity. With the Escape’s lower prices, you get great value by choosing the Escape over the CR-V.
Experience the Ford Escape at Bird Kultgen Ford Today
Nothing beats sitting behind the wheel yourself. Visit our dealership and take an Escape for a spin around Waco. Our team can help you choose the right trim and answer any of your questions. Check out our website to browse our inventory, or contact us to schedule a test-drive. Bird Kultgen Ford isn’t just selling SUVs — we help our neighbors find their perfect ride. Stop by and see why so many Texans choose the Ford Escape over the competition.
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