Our 2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Honda CR-V comparison guide is here to help Mandeville drivers choose the best compact SUV! Whether you’re after the thriftiest causeway commute or maximum interior luxury, we’ve got the information you seek.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise city streets and rural back roads in style in the more handsomely equipped Escape!
- Ford’s compact crossover is the best choice for a powerful, fun-loving drive!
- Save money on your causeway commute with the Escape’s hybrid powertrain options.
- When it comes to tech smarts, competition between the CR-V and Escape is stiff.
Modern Comfort: 2025 Ford Escape
When it comes to comfort and convenience, the 2025 Ford Escape is the more handsomely equipped option! Every trim model delivers dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power liftgate (all features that cost extra on the CR-V). This small crossover also gets high marks for its roomy, supportive seating and smooth ride.
While the 2025 Honda CR-V’s standard lineup isn’t as well-rounded, this small crossover does offer aforementioned comforts as pay-extra upgrades. And just like the Escape, it’s available with luxury upgrades like leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, and a heated steering wheel. The CR-V’s cabin design puts an emphasis on passenger space, something that’s underscored by its big, airy windows.
Everyday Adventure: 2025 Ford Escape
When it comes to performance, the Escape is the flexible choice! Compared to the CR-V, Ford’s small SUV offers more engine options, allowing you to prioritize speed (with the 250-horsepower 2.0-liter engine) or fuel economy (with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options) — whichever you prefer! The Escape is also the better choice for towing. It can lug a fishing boat or camper that weighs up to 3,500 pounds.
2025 Ford Escape Powertrain Options
- Active, ST-Line: turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (180 hp, 199 lb-ft)
- ST-Line Select and up: turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- Optional for the ST-Line and up: 2.5L hybrid powertrain (192 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- PHEV: 2.5L plug-in hybrid powertrain (210 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Continuous variable transmission (with hybrid or plug-in hybrid)
- Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
The Honda CR-V is another smooth operator, delivering composed acceleration and strong braking. Compared to the Escape, though, it doesn’t deliver as many engine options, which may keep you from enjoying the performance you crave. And Honda’s small crossover can’t really compete when it comes to horsepower, either, lagging behind in terms of speed and towing capabilities (up to 1,500 pounds).
2025 Honda CR-V
- LX, EX, EX-L trims: turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine (190 hp, 179 lb-ft of torque)
- Sport, Sport-L, Sport Touring: 2.0L hybrid four-cylinder engine (204 hp, 247 lb-ft)
- Continuous variable transmission
- Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
Thrifty Commuting: 2025 Ford Escape
Not only does the Escape offer the comfiest commute, but it can also make your trips across the causeway more affordable! For the highest EPA ratings, check out the Escape PHEV trim model. Thanks to its exclusive plug-in hybrid powertrain, this SUV earns up to 101 MPGe! For commuters who want an engine they don’t have to recharge, there’s the Escape’s thrifty hybrid powertrain. Available for the ST-Line trim and up, it helps you earn up to 39 mpg combined (42 city/36 highway) as you cruise to and from New Orleans!
Although it can’t quite match the Escape PHEV’s EPA ratings, the CR-V is also an excellent choice for commuters. The CR-V’s 2.0-liter engine is both its thriftiest and most powerful option! With front-wheel drive, it helps Honda’s compact crossover earn 40 mpg combined (43 city/36 highway).
Street-Smart Technology: It’s a Tie!
Although the Escape treats you to more comfort features, these crossovers are pretty well matched when it comes to technology. On the infotainment front, both SUVs deliver touchscreen infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Driving aids — like lane-keeping assist and forward collision mitigation — make your Louisiana adventures a little safer! These compact crossovers are even available with high-tech creature comforts, like premium audio and driver’s seat memory settings.
Mandeville’s Top-Rated Compact SUV
When it comes to ultra-thrifty commuting, sporty power, and everyday comfort, the 2025 Ford Escape is tough to beat. Come see what all the fuss is about — test-drive this small SUV at Banner Ford of Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish’s premier Ford dealer!