The Ford Escape and Subaru Forester are both familiar names in the small SUV world and have been solid picks for years. But when it comes down to everyday use, fuel savings, and value for your dollar, one of them may be a better fit. And with one model potentially on its way out, now’s the time to decide. Let's break down the details of these affordable family-friendly compact SUVs.
Key Takeaways
- Escape pricing runs from $30,645 to $39,005, while the Forester has a higher price range, from $31,415 to $43,015. Prices effective as of July 2, 2025.
- This could be the final run for the Escape, with rumors circulating that an electric vehicle (EV) replacement is on the horizon.
- There are no changes for the 2025 Escape lineup; the Forester gets some significant changes.
Escape and Forester Pricing and Trim Levels Compared
Ford isn’t changing much for the 2025 Escape, which makes sense—it could be the final year before an all-electric replacement hits the scene. That means you’re getting the same five trims we saw last year, all with competitive pricing.
Escape trim prices are:
- Active: $30,645
- ST-Line: $31,490
- ST-Line Select: $35,685
- Platinum: $36,510
- ST-Line Elite: $39,005
Subaru, on the other hand, made some moves. The 2025 Forester introduces an electric power steering system taken from the WRX and adds the option for a foot-activated tailgate. (While there is now a hybrid in the lineup, we’re focusing on the gas-only models here.)
Forester trim prices are:
- Base: $31,415
- Premium: $34,805
- Sport: $37,525
- Wilderness: $37,705
- Limited: $39,115
- Touring: $43,015
Who Wins the Engine and Powertrain Matchup—the Escape or the Forester?
Under the hood, the Escape offers more flexibility. You have a choice between:
- A 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine delivering 181 horsepower; or,
- A 2.0-liter turbo-four with 250 horsepower.
The smaller engine comes with front- or all-wheel drive; the 2.0-liter is AWD-only. Both engines mate with an eight-speed automatic.
Every Forester trim comes with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s fine for daily driving, but with just 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, there are no big surprises here.
Escape vs Forester Fuel Economy Check-In
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Escape has a slight lead, with 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The Forester is close, with 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway in most trims—Sport and Touring trims come in a bit lower, at 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Towing Capability Face-Off Between the Escape and Forester
The Escape has the edge in towing. When equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and the available Class II Trailer Tow Package, it can pull up to 3,500 pounds. The Forester tops out at 1,500 pounds, but the Wilderness trim boosts its capacity to 3,000 pounds, which is good but still not enough to meet the Escape's capability.
Which SUV Is the Better Buy?
All things considered, the 2025 Ford Escape delivers more flexibility, more power, and better overall value. It’s more fuel-efficient, gives you more trim and engine options, and it tows more, and on top of all that, it starts at a lower price. If you're thinking about a small SUV that can do a bit of everything without breaking the bank, the Escape is worth a test drive while it’s still available. See it today!