2025 Ford Escape Active

The 2025 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that slots between the smaller EcoSport and the larger Edge in Ford's crossover lineup. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue in the ever-popular compact crossover segment. The Escape drives with a light, agile feel that makes it easy to maneuver around town, and its steering is nicely weighted. Inside, the cabin is roomy for the class, with comfortable front seats and a cargo area that expands when you fold the rear seats. The Active is the base Escape, so you skip the ST-Line's sporty styling and the Platinum's luxury touches, but you get the same capable platform for less money. Its 1.5L I3 makes 180 horsepower and works with an eight-speed automatic, which is plenty for daily driving and returns 30 mpg combined. Front-wheel drive is standard here, but choosing the available all-wheel drive adds traction without changing the car's light character.