Ford Escape ST Performance Edition emerges as a spirited contender in the compact SUV market, blending sporty aesthetics, robust performance, and modern technology.
Designed for drivers seeking excitement without sacrificing practicality, this model builds on the Escape’s reputation for versatility. With a powerful engine, enhanced handling, and a suite of advanced features, the ST Performance Edition aims to stand out in a crowded segment.
While it faces stiff competition from rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V, its bold design and dynamic driving experience make it a compelling choice. This article explores the key aspects of the 2025 Ford Escape ST, from its performance credentials to its interior comforts, safety features, and more.
Powering the Drive
The heart of the 2025 Ford Escape ST Performance Edition lies in its potent powertrain, crafted to deliver an exhilarating drive. This model is equipped with a standard 2.0L EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, it offers quick acceleration and confident handling. Ford claims a 0-60 mph time of around 5.8 seconds, making it one of the quicker compact SUVs in its class. The ST’s sport-tuned suspension further enhances its agility, providing a balance of comfort and responsiveness.
Engine Performance
The 2.0L EcoBoost engine is the star of the ST Performance Edition, offering a significant power boost over the base Escape’s 1.5L three-cylinder. Its direct injection and turbocharging deliver robust low-end torque, ideal for spirited drives or highway passing.
The eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly in most scenarios, though some reviewers note occasional jerkiness during aggressive driving. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, competitive but not class-leading. Drivers can toggle between drive modes like Sport and Eco to tailor performance to their preferences.
Handling and Dynamics
The ST’s sport handling suspension is tuned for sharper cornering and reduced body roll, setting it apart from the standard Escape. Steering is light yet precise, with Sport mode adding weight for better feedback.
While not as engaging as the Mazda CX-5, the Escape ST holds its own on winding roads. Its all-wheel-drive system enhances traction in varied conditions, from rain-soaked streets to light off-road trails. However, the ride can feel firm over rough surfaces, which may detract from comfort for some buyers.
Design That Stands Out
The 2025 Ford Escape ST Performance Edition boasts a bold exterior that exudes confidence. Its redesigned front grille, sleek LED headlights, and coast-to-coast LED light bar create a modern and aggressive stance.
The ST-specific enhancements, such as sporty fog lamps and 19-inch alloy wheels, add a touch of flair. With color options like Rapid Red and Space Silver, the SUV appeals to those who want to make a statement. The aerodynamic shape not only looks good but also aids fuel efficiency.
Exterior Styling
The ST’s exterior is a blend of functionality and flair. The prominent grille and slim LED headlights give it a predatory look, while body-color mirrors and side skirts enhance its sporty profile.
The 19-inch wheels, wrapped in low-profile tires, fill the wheel wells nicely, adding to the aggressive stance. A subtle rear spoiler and dual exhaust tips complete the package. Compared to rivals, the Escape ST’s design is distinctive but may not have the understated elegance of a Honda CR-V.
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Interior Comfort
Inside, the Escape ST offers a modern cabin with a focus on comfort and practicality. The seats, trimmed in ActiveX synthetic leather with red stitching, provide good support during spirited drives. The driver’s seat is 10-way power-adjustable, ensuring a tailored fit.
Dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel add convenience. However, some hard plastics detract from the premium feel, and cargo space, at 33.5 cubic feet, is slightly below class leaders like the Toyota RAV4.
Technology at Your Fingertips
The 2025 Escape ST Performance Edition is packed with tech to keep drivers connected and entertained. The centerpiece is a 13.2-inch capacitive touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A 10-speaker B&O sound system is available for audiophiles. The SUV also offers a wireless charging pad and FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring seamless connectivity on the go.
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Infotainment Features
The SYNC 4 system is intuitive, with crisp graphics and quick responses. The large touchscreen dominates the dashboard, making navigation and media access effortless. Wireless smartphone integration works flawlessly, and voice commands handle tasks like setting destinations or changing tracks.
Higher trims include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which displays key driving data in a customizable format. While the tech is impressive, some users may find the screen-heavy interface distracting compared to physical buttons.
Driver Assistance Tech
Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard, offering a robust suite of safety features. Key systems include:
- Pre-Collision Assist: Automatically brakes to avoid or mitigate frontal collisions, with pedestrian detection for added safety.
- BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of vehicles in blind spots and assists when reversing out of parking spaces.
- Lane-Keeping System: Gently steers to keep the SUV centered in its lane, reducing driver fatigue on long drives.
Adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist are available, enhancing safety on highways. The system earns high marks for ease of use and reliability.
Safety First
Safety is a priority for the 2025 Ford Escape ST, which has earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it a “Good” rating in most crash tests, though its side-impact score was “Marginal.” Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The SUV’s robust frame and advanced driver aids make it a solid choice for families.
Crash Test Ratings
The Escape ST’s five-star NHTSA rating reflects its strong performance in frontal, side, and rollover tests. The IIHS praised its front crash prevention but noted weaker side-impact results compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V.
The LATCH system for child seats earns a “Good+” rating for ease of use, making it a practical choice for parents. Buyers should weigh these results against competitors with stronger side-impact scores.
Practicality for Everyday Life
The Escape ST balances performance with everyday utility. Its sliding second-row seats offer up to 5.9 inches of extra legroom, accommodating taller passengers.
With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to 65.4 cubic feet, suitable for weekend getaways or grocery runs. The SUV can tow up to 3500 pounds with the Class II Trailer Tow Package, ideal for small trailers or boats.
Cargo and Storage
The Escape ST’s cargo area is versatile, with a low floor for easy loading. The 60/40-split rear seats fold to create a near-flat surface, though they don’t lie completely level.
Interior storage is generous, with large door pockets and a deep center console. Compared to the RAV4’s 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, the Escape’s 33.5 cubic feet is slightly less competitive but still practical.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is a mixed bag for the ST Performance Edition. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine achieves 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, respectable for a performance-oriented SUV.
However, hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offer better efficiency at 41 mpg combined. The Escape’s Auto Start-Stop technology helps reduce fuel use in traffic, but its performance focus means efficiency takes a backseat to power.
Pricing and Value
Starting at around $35000, the 2025 Ford Escape ST Performance Edition is priced competitively within the compact SUV segment. It undercuts premium rivals like the Mazda CX-50 while offering more power than base models from Honda or Toyota.
Standard features are generous, but options like the Tech Pack and panoramic sunroof can push the price closer to $40000. Kelley Blue Book suggests buyers may find discounts of $1000–$1800 off MSRP.
Competitive Landscape
The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, and the Escape ST faces strong rivals. The Mazda CX-5 offers superior handling and a premium interior, while the Honda CR-V excels in refinement and cargo space.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leads in fuel efficiency, and the Kia Sportage boasts bold styling. The Escape ST’s blend of power and tech makes it a strong contender, but its firm ride and interior quality lag behind some competitors.
Conclusion of
Ford Escape ST Performance Edition is a bold take on the compact SUV, offering a potent 2.0L EcoBoost engine, sporty handling, and a tech-laden cabin. Its aggressive styling and quick acceleration appeal to drivers seeking excitement, while its versatile interior and safety features cater to practical needs.
However, its firm ride, average fuel economy, and less refined interior keep it from leading the segment. For buyers prioritizing performance and value, the Escape ST is a worthy option, but those seeking refinement may look to rivals like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V. Test-driving the ST will reveal if its dynamic spirit fits your driving style.