2025 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2025 Ford Escape: Battle of the Compact SUVs
The compact SUV segment is more competitive than ever, with top contenders like the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and 2025 Ford Escape vying for attention. Both models offer impressive technology, efficiency, and versatility, making them great options for families, commuters, and adventure seekers alike. But which one stands out as the better buy? We’ll look through everything that these SUVs offer so that you can use this guide as a car comparison tool to decide on your next ride.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson starts at $28,705, and its highest trim begins at $38,645. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Tucson are also available, and they start at $33,465 and $39,730, respectively.
The 2025 Ford Escape begins at $29,150 and goes up to $35,545. Starting with the ST-Line trim, Ford offers a hybrid engine for the Escape at an extra cost. You also have the option of a plug-in hybrid that starts at $38,400.
Design and Exterior Features
The Tucson’s new design emphasizes bold lines and elegant curves. It sports a parametric grille, sculpted bumpers, and chic wheels. It’ll certainly turn heads as you drive down the streets of Pensacola.
The Escape goes another route with its exterior design. It has flowing lines and a rounded shape. If you’re looking for a more discreet SUV, then you might prefer the styling of the Escape.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
Both seat five passengers comfortably, although the Tucson offers more second-row legroom thanks to its larger dimensions. You’ll get 40.7 inches of legroom in the Escape compared to the Tucson’s 41.3 inches. And you’ll really like the Tucson if you prefer nicer materials and luxuries. It offers options for ambient lighting and H-Tex or leather-trimmed seats. In contrast, the Escape has more plastic components and only offers leatherette seats on its highest trims.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson dominates when it comes to cargo space. It gives you 41.2 cubic feet behind the back seats — plenty for errands or a weekend camping trip. Fold those seats down, and you’ll open up 80.3 cubic feet of space, which gives you plenty of room to do some hauling. The Escape maxes out at 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. That’s still roomy, just not as big as the Tucson.
Tech Features and Connectivity
When it comes to tech, both SUVs deliver. The Tucson features a 12.3-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a digital instrument panel that changes with driving modes. The Escape starts with an 8-inch screen but offers a 13.2-inch upgrade. You’ll also get the Ford SYNC 4 system. Both SUVs provide Bluetooth, USB ports, Wi-Fi hot spot options, and remote-control apps for starting or locking your vehicle.
Performance and Powertrains
The Tucson has a 2.5-liter engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson Hybrid’s powertrain comes with a 1.6-liter engine and produces a combined 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for more power, the Tucson plug-in hybrid outputs a combined 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Escape counters with a standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 180 horsepower. There’s also an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that generates 250 horsepower for those needing extra muscle. The plug-in hybrid Escape features a combined 168 horsepower.
If you need to do any light towing, the Escape pulls ahead. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds compared to the Tucson’s 2,000 pounds. If you have a trailer, then you might be able to balance out the smaller interior of the Escape. However, the extra room inside the Tucson is hard to beat.
Fuel Efficiency
Both SUVs offer good fuel efficiency. The Tucson gets up to 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. For the hybrid model, you’ll get 38 mpg in the city and on the highway. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid gets an impressive 77 MPGe and its gas engine gets a combined 35 mpg.
The Ford Escape’s 1.5-liter engine gets 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. If you choose the larger 2.0-liter engine, you’ll achieve an efficiency of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The plug-in hybrid model gets a combined 101 MPGe.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is no afterthought with either SUV. Both pack essential driver aids such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Whichever you pick, you’re getting a vehicle designed with protection in mind. However, the Tucson outshines the Escape in safety ratings. The 2025 Tucson has earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That means you’ll get top-tier protection for yourself and your passengers.
Warranty Comparison
When it comes to warranty coverage, Hyundai has a big advantage. The Tucson comes with five years or 60,000 miles of total coverage and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Think of it as a safety net against costly repairs. Ford offers a more standard warranty for the Escape. It provides total coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, and the powertrain is protected for five years or 60,000 miles.
Come See the 2025 Hyundai Tucson at Allen Turner Hyundai
If you value a compact SUV with bold style and a roomy interior, then you’ll love the 2025 Hyundai Tucson. If you’re still unsure, we invite you to visit Allen Turner Hyundai to see it in person. Our team can answer all your questions about new vehicles, financing, and specific features. We also provide expert service to keep your car running like new. Contact us at 850-479-9667 today to find out if the new Tucson is right for you.
Photo Courtesy of Hyundai
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