The compact SUV market is full of value for prospective buyers, with many options in the class being kitted out to provide the most bang for your buck you’ll find in the market these days. Small, practical, and efficient to boot, two of the models that best exemplify this mindset are the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, with both being standouts for those very reasons.
In today’s article, we’ll review the two head-on, seeing if the new Escape or CR-V can take the crown as the best compact SUV for families in Florida.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ford Escape is equipped with some solid kit for this year, with the upgrades being focused on quality of life.
- The CR-V starts at a respectable $30k for 2025.
- The Ford Escape’s strength lies in its reliability when compared to the CR-V.
Is there going to be a 2025 Ford Escape?
Yes! For 2025, Edmunds reports that the 2025 Escape provides a wide range of powertrain options to suit different driving needs. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter producing 180 horsepower, paired with front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. Stepping up, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers 250 horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive on mid-level trims.
For those seeking efficiency, the Escape Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing 192 horsepower with optional all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version offers up to 37 miles of electric-only driving using the same 2.5-liter hybrid setup, though it’s offered exclusively with front-wheel drive.
What should I pay for a 2025 Honda CR-V?
For 2025, Car and Driver reports that there are no expected changes to the CR-V this year, with the price of the CR-V as of writing starting at $31,495 and going up to $36,395 depending on the trim and options. A full list of the 6 trims available this year reads as:
- LX - $31,495
- EX - $33,745
- Sport - $36,045
- EX-L - $36,395
- Sport-L - $39,045
- Sport Touring $42,495
The CR-V LX, EX, and EX-L are all available as gas-only models. The Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring models come exclusively with the hybrid powertrain, and those come recommended by Car and Driver. Of the nonhybrid models, however, it’s the EX-L trim that stands out for its generous list of equipment. It comes with cozy leather upholstery, a power tailgate, as well as a larger touchscreen, among other features.
Is the 2025 Ford Escape reliable?
Yes! This year, US Car News Report states that the 2025 Ford Escape is expected to have a strong reliability rating, with a predicted score of 85 out of 100 from J.D. Power. According to their scale, a score between 81 and 90 is classified as “Great,” placing the Escape comfortably in that category. For context, scores of 91-100 are considered the best possible scores, with 70–80 landing in the average category, and anything below 70 being viewed as below average.
Is the 2025 Ford Escape Worth Purchasing?
Comparing the two head-on, we have to give the nod to the Escape in this comparison. Not lacking in solid kit, it’s sure to provide you with a long-term investment that’ll both save you on gas and handle any dirty work that might come up in the meantime. This SUV offers strong efficiency, decent power, and pairs those with the affordability needed to make for a standout entry in this class.