If you’re thinking of purchasing a compact SUV in Jenkintown, the 2025 Ford Escape might be on your radar. This final model year warrants careful consideration, especially regarding reliability. In this 2025 Ford Escape review, our team at John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown will help you in evaluating its reliability, discussing past issues and recent significant improvements, to give you a feel for everyday driving in Ford’s compact SUV.
Long-Term Reliability Track Record
Ford Escape reviews present a mixed picture that has improved lately in terms of reliability. J.D. Power gives it a solid 83/100 for predicted reliability, placing it in the “great” range, and RepairPal backs this up with a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating, which ranks the Escape 16th out of 26 for compact SUVs. By awkward contrast, the 2025 Hybrid model scored only 21 points on Consumer Reports’ 100-point scale, putting it among the least reliable vehicles.
Overall, Ford ranked 11th out of 21 brands in 2024 reliability predictions. Among Ford SUVs, the Escape holds its own with a five-year quality and reliability score of 84/100, according to J.D. Power.
One downside is that average repair costs are estimated at $600 per year, which is higher than average for this class. Looking back, the Ford Escape has had rough patches from 2006 to 2012 and from 2013 to 2019, with some serious mechanical problems. The 2021 model received a “stay away” warning from Consumer Reports, although the 2023 Hybrid bounced back to recommended status.
2025 Model Year Improvements
Ford’s quality push is showing positive results for 2025. Its COO, Kumar Galhotra, reports a 10%+ drop in repairs per thousand vehicles at both zero and three months of service across 25 models. This marks Ford’s best quality showing in over a decade. The company has put its money where its mouth is, recruiting 300 new specialists for engineering and design work. As further proof that it’s tackling past problems, it released 9.5 million over-the-air software updates in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
Regarding recalls, though, Ford led all carmakers with 81 in 2025. The company admits it is unhappy with this position and is working to bring those numbers down. It’s improved its supply chain to secure better parts and introduced Gemba walks to spot and fix problems on the production line. These changes demonstrate Ford’s recognition that quality must be built in from the start, not added later.
Engine and Transmission Reliability Analysis
Ford offers four 2025 Ford Escape engines: a base 180 hp turbo three-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a 250 hp turbo four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive, a 192 hp 2.5-liter hybrid with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), or a plug-in hybrid delivering 210 hp with 37 miles of electric range. Each setup comes with its own reliability profile based on complexity and real-world results.
Drivers mention concerns about turbo engines not lasting past 100,000 miles, especially given the three-cylinder’s highway performance and vibration issues. The hybrid systems face questions in the wake of Consumer Reports’ findings, though actual owners report widely different experiences. CVTs in hybrids receive mixed feedback — some love the smooth driving, while others complain about jerky starts that require dealer fixes.
A recent widespread recall has affected 1.7 million vehicles due to transmission problems that could cause cars to roll away while parked. This issue affects older models but highlights why staying on top of recalls matters.
Safety and Technology Reliability
In terms of safety, the 2025 Escape fares well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it a five-star overall rating. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests show Good scores for small and moderate overlap front crashes, Marginal for side impacts, and Acceptable for headlight performance. These ratings should give you confidence driving around Jenkintown, whether you’re on quiet neighborhood streets or merging onto the highway.
Regarding technology, the Escape is equipped with an 8-inch touch screen with SYNC 4 as standard, or you can upgrade to a 13.2-inch touch screen for a better user interface. Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on every model and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alerts, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic warnings. Fancier models add stop-and-go cruise control, lane-centering, evasive steering help, and 360-degree cameras.
How Many Miles Does a Ford Escape Last?
Well-maintained models regularly hit 200,000+ miles – that’s roughly 15 years if you drive the average 13,000 miles yearly. Many owners push past 250,000 miles before major work’s needed. The typical span falls between 150,000-200,000 miles (10-15 years) with proper upkeep. One Colorado driver still happily cruises in his 2013 Escape with 170,000+ miles on the clock.
Stick to the maintenance schedule and you’ll maximize those miles: change oil every 5,000-7,500 miles, check brakes every 10,000-15,000 miles, flush transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles, replace timing belts and swap spark plugs at 100,000 miles. Following Ford’s service calendar and fixing minor problems quickly prevents them from becoming expensive repairs down the road.
Are Ford Escapes Good Cars?
Owners are happiest with their Escapes when they keep up with maintenance. One driver reported achieving 42.2 mpg in city driving — that’s impressive efficiency from the hybrid. You’ll love the comfortable leather seats, clear visibility, solid handling, smooth ride, roomy interior, and decent gas mileage.
In U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 car rankings, the Escape placed 10th among Compact SUVs, 61st among Crossovers, and 45th in two-row SUVs overall. It was named a finalist for the 2025 Best Compact SUV for the Money, which speaks to its value in this crowded field.
Best Ford Escape Trim Levels for Reliability
Your trim choice affects both sale price and long-term reliability. The basic Ford Escape Active trim ($29,515 MSRP) comes with a 1.5L EcoBoost and front-wheel drive — simpler means fewer things to break. With the Ford Escape ST-Line ($30,360 MSRP), you can add a hybrid option. The ST-Line Select ($33,195) brings the 2.0L EcoBoost with standard all-wheel drive, the Platinum ($35,310) adds premium touches, the ST-Line Elite ($36,305) maximizes the technology, and the Plug-in Hybrid ($37,400) offers 37 miles of electric-only driving.
In terms of five-year ownership costs, the Active trim costs a total of $36,106, while the ST-Line costs $37,371. Higher trims jump significantly:
- ST-Line Select: $44,688
- Platinum: $53,394
- ST-Line Elite: $49,760
- Plug-In Hybrid: $44,446
These numbers include depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repairs.
Your Reliable SUV Awaits in Jenkintown
The 2025 Ford Escape shows real recent improvement while keeping Ford’s commitment to safety and technology. With proper care, many Escapes exceed 200,000 miles, making this a good option for a Jenkintown family wanting dependable transportation. Strong safety scores and good warranty coverage add peace of mind to your purchase.
To discover how the 2025 Escape handles in person, contact us at John Kennedy Ford of Jenkintown to arrange a test-drive. Our team has decades of local experience and understands the driving conditions in Jenkintown. We’ll help you figure out whether this SUV fits your family’s needs.
Images from ford.com
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