Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Comparison
Can’t decide between the new Ford Escape and Kia Sportage? D’Orazio Ford is here to help with that. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore how these two vehicles stack up against each other in various categories, helping you make an informed decision on which might be the best fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a competitive price range, starting at $27,995 for the base Active trim and topping out at $38,400 for the Plug-in Hybrid model. The Escape provides a diverse lineup with five main trim levels: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite, plus the Plug-in Hybrid option.
The 2025 Kia Sportage has a similar starting price of $27,190 for the base LX trim, with its top-tier X-Pro Prestige model priced at $38,090. Kia offers seven trim levels: LX, EX, X-Line AWD, SX, SX Prestige, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige.
| Model | Starting Price | Top Trim Price | Number of Trims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape | $27,995 | $38,400 | 6 (including Plug-in Hybrid) |
| Kia Sportage | $27,190 | $38,090 | 7 |
While the pricing is comparable, the Ford Escape offers a more streamlined trim structure, making it easier for consumers to choose the right model for their needs without feeling overwhelmed by options.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Exterior Design
The 2025 Ford Escape boasts a refreshed exterior design, giving it a more distinctive and expressive look compared to previous models. The updated sheetmetal provides a modern and sleek appearance, helping the Escape stand out in the crowded compact SUV segment.
On the other hand, the Kia Sportage received a full redesign in 2023, making it one of the most distinctive-looking SUVs on the road. For 2025, Kia is expected to introduce a mild styling update to keep the Sportage fresh.
While both vehicles offer attractive designs, the Ford Escape’s more recent refresh gives it an edge in terms of contemporary styling. Its balanced blend of sophistication and sportiness is likely to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
Interior Comfort and Space
Both the Ford Escape and Kia Sportage excel in interior comfort, but there are some notable differences.
Ford Escape Interior
- Roomy and comfortable seating
- Well-shaped front seats with pleasing cushioning
- Comfortable rear seats with suitable thigh support for adults
- Impressive use of space with plenty of room all around
- Deeply sculpted front seatbacks afford rear passengers lots of knee room
- 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind rear seats
Kia Sportage Interior
- Spacious seating
- Rear seats offer adjustable recline
- Some taller drivers might find front headroom slightly limited
- 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row
- 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded down
While the Sportage may have an advantage in raw cargo numbers, the Escape’s thoughtful interior design and comfortable seating make it a strong contender, especially for those who prioritize passenger comfort.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Performance and Powertrain
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a variety of powertrain options to suit different needs and preferences:
- Base engine: Turbocharged 1.5-liter producing 180 horsepower (FWD or AWD)
- Upgraded engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter generating 250 horsepower (standard AWD)
- Hybrid option: 192 combined horsepower
- Plug-in hybrid option: Up to 37 miles of all-electric driving
In contrast, the 2025 Kia Sportage comes with a single non-hybrid engine option:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower
The Ford Escape clearly has the advantage when it comes to powertrain diversity and performance. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, in particular, offers impressive acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds in Edmunds’ testing. This is significantly quicker than the Sportage, which takes over 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is an important factor for many compact SUV buyers. The Ford Escape shines in this area, particularly with its hybrid options:
- Standard hybrid powertrain: EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined
- 2.0-liter turbo engine: 26 mpg combined
The Kia Sportage, with its 2.5-liter engine, falls short in this category:
- All-wheel-drive version with all-terrain tires: EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined
For buyers looking to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, the Ford Escape’s hybrid options make it a clear winner in this category.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Ride and Handling
Both vehicles offer comfortable rides, but with different characteristics.
Ford Escape
- Smooth and composed ride both around town and on the highway
- Handles bumps and road imperfections well
- Comfortable for daily driving and long trips
- Balanced approach to ride and handling
Kia Sportage
- Very softly tuned suspension
- Excels at absorbing bumps and broken pavement
- Can lead to more body movement on undulating roads
- Easy and accurate steering
- Smooth and responsive brakes
While both vehicles prioritize comfort, the Ford Escape’s more balanced approach to ride and handling gives it a slight edge, particularly for drivers who appreciate a blend of comfort and control.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Technology and Infotainment
Both the Ford Escape and Kia Sportage come well-equipped with modern technology features.
Ford Escape Technology
- Intuitive infotainment system with responsive touchscreen interface
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard across all trims
- Available 10-speaker B&O sound system
- Well-integrated driver assistance features
- Exceptional lane centering feature for highway driving
Kia Sportage Technology
- Available dual 12.3-inch displays for instrument cluster and infotainment
- Comprehensive suite of driver assistance features
- Touchscreen inputs lock out while driving (potential inconvenience)
While both SUVs are technologically advanced, the Ford Escape’s more user-friendly interface and better-integrated driver assistance features give it an advantage in this category.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for both Ford and Kia, and both the Escape and Sportage come equipped with a wide array of standard and available safety features.
Ford Escape Safety Features
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control (higher trims)
- 360-degree camera system (higher trims)
Kia Sportage Safety Features
- Similar range of standard safety features
- Adaptive cruise control (available)
- Blind-spot warning (available)
- Parking assist (available)
Both vehicles perform well in this category, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. However, the Ford Escape’s standard safety package is slightly more comprehensive, giving it a small edge in this crucial area.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Value Proposition
When considering value, it’s important to look at the overall package, including features, performance, efficiency, and warranty.
Ford Escape Value Points
- Diverse powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models
- Potential for significant fuel savings over time
- Good balance of features across trim levels
- Competitive pricing
Kia Sportage Value Points
- Traditionally known for offering good value
- Many features for the price
- Excellent warranty coverage (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty)
While both vehicles offer good value, the Ford Escape’s more diverse powertrain options and better fuel efficiency, especially in hybrid form, may provide better long-term value for many buyers.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage Driving Experience
The overall driving experience is where these two SUVs differ significantly.
Ford Escape Driving Experience
- More engaging and confident driving experience
- Ample power for merging and passing (especially with turbocharged engines)
- Hybrid options offer a blend of performance and efficiency
- Smooth ride and well-tuned suspension
- Comfortable for daily commutes and long trips
Kia Sportage Driving Experience
- Comfortable ride
- Underpowered engine makes acceleration leisurely
- Can be frustrating in certain driving situations, especially when loaded
- Lack of power can detract from overall driving experience
For drivers who prioritize a blend of comfort, performance, and efficiency, the Ford Escape provides a more satisfying overall driving experience.
Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage – Which One is Better?
After a thorough comparison, it’s clear that both the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2025 Kia Sportage have their strengths. The Sportage offers distinctive styling, a spacious interior, and a comprehensive warranty. However, the Ford Escape emerges as the more well-rounded option, offering:
- A diverse range of powerful and efficient powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models
- Superior fuel economy, especially with the hybrid powertrains
- A more engaging driving experience with better acceleration and handling
- A user-friendly infotainment system with standard wireless smartphone integration
- A comprehensive set of standard safety features
- A freshly updated exterior design that balances sophistication and sportiness
For buyers seeking a compact SUV that excels in performance, efficiency, and technology while providing comfort and practicality, the 2025 Ford Escape stands out as the superior choice.
Schedule a Ford Escape Test Drive at D’Orazio Ford
Ready to experience the 2025 Ford Escape for yourself? Visit us at D’Orazio Ford, located at 1135 S Water St, Wilmington, IL 60481. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to answer your questions and help you find the perfect Ford Escape model to fit your lifestyle and needs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to test drive this exceptional compact SUV.
Call us today at (815) 476-5205 to schedule your visit or to learn more about our current offers and financing options. Discover why the Ford Escape is the smart choice – your perfect ride is waiting at D’Orazio Ford!