Buying a 2025 Escape Plug-In Hybrid? 10 Things You Need to Know

The 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is one of the most practical PHEVs on the road. We’ve answered the 10 questions buyers ask the most, so you can find out if this SUV is worth your money, time, and garage space. 

1. What is the difference between Ford Escape Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid?

Both use the same gas engine, but the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has a bigger battery that you can charge. You just plug it in overnight, and you’re good to go. The regular hybrid still saves gas, but it can’t run fully electric. So if you want more efficiency, lower fuel costs, and the option to skip the pump on most days, the plug-in wins.

2. How far does a Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid go on electric power alone?

The 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid offers up to 37 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge. That’s plenty for most daily commutes, errands, or school runs without using any gas. It beats the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (33 miles) and the Kia Sportage PHEV (34 miles) in electric range. It doesn’t quite match the RAV4 Prime’s 42 miles, but the Escape comes in at a much lower price, so you’re getting more EV range than most, without the premium cost.

3. What’s the fuel economy when the battery runs out?

Once the battery is depleted, the Escape PHEV still runs like a super-efficient hybrid. It delivers around 40 MPG combined. That’s better than most small SUVs, plug-in or not. 

For comparison, the Toyota RAV4 Prime gets about 38 MPG once the battery’s out, and the Tucson PHEV comes in closer to 35 MPG. So even in gas-only mode, the Escape still gets strong fuel economy on longer trips or days you forget to plug in.

4. How long does the 2025 Escape Plug-In Hybrid take to charge?

Charging the 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is straightforward, with two primary options:

• Level 1 (Standard 120V Outlet): Plug into a regular household outlet, and you’ll get a full charge in about 10–11 hours. This method is ideal for overnight charging at home. 
• Level 2 (240V Charger): Using a Level 2 charger, either at home or a public station, reduces charging time to approximately 3.5 hours for a full charge. 

Notably, the Escape PHEV does not support DC fast charging, so Level 2 is your quickest option.

5. How does the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid work?

The Ford Escape PHEV pairs a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. When the battery is charged, you can drive up to 37 miles on electric power alone. After that, the gas engine kicks in automatically, so you’re never stuck without power.

It also has regenerative braking, which captures energy when you slow down and feeds it back into the battery. You can drive in different modes too: EV Now for all-electric, EV Auto to let the system decide, or EV Charge to recharge the battery using the engine. No need to choose between gas or electric. You get both, and the car figures out the best way to use them.

6. Is Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid eligible for tax credit? 

As of May 2025, the 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid no longer qualifies for the $3,750 federal tax credit due to updated battery sourcing rules. However, lease incentives may still be available through Ford Credit. Check with your local dealer for current offers.

7. How much does the 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Cost? 

The 2025 Ford Escape PHEV is one of the best-priced plug-in hybrids on the market. It starts at $39,895 MSRP. Ford has reduced the price by $2,100 compared to the previous year’s model, making it more affordable for buyers. 

When compared to competitors, the Escape PHEV offers a compelling value:

• Toyota RAV4 Prime: Starts around $43,000, offering a longer electric range but at a higher price point.
• Hyundai Tucson PHEV: Begins at approximately $38,000, with a slightly shorter electric range.
• Kia Sportage PHEV: Priced similarly to the Tucson, with comparable features and range.

8. How does it compare to the RAV4 Prime?

The RAV4 Prime has more power and standard all-wheel drive, but it also costs about $5,000 more than the Escape PHEV. For most drivers, the Escape offers the smarter value. You still get up to 37 miles of all-electric range, solid tech like a 13.2″ touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus great fuel efficiency once the battery runs out.

Yes, the RAV4 Prime is faster, but how often are you flooring it in a plug-in SUV? Most buyers want daily efficiency, comfort, and savings. The Escape delivers that without the premium price tag. And while the RAV4 Prime’s AWD might sound nice, the Escape’s FWD setup is more than enough for most city and suburban driving.

9. What features come standard?

A lot. The 2025 Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with a 13.2″ touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, dual-zone climate control, and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.

You also get heated front seats, a power liftgate, and keyless entry with push-button start—no upgrade needed. For under $40K, it’s one of the best-equipped plug-in hybrids on the market.

10. Is the 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Worth It? 

Absolutely, and it’s more underrated than it should be. Why? Because the Escape has always been dependable, practical, and fuel-efficient, and the plug-in version just builds on that.

For under $40K, you get up to 37 miles of electric range, excellent gas mileage, a comfortable and spacious cabin, and loaded standard features that others charge more for. It’s not flashy, but it nails what matters most: efficiency, usability, and value.

2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid for Sale in Nampa, Idaho 

The best way to appreciate the dependability and innovative features of the 2025 Ford Escape PHEV is to get behind the wheel. Visit Corwin Ford Nampa today! We have a wide selection of new and used Ford SUVs, including the 2025 Ford Escape, and flexible financing options. 

Schedule a test drive now. We proudly serve customers in Nampa, Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, Kuna, Eagle, Emmett, Idaho City, Wilder, New Plymouth, Star, Middleton, Weiser, Payette, Horseshoe Bend, Mountain Home, Idaho, and surrounding states.

SHOP NOW