In case you haven’t been automotive buying in a couple of years, the present marketplace for compact SUVs may shock you. Lots of the best-known fashions now provide a have-your-cake-and-eat-some-too hybrid mannequin.
Hybrid compact SUVs provide improved gas economic system. However, in contrast to the hybrids of some years in the past, you don’t must commerce away passing energy to get it. Many are stronger than their gas-only counterparts.
The Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape have been battling for compact SUV buyers’ consideration for over twenty years. For 2025, every is out there in a fuel-efficient, highly effective hybrid model.
Let’s have a look at these two crossover SUVs and discover the appropriate one for you.
2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V compact SUV has been a perennial best-seller and benchmark amongst compact SUVs for many years. Merely put, it’s been the appropriate resolution for hundreds of thousands of drivers. The CR-V Hybrid is each probably the most fuel-efficient and the quickest model. It was redesigned totally simply two years in the past and remains to be recent from that revamp. For California consumers with entry to a hydrogen fueling station, Honda launched a gas cell CR-V for the Golden State this 12 months. Costs for the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid begin at $36,000.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Highlights
Extra nimble: Objectively, the CR-V Hybrid has a tighter turning radius than the Escape Hybrid. Which means it’s simpler to deal with in a parking zone and at low speeds. Subjectively, our skilled reviewers say, “There’s a poise and agility to how the CR-V Hybrid drives” that many rivals lack. There’s nothing outstanding in regards to the Escape’s dealing with. It’s regular for the category. The CR-V is just a bit higher than regular.
Visitors Jam Help: Will you utilize your subsequent automotive to commute in rush-hour visitors? In that case, the CR-V Hybrid may be the higher name. Honda’s Visitors Jam Help system could make steering changes, speed up, and brake to maintain up with visitors beneath 45 mph. It’s not fairly self-driving — you must hold a hand on the wheel as a result of it may’t safely deal with unpredictable visitors conditions. But it surely’s a substantial fatigue reliever, and it’s customary at each trim stage.
Refined inside: On the whole, automotive interiors have come a great distance in a couple of years. Even most base fashions on this class have many customary creature comforts. Nonetheless, Honda designers have performed a greater job packaging them than a lot of the competitors. The CR-V Hybrid has an upscale look that isn’t fairly luxury-car elegant, but it surely hints at it.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Honda CR-V Hybrid fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape has lengthy been an reasonably priced, nice alternative on this phase. Our skilled reviewer says that, for 2025, “The simplest powertrain for us to suggest is the hybrid 4-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower and a mixed gas economic system ranking of as much as 39 mpg. With extra energy and higher gas economic system at a small value premium over the 3-cylinder, the hybrid is a no brainer if it suits your finances.”
The Ford Escape not too long ago acquired a design refresh inside and outside that retains it with the highest of its class. It boasts one of many roomiest interiors in its class and is available in two hybrid editions — the opposite being a plug-in hybrid variant. Pricing for the Ford Escape Hybrid begins at $33,985.
Ford Escape Hybrid Highlights
Larger towing capability: In case you’re shopping for a small crossover to see over visitors, both one will do. In case you’re shopping for one for the added energy, the Escape places it down extra usefully. The CR-V Hybrid’s towing capability is surprisingly low — simply 1,000 kilos. Even small rental trailers can weigh virtually that a lot when empty, in order that’s slightly like saying it doesn’t tow. The Escape hybrid is nice for 1,500.
Sliding second-row seats: The Escape stays the one compact SUV exterior the posh lessons with sliding second-row seats. It does rather a lot to make the cabin extra versatile.
B&O audio: The Ford Escape may be music to an audiophile’s ears because of its non-compulsory 10-speaker system from none apart from Bang & Olufsen, a high-end audio model extra usually present in luxurious automobiles.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Ford Escape Hybrid fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
Each provide spectacular gas effectivity, know-how, and security options. Additionally they have the identical guarantee protection.
Conclusion
Both the Honda CR-V Hybrid or the Ford Escape Hybrid might meet your wants as a every day driver.
The CR-V Hybrid may win on refinement, and its Visitors Jam Help makes life simpler for individuals who get caught in visitors usually. Nonetheless, the Escape Hybrid has extra helpful towing energy, and its sliding second row makes its area extra versatile. It’s additionally inexpensive than the Honda.
You may want a check drive to determine between these two.
Specs
2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid | |
Beginning Value | $36,000 | $33,985 |
Fashionable Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.0-liter hybrid 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 204 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 192 hp @ 6,250 rpm |
Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 155 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
Transmission | CVT | CVT |
Gas Financial system | 43 metropolis/36 freeway/40 mixed mpg | 42 metropolis/36 freeway/39 mixed mpg |
Additionally Obtainable | AWD | AWD, plug-in hybrid |
Specs | ||
Fundamental Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA Total Security Score | 5-Star | 5-Star |
Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 106.7 inches |
Total Size | 184.8 inches | 180.1 inches |
Width | 73.5 inches | 74.1 inches |
Peak | 66.2 inches | 66.1 inches |
Turning Diameter | 37.3 ft | 39.0 ft |
Headroom, Entrance | 38.2 inches | 40.0 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 39.3 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 41.3 inches | 42.4 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 41.0 inches | 38.9 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.9 inches | 57.6 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.9 inches | 56.0 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 39.3/76.5 cubic ft | 34.4/60.8 cubic ft |