Ford Escape trim comparison
2025 Ford Escape Active vs ST-Line Select
The Escape Active starts at $29,515 while the ST-Line Select is $33,195. That $3,680 gap buys 9 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The ST-Line Select gets the 2.0L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $3,680 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The Active is enough if the 1.5L I3 Turbo with FWD already fits your routine; the ST-Line Select only earns the jump when the 2.0L I4 Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The ST-Line Select adds about $65/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $3,900 more overall with interest. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The Active and ST-Line Select are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $3,680 for 8 measurable differences, which works out to about $460 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 9 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Active | ST-Line Select |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,515 | $33,195 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I3 Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.8 gal | 15.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,450/yr | $1,700/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,273 lbs | 3,505 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 106.7" |
| Length | 180.1" | 181.2" |
| Width | 74.1" | 74.1" |
| Height | 66.0" | 66.0" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Ford Escape Active vs ST-Line Select Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ford Escape lineup, the Ford brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Escape ST-Line Select cost than the Active?
The ST-Line Select starts at $33,195 compared to $29,515 for the Active. That is a $3,680 difference, or approximately $65/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Ford Escape Active and ST-Line Select have the same engine?
No. The Active uses a 1.5L I3 Turbo (180 hp, 199 lb-ft), while the ST-Line Select has the 2.0L I4 Turbo (250 hp, 280 lb-ft). That is 70 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed automatic.
Does the 2025 Escape Active come with AWD?
No. The Active comes standard with FWD while the ST-Line Select has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2025 Escape Active or ST-Line Select safer?
Both share the same Ford Escape platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Ford Escape come with?
All 2025 Ford Escape trims, including both the Active and ST-Line Select, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Ford Escape ST-Line Select worth $3,680 more than the Active?
The ST-Line Select changes both the engine and drivetrain for $3,680 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 Ford Escape trim gets better fuel economy, the Active or the ST-Line Select?
The Active is the more efficient of the two at 30 combined MPG, versus 26 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $3,680 Gap
The ST-Line Select earns its premium. For $3,680 more, you get the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine (+70 hp) and AWD, making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Escape lineup.
How the Active and ST-Line Select Feel Different
Moving from the Active to the ST-Line Select means a different engine entirely. That means 70 more horsepower and 81 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 4 fewer combined MPG. AWD on the ST-Line Select means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the Active's FWD may be fine.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Escape Active gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $215 per year or $1,075 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
The Escape ST-Line Select costs $3,680 more than the Active (about $65/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 8 meaningful changes at $460 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ford Escape Active
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Active best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford Escape ST-Line Select
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the ST-Line Select when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.