Ford Escape trim comparison
2025 Ford Escape ST-Line Select vs Plug-In Hybrid
The Escape ST-Line Select starts at $33,195 while the Plug-In Hybrid is $38,400. That $5,205 gap buys 8 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The Plug-In Hybrid gets the 2.5L I4 phev and FWD, so the $5,205 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the ST-Line Select if the 2.0L I4 Turbo with AWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the Plug-In Hybrid only when the 2.5L I4 phev and FWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the ST-Line Select to the Plug-In Hybrid is about $91/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $5,460 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
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
Both the ST-Line Select and Plug-In Hybrid share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $5,205 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $744 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. 8 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | ST-Line Select | Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $33,195 | $38,400 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 phev |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | No published data |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 42 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 37 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 40 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.7 gal | 11.1 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | $1,100/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,505 lbs | 3,880 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 106.7" |
| Length | 181.2" | 180.5" |
| Width | 74.1" | 74.1" |
| Height | 66.0" | 65.9" |
| 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 ST-Line Select vs Plug-In Hybrid 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 Plug-In Hybrid cost than the ST-Line Select?
The Plug-In Hybrid starts at $38,400 compared to $33,195 for the ST-Line Select. That is a $5,205 difference, or approximately $91/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Ford Escape ST-Line Select and Plug-In Hybrid have the same engine?
No. The ST-Line Select uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo (250 hp, 280 lb-ft), while the Plug-In Hybrid has the 2.5L I4 phev (210 hp). Both pair with the same 8-speed automatic.
Does the 2025 Escape ST-Line Select come with FWD?
No. The ST-Line Select comes standard with AWD while the Plug-In Hybrid has FWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2025 Escape ST-Line Select or Plug-In Hybrid 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 ST-Line Select and Plug-In Hybrid, 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 Plug-In Hybrid worth $5,205 more than the ST-Line Select?
The Plug-In Hybrid changes both the engine and drivetrain for $5,205 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 Ford Escape trim gets better fuel economy, the ST-Line Select or the Plug-In Hybrid?
The Plug-In Hybrid is the more efficient of the two at 40 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.
What $5,205 Gets You
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid is a clear upgrade over the ST-Line Select. The $5,205 price increase gets you the 2.5L I4 phev engine (+-40 hp) and FWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
ST-Line Select vs. Plug-In Hybrid: Day-to-Day
The Plug-In Hybrid comes with the 2.5L I4 phev instead of the ST-Line Select's 2.0L I4 Turbo. The Plug-In Hybrid drops to FWD from the ST-Line Select's AWD. Less traction capability, but potentially better fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid gets 14 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $565 per year or $2,825 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$5,205 more for the Escape Plug-In Hybrid gets you 7 real differences. At $91/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
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 ST-Line Select
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the ST-Line Select best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Plug-In Hybrid when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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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.