Though it was just treated to a pretty comprehensive refresh for the 2023 model year that gave the compact crossover a totally new, edgier look, the Ford Escape has also received a few other notable updates since then, too. This includes the upcoming 2025 model year, which has thus far brought forth quite a few deletions, with minimal additions. Now, the 2025 Ford Escape is set to lose another feature that was previously present on one specific trim, too.
That deletion is the premium wrapped steering wheel, which was previously standard on the Active trim for 2024, but has been replaced by a urethane steering wheel in the 2025 Ford Escape. Otherwise, every other trim in the 2025 Ford Escape lineup remains unchanged from the 2024 model year, however. As Ford Authority previously reported, the 2025 Ford Escape Active has also lost its previously-standard eight-way power driver’s seat as well, replacing it with a six-way manual seat.
This is just the latest in a long line of deletions for the 2025 Ford Escape lineup, however, as Ford Authority has reported in recent weeks. The 2025 Ford Escape ST-Line is losing its aluminum foot pedals that were previously standard on all three ST-Line trims, while the the ST-Line Elite and Platinum are also ditching the previously-standard ambient lighting. For 2025, the ST-Line and ST-Line Select are losing their monochromatic painted bodyside cladding, rocker panels, and bumpers in favor of molded-in-color components, though the ST-Line Elite does retain them.
The 2025 Ford Escape has also ditched its spare tire – at least in non-hybrid models – which no longer come with that part as standard equipment, and instead, The Blue Oval has gone back to equipping them with the Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit, though a spare is still available as an option for pure ICE models. Finally, rain-sensing wipers are no longer standard on the ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims, too. As far as exterior colors go, Space Silver Metallic has been added as a no-cost option for all trims, though Iconic Silver Metallic and Race Red have also been deleted.
We’ll have more on the 2025 Ford Escape soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Escape news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
The Ford Escape may be the worst design for an SUV yet.
I agree fugly
The 1989 Thunderbird SuperCoupe and Cougar XR7 had nicely thick and soft urethane steering wheels that felt much better the leather wrapped steering wheels. So, this change on the 2025 Escape Active may be a good thing if executed properly.
Another day, another Escape decontenting. Maybe make a steering wheel optional altogether.
Clearly headed for a $25K base price. Anything higher will be laughed at. And then a $10K discount on top. Turning into junk – it was overpriced junk formerly.
Why did they can the base trim to begin with? Because the Active is becoming it.
If they keep deleting things from the Escape and keep raising the prices, there will be less people looking to buy an Escape! Also if they start doing the same with their other vehicles, they might have problems selling them too!
No one is going to look at an Escape at this point. $33K for a mid-level trim with the crappy 3-banger and a host of reliability issues? And Ford is still trying to unload some ’23s at near sticker. I own a Ford, but probably never again. Doesn’t the Ford Family see what’s going on? It sure is strange.
Next it will come without an engine. Glad I bought mine when they had great features…………..
It will be optional with the Tech package!
Yeah because Toyota never decontents, do they?
And you hang out on Ford sites because you(r dad) buy(s used) Toyotas.
Well ford going to discontinue the escape so I guess they’re throwing in the towel early because they can’t compete against toyota, Subaru. Very disappointed in the ford motor company.