Toyota pretty much owns thehybridreliability game. Simple drivetrains, years of hybrid experience—they’ve built a solid rep by keeping thingssmart and dependable.
But here’s the twist: there’s an American hybrid SUV out there quietly beating some ofToyota’s models in reliability tests. It’s not the first name you’d think of, but it’s getting serious praise from both owners and experts.
It may not shout for attention, but it’s efficient, well-built, and delivers real value. If you’re hunting for a reliable daily driver, this under-the-radar pick deserves a spot on your list.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Ford’s website and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, iSeeCars, and the EPA. The images used throughout this article are of the standard ICE variant, as well as the PHEV Escape and hybrid models.
The Ford Escape Hybrid Edges Out Toyota in Reliability Ratings
Rated One of the Most Reliable Hybrids by Top Reviewers
The 2025FordEscape Hybrid is scoring big with the pros.J.D. Powergives it an 85 out of 100 for both quality and reliability, plus a solid resale score, adding up to a strong overall rating of 82.
Over atiSeeCars, it earns an 8.5 out of 10 overall, backed by top marks in safety and a reliability score of 8.2. It even gets props for holding its value decently over time.
Dig a little deeper, and the data suggests this hybrid could last nearly 8 years or over 120,000 miles—possibly even hitting 200,000 miles with minimal drama. Not bad for a car that flies under the radar.
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Score
85/100
8.2/10
81/100
9.5/10
80/100
6.2/10
79/100
75/100
8.9/10
Good news—the NHTSA hasn’t flagged any recalls for this Escape Hybrid model year. That’s always a good sign when you’re thinking about reliability.
Now, the Escape Hybrid doesn’t outshine Toyota’s absolute top hybrids, but it does beat most of their lineup, including popular models like theCorollaand RAV4. Remember, these scores come from specific tests and owner reports, so they’re a helpful guide, but not the whole story.
At the end of the day, there’s no perfect way to say if the Escape is truly more reliable than every Toyota hybrid out there. Still, it’s definitely holding its own in a tough crowd.
What to Expect From the Escape Hybrid’s Battery Life
The Escape Hybrid’sbatteryslowly loses capacity over time—that’s just how these things work. The wear depends a lot on how much you drive, but it happens because the lithium-ion cells get tired from charging and discharging.
Heat, quick acceleration, and heavy use speed up this process by wearing down the battery’s components. The car’s battery management system tries to keep things balanced, but as the battery ages, it can’t quite keep up with the wear and tear.
After around 200,000 miles, you can expect the battery to lose about 20 to 30 percent of its original juice, depending on how you drive and where you live. And if anything goes wrong due to a manufacturing defect, the hybrid system’s covered by an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty—so you’re protected.
Perfectly Suited for Your Daily City Commute
The 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid packs a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors that work together through an eCVT. Together, they deliver a smooth 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque—enough to hit 60 mph in about 8 seconds and reach a top speed of 124 mph.
It’s not built for heavy hauling, but thismidsize crossovercan still tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is pretty handy for everyday needs.
2.5-liter four-cylinder and two permanent-magnet motors
191 hp
155 lb-ft
eCVT
Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
1.6 kWh
0-60 MPH
8.1 seconds
124 mph
Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
Under the hood, you’ll find a Mazda-sourced powertrain that’s all about efficiency and low emissions. The brand pulled it off by tweaking intake valve timing based on how hard the engine’s working.
The gas engine teams up with an electric motor in a planetary gear-style hybrid setup, with a focus on simplicity and long-term reliability. Its iVCT system smartly adjusts camshaft timing on the fly for better combustion, no matter the driving conditions.
With an aluminum block and head, it keeps things light and cool, and the chain-driven cams mean less maintenance than old-school belts. Self-adjusting valves and an electric water pump help keep wear and tear down, and with basic upkeep, this engine has been known to cruise well past 200,000 miles with barely a complaint.
Great Range and Even Better Fuel Economy
Surprisingly, it doesn’t matter if you go with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive—theEPAsays fuel economy stays the same. That’s a rare win for AWD fans.
You’re looking at 42 MPG in the city, 36 on the highway, and 39 combined. With a 14.3-gallon tank and a 1.6 kWh battery, the Escape Hybrid can stretch up to 558 miles before needing a refill.
42 mpg
36 mpg
39 mpg
558 miles
$2,500
$1,250
$2.08
$46
Fuel Tank Capacity
14.3 gallons
According to the EPA, theEscape Hybridcould save you around $2,500 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new car. That’s a nice perk for your wallet.
On average, you’re looking at about $1,250 a year on fuel, or roughly $2.08 every 25 miles. Filling up the tank? Expect to spend around $46 at the pump.
You Can Get Into a 2025 Escape Hybrid for a Bit Over $32K
The Escape Hybrid lineup kicks off with the ST-Line trim at $32,490, making it one of the better deals in the hybrid SUV world. It comes with some solid features too—like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, black roof rails, sporty red stitching, and 18-inch Rock Metallic wheels.
Step up to the ST-Line Select for $34,190, and you’ll get all-wheel drive, a power liftgate, remote start, and heated front seats and steering wheel—great for colder mornings.
At $35,615, the Platinum trim adds a bit more polish, with a big 13.2-inch touchscreen, mini-perforated ActiveX seats, wireless phone charging, an upgraded passenger seat, and sleek 19-inch wheels.
104 cubic feet
65.4 cubic feet
37.5 cubic feet
40 inches
39.3 inches
57.6 inches
56 inches
42.4 inches
40.7 inches
55.2 inches
Hip Room Rear
53.3 inches
At the top of the lineup is the ST-Line Elite, starting at $38,110. It comes loaded with built-in navigation, slick black 19-inch alloys, color-matched trim, andadaptive cruise controlfor stress-free highway driving.
Ford tacks on a $1,495 destination fee and a $695 acquisition fee to every Escape Hybrid order—just something to keep in mind when budgeting. You’ll also get dual-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep things comfy and connected.
