2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Nissan Rogue

From commutes down the interstate to adventures in the wilderness, school pickup lines, and more, compact SUVs can be found in a variety of situations, making them some of the most versatile vehicles on the road. One of the favorites for many drivers seeking out a durable, capable, and trusted traveler is the Ford Escape, known for its rugged build, no-nonsense driving demeanor, and plethora of configuration options to create the ride you truly desire. Another top pick is the Nissan Rogue, known for its premium interior and innovative design. When you compare the 2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Nissan Rogue, you may wonder which model makes for the better ride.

You’ll find that the Escape remains as impressive as ever for 2025, offering a fine selection of powertrains, trims, and technology to ensure a phenomenal ride. The Nissan Rogue introduces a new trim for its latest year on the market, catering to more adventurous travelers. Here at DePaula Ford, when you want to take advantage of a well-rounded ride with enough power to tackle more challenges during the journey and plenty of options to tailor your ride to suit your tastes, one of these SUVs just does it better. In the areas of performance, capabilities, trims, and innovation, the Escape truly shines. Let’s take a closer look at why you should consider this Ford favorite.

Performance

Engine Selection

Not many compact SUVs offer the number of engines that the Escape offers, making it easy to find the engine setup you need to elevate any type of journey you’re embarking on next. The 2025 Nissan Rogue comes with just one engine: a 1.5L VC-Turbo turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which produces 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.

In contrast, the 2025 Ford Escape offers four different engines to choose from in its lineup. It comes standard with a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Although both of these engines make around the same amount of horsepower, the fact that the Rogue is armed with a CVT places it at a big disadvantage, seeing as CVTs are notorious for providing a loud, less refined ride than eight-speed automatics.

Other engines that the Escape can be equipped with include a more exciting 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 250 hp and 280 lb-ft, perfect for drivers who want a bit more charisma in their vehicle. There are also hybrid offerings in the Escape’s engine arsenal, something that you won’t find with the Rogue. A 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid setup and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option are available to enhance efficiency on the road like never before. Having choices when it comes to which powertrain resides beneath the hood of your everyday vehicle is a huge advantage, and something that you can expect with the 2025 Escape.

Engine Efficiency

Many drivers interested in compact SUVs are drawn to them because they’re great on gas, making trips to the gas station less frequent and less costly. The good news is that with the available hybrid and PHEV Escape models offered, you’re able to enjoy ultimate efficiency during all of your drives, as the traditional hybrid is able to achieve an EPA-estimated 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.

The plug-in hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 101 MPGe, making these options ideal for drivers who have lengthy commutes ahead of them or have to deal with rush hour traffic regularly. The Rogue’s sole engine is able to achieve an EPA-estimated 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, so if you prioritize saving time and money at the pump, you’ll want to choose the Escape.

Capabilities

Towing Power

Many compact SUV drivers appreciate the fact that these vehicles are so accommodating, offering more space than sedans can offer, yet with car-like handling. You may not tow a whole lot when you drive a small SUV; however, you’re able to do so with ease when the time comes, especially in the Escape. Any engine you choose will allow you to tow with precision, but for those who demand ultimate power, you’ll want to choose the 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, which is able to tow up to 3,500 lbs.

Even the entry-level three-cylinder outperforms rivals like the Rogue, offering a 2,000-lb towing capacity. Unfortunately, the Rogue’s sole engine offering can only tow up to 1,500 lbs, so if you need the extra power to tow a small trailer or camper, you’ll want to choose the Escape.

On and Off the Road

You’ll be able to venture anywhere you please in either the Escape or the Rogue, but when you want more options to tailor your ride to suit the environment, you’ll find it with the Escape. Those who regularly use their vehicles for commuting purposes will be drawn to the hybrid and PHEV models, which offer superior fuel efficiency ratings and a smooth, agile ride. Meanwhile, those who want to kick it up a notch will be drawn to the turbocharged four-cylinder, which launches off the line with gusto. Unfortunately, the Rogue only has one engine, so if you’re concerned about efficiency or enjoying a livelier ride, you may be disappointed in the Rogue.

Getting off the beaten path is what many drivers of SUVs seek to do, and rest assured that both models allow you to do this with confidence. The Escape can be equipped with all-wheel drive capabilities to help you navigate tricky terrain with ease, as well as multiple drive modes to cater your drive to suit the situation. The Rogue may have welcomed the more rugged Rock Creek model into its lineup for 2025; however, many of the features found on this model seem to be more for looks than anything else, with access to beadlock-style wheels, a tubular roof rack, and Rock Creek badging throughout. If you want form and function off-road, your best bet is the Escape.

Trims

Traveling in Excellence

There are plenty of trims to choose from with the 2025 Escape and Rogue; however, the Escape offers more options to help you create the ultimate ride on board your SUV. Those with high standards regarding their drive will want to choose a top-level trim like the Platinum, which features ActiveX-trimmed upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more elegant elements throughout. The Rogue’s premium trim is also called the Platinum, and features leather-appointed seats, a panoramic moonroof, and an upscale feel on board.

It’s important to note that the Rogue’s Platinum trim and the Escape’s Platinum trim are not on the same playing field when it comes to price, as the Rogue’s top-tier option is notably more expensive, so, if you’re looking for an affordable way to get into a luxurious model, the Escape is the better pick.

Other Trim Options

The Escape showcases a fine selection of trims in its lineup for 2025, ranging from luxury-level models to adventure-ready options and everything in between. Those who want a more practical solution to their travels will find what they need in the lineup of mid-level and entry-level trims, while those who crave sleek styling and exciting performance will love the ST-Line selection. The Rogue offers only three other trims besides the pricy Platinum model, so if you want more options, you’re better off turning your attention to the Escape.

Innovation

Brilliant Displays

Another area where the Escape excels is technology, and when you want to enjoy an immersive and satisfying experience inside your vehicle, you’ll want to be riding in the Escape. With an available 13.2-inch touchscreen, as opposed to the 12.3-inch option found in the Rogue, the Escape makes it easy to stay connected to your day, even during a long work trip out of town. Armed with the SYNC 4 software system, you can expect to have access to all of the apps you need to remain connected and entertained while you’re on the road. You can also expect to enjoy over-the-air software updates, eliminating the need to visit the dealership for updates.

Connected Tech

In addition to a large and immersive touchscreen, the Escape offers plenty of other tech features to ensure a quality ride. From Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Ford Assistant, which acts as your right-hand man on the road, you’re able to take advantage of maximum connectivity while you’re traveling. You’ll find many of the same connectivity features on board the Rogue as well, including smartphone capabilities, navigation, and more; however, the fact that its touchscreen is smaller may take away from the experience for some drivers. If you prioritize top tech, the Escape is our top pick.

Find an Escape Today With Our Help

If you have your eye on the Escape, you’ll want to stop by DePaula Ford and take a look at our available offerings. The 2025 Ford Escape is a wonderful addition to any travel scenario, perfectly capable of holding its own, no matter where you’re traveling. Here at DePaula Ford, we’re proud to feature this model, and when you have an inventory like ours to shop from, you’re guaranteed to find a model that meets your demands while also fitting easily into your budget. We invite you to stop by today and take a closer look at this model, find the option that works best for you, and get ready to revitalize the way you take on the daily drive.

^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.