Ford Escape, Ford Bronco Sport, Escape PHEV: Which Is Most Efficient?

2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid - a light blue 2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid parked on a rooftop with glass buildings in the background - Mayfield Ford - Ford car dealership in Brampton, Ontario

When choosing your next Ford SUV in Brampton, fuel efficiency often plays a major role in the decision. The 2025 Ford lineup offers three distinct approaches to efficiency: the versatile Escape with multiple powertrain options, the adventure-ready Bronco Sport, and the plug-in hybrid Escape PHEV. Each vehicle targets different driving needs while delivering its own fuel-saving advantages.

Understanding how these three models compare helps you match your driving habits with the right efficiency solution. From daily commuting to weekend adventures, each Ford SUV brings unique strengths to help you save at the pump while meeting your lifestyle demands.

Explore Ford Lineup

Step into the future with our versatile and powerful SUVs at Mayfield Ford, where cutting-edge technology and luxury come together for an exceptional driving experience.

Shop Now

 

2025 Ford Escape: The Efficiency Champion

2025 Ford Escape - a red 2025 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite parked in front of a modern building at dusk - Mayfield Ford - Ford car dealership in Brampton, Ontario


The 2025 Ford Escape leads the lineup with the most powertrain choices and the best conventional fuel economy numbers. The base 1.5L EcoBoost engine with front-wheel drive achieves 8.0 L/100 km combined, making it the most efficient gas-only option across all three vehicles. This turbocharged engine produces 180 horsepower and comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that optimizes fuel efficiency across all driving conditions.

When you need all-weather capability, the 1.5L EcoBoost with Intelligent AWD delivers 8.4 L/100 km combined. The AWD system automatically disconnects the rear wheels when traction isn't needed, switching to front-wheel drive to help maximize fuel efficiency. This smart system gives you confidence in winter conditions without constant efficiency penalties.

For drivers wanting more power, the 2.0L EcoBoost option produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque while achieving 9.1 L/100 km combined with AWD. This engine handles highway merging and passing with authority while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption for its performance level.

Key Escape efficiency features include:

  • Selectable Drive Modes: Eco mode adjusts throttle response and transmission shifts for maximum fuel savings
  • Automatic Start-Stop Technology: Engine shuts off at traffic lights to eliminate unnecessary idling
  • Aerodynamic Design: Lower ride height and streamlined body panels reduce wind resistance
  • Intelligent AWD Disconnect: System automatically switches to FWD when AWD isn't needed
  • Electric Power-Assisted Steering: Reduces engine load compared to hydraulic systems
  • Lightweight Construction: Aluminum components help improve overall efficiency

The Escape offers the best balance of efficiency, space, and capability among the three options. With up to 1,061.8 litres of cargo space behind the second row and towing capacity up to 1,587 kg when properly equipped, it handles family duties while delivering excellent fuel economy.

2025 Ford Bronco Sport: Adventure-Ready Efficiency

2025 Ford Bronco Sport - a blue 2025 Ford Bronco Sport on an off-road trail in a wooded area - Mayfield Ford - Ford car dealership in Brampton, Ontario


The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport takes a different approach, prioritizing go-anywhere capability while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. Every Bronco Sport comes standard with 4x4 capability, which means slightly higher fuel consumption but year-round traction confidence that front-wheel-drive vehicles can't match.

The base 1.5L EcoBoost engine in Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, and Outer Banks models delivers 8.7 L/100 km combined. This achieves excellent efficiency for a standard 4x4 SUV with higher ground clearance and more aggressive tires designed for off-road capability. The engine produces 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for both daily driving and weekend adventures.

The Bronco Sport Badlands steps up to a 2.0L EcoBoost engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined. This model includes Advanced 4x4 with Twin-Clutch Rear Drive Unit that can send torque to individual rear wheels, plus additional G.O.A.T. Modes for Rock Crawl and Rally driving.

The Bronco Sport's efficiency features focus on optimizing performance across different terrains:

  • G.O.A.T. Modes: Seven selectable drive modes including Eco for maximum fuel efficiency
  • Terrain Management System: Optimizes engine and transmission settings for different conditions
  • Auto Start-Stop Technology: Reduces fuel consumption during urban stop-and-go driving
  • Trail Turn Assist: Helps navigate tight spaces without excessive wheel spin
  • Automatic 4x4 Engagement: System activates traction control only when needed
  • Lightweight Body Construction: High-strength steel frame keeps weight manageable

While the Bronco Sport trades some fuel efficiency for capability, it delivers the best off-road performance in this comparison. The standard 4x4 system, higher ground clearance, and rugged construction make it ideal for drivers who need genuine all-terrain capability without completely sacrificing fuel economy.

2025 Ford Escape PHEV: Electric-Enhanced Flexibility

2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid - a close-up of a charger plugged into the port of a light blue 2025 Ford Escape - Mayfield Ford - Ford car dealership in Brampton, Ontario


The Escape Plug-In Hybrid represents the most advanced efficiency technology in Ford's SUV lineup. This system combines a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 210 total system horsepower while delivering exceptional fuel economy and electric-only driving capability.

In hybrid mode, the PHEV achieves 5.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway when the battery is depleted. However, the real efficiency advantage comes from its 60-kilometre electric-only range, which allows many commuters to complete daily trips without using any gasoline. For drivers with predictable short commutes, this can result in weeks of driving between fill-ups.

The charging system offers flexibility for different home setups. Using the included 120V mobile power cord, a full charge takes approximately 11 hours from a standard household outlet. For faster charging, a 240V Level 2 home charger reduces charging time to about 3.5 hours, making it easy to top up overnight or during work hours.

The PHEV's efficiency comes from several advanced technologies:

  • Electric-Only Driving: 60 km range handles most daily commutes without gasoline
  • Regenerative Braking: Captures energy normally lost during braking to recharge the battery
  • Seamless Mode Switching: System automatically switches between electric and hybrid operation
  • Battery Preconditioning: System optimizes battery temperature for maximum efficiency
  • EV Auto Mode: Prioritizes electric driving when battery charge is available
  • Smart Charging: System can be programmed to charge during off-peak electricity hours

The PHEV includes the same 42-litre fuel tank as the regular hybrid but adds plug-in capability for maximum flexibility. When operating in electric mode, there are no tailpipe emissions, making it ideal for urban driving and environmentally conscious buyers.

Side-by-Side Efficiency Comparison

Vehicle

Best Engine Option

Combined Economy

Electric Range

Max Towing

Escape (Gas)

1.5L EcoBoost FWD

8.0 L/100km

N/A

1,587 kg

Escape Hybrid

2.5L Hybrid

5.6 L/100km

N/A

680 kg

Escape PHEV

2.5L Plug-in Hybrid

5.6-6.5 L/100km

60 km

680 kg

Bronco Sport

1.5L EcoBoost 4WD

8.7 L/100km

N/A

1,225 kg

Engine Options Summary

2025 Ford Bronco Sport - rear view of a blue 2025 Ford Bronco Sport parked on a dirt patch near a lake - Mayfield Ford - Ford car dealership in Brampton, Ontario


Vehicle

Engine

Drive

Combined (L/100km)

Escape

1.5L EcoBoost

FWD

8.0

Escape

1.5L EcoBoost

AWD

8.4

Escape

2.0L EcoBoost

AWD

9.1

Escape

2.5L Hybrid

FWD/AWD

5.6

Escape

2.5L PHEV

FWD

5.6-6.5

Bronco Sport

1.5L EcoBoost

4WD

8.7

Bronco Sport

2.0L EcoBoost

4WD

10.1

Conclusion

Your ideal choice depends on your specific priorities and driving patterns. The Escape with 1.5L EcoBoost delivers the best conventional fuel economy at 8.0 L/100 km combined, making it perfect for daily commuters who want efficiency without hybrid complexity. The Escape PHEV offers the ultimate in fuel flexibility with 60 km of electric range plus hybrid backup for longer trips.

For drivers who prioritize all-weather capability and weekend adventures, the Bronco Sport's 8.7 L/100 km combined efficiency provides an excellent compromise. Its standard 4x4 system and higher ground clearance provide confidence in challenging conditions while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption.

Experience the efficiency differences firsthand at Mayfield Ford Lincoln in Brampton, where our team can help you find the perfect balance of fuel economy and capability for your driving needs.

2025 FORD Escape

2025 FORD Escape
plus

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

More Details link-icon

2025 Ford Mustang Guide: Engines, Performance, and Features
plus

2025 Ford Mustang Guide: Engines, Performance, and Features

The 2025 Ford Mustang continues to carry the legacy of America’s original pony car into the modern age with renewed energy and cutting-edge performance technology. Whether you’re drawn to it for its iconic styling, advanced tech, or its thrilling performance, the 2025 Mustang offers a range of configurations that appeal to every kind of driving enthusiast. With everything from a powerful...

Read more link-icon
2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid: Key Specs and Features Guide
plus

2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid: Key Specs and Features Guide

The 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid offers a compelling balance of performance, efficiency, and innovation for those who want a full-size pickup with the latest technology and serious capability. Powered by the 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid V6, this version of the F-150 doesn’t compromise—delivering impressive towing strength, excellent payload ratings, and cutting-edge features like Pro Power Onboard...

Read more link-icon
Which Ford SUVs and Trucks Can Tow Over 4,000 Pounds?
plus

Which Ford SUVs and Trucks Can Tow Over 4,000 Pounds?

Towing capability remains one of the most important considerations when shopping for an SUV or truck, especially for drivers who regularly haul trailers, boats, or campers. Ford’s vehicle lineup offers a broad selection of models designed to meet these demands, but not every trim or powertrain is suited to tow more than 4,000 pounds. For those who need true towing muscle, here’s a detailed look...

Read more link-icon