In the automotive market, some models may strike you as familiar when compared to more luxurious competitors. And it’s often the case that those two models are actually one and the same. Take the Ford Explorer for example, also available in its upscale form, the Lincoln Corsair.
Though you might not think of luxury right away when looking at the Escape, when fully kitted out in it’s Corsair form, it becomes incredibly easy to forget that you’re working with such a versatile base. In this review, we’ll pit luxury vs value, comparing the two new 2025 SUVs to give you the scoop on which is the best for you this year.
Key Takeaways
- The Escape is solidly reliable and practical as always, making it a solid option for most people.
- The Corsair is ultra luxurious, making it a cosy alternative if cost isn’t a concern.
- Those are built on the same frame, making the buyer the biggest difference maker in this head to head.
Is the Ford Escape 2025 reliable?
Yes! For this year, Consumer Reports expects that the 2025 Escape will be more reliable than the average new car. Backed by years of data specifically targeted at the Ford Escape, this prediction is a solid vote of confidence that the Ford Escape will be able to provide for you and your family for years to come.
Is there going to be a 2025 Lincoln Corsair?
The 2025 Lincoln Corsair receives only minor updates. The Jet appearance package, which was previously exclusive to the two lower trims, is now available on the top-tier Grand Touring model, adding black exterior accents and 20-inch wheels. Additionally, the paint palette sees a slight refresh, with Crystal White, Harbor Gray, and Light Smoked Truffle replacing similar shades from the previous year.
- Premiere - $41,230
- Reserve - $48,390
The Reserve trim is the sweet spot in the Corsair lineup. For the higher price, Lincoln includes a generous list of desirable features such as 19-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, fog lamps, a premium 14-speaker Revel sound system, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a power-adjustable steering column, upscale genuine wood interior accents, and heated front seats. Those seats are trimmed in luxurious Bridge of Weir leather with 10-way power adjustability and memory functions for the driver. However, buyers should tread carefully beyond this point, as the Corsair's option packages can quickly drive up the cost.
How many miles per gallon does a 2025 Ford Escape get?
It depends on which engine it’s equipped with. The base 3-cylinder engine delivers a combined city-and-highway fuel economy of up to 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive—matching the efficiency of a front-wheel-drive Honda CR-V and just 1 mpg behind its all-wheel-drive counterpart.
Opting for the turbocharged 4-cylinder results in a slight drop in fuel efficiency, though it does have the advantage of not requiring premium fuel. The conventional hybrid powertrain outperforms both gasoline-only options with a rating of 39 mpg, regardless of drivetrain. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid variant offers an estimated all-electric range of up to 37 miles and achieves 40 mpg in combined hybrid mode.
In addition to the great gas mileage, the Escape offers practical comfort with a much lower price-tag. It even boasts some posh features: ActiveX seat upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a B&O premium audio system.
The SYNC 4 infotainment system is feature-rich and user-friendly. It has an 8-inch screen which can be upgraded to a 13.2-inch screen with even more features. Smartphone connectivity is standard on all trims with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Summary
At the end of the day, it's a manner of preference when it comes to sorting out your preferred model between the two. Now, the Corsair COULD serve you well as an all-round SUV, combining its solid fuel economy numbers with its respectable enough towing figures to be suitable for a good amount of use cases, but with its considerable price tag you might not necessarily be willing to pay. Those in the market for a reliable, practical, yet comfortable SUV are well suited for the Escape.