If you haven’t been car shopping in a few years, the current market for compact SUVs might surprise you. Many of the best-known models now offer a have-your-cake-and-eat-some-too hybrid model.
Hybrid compact SUVs offer improved fuel economy. But, unlike the hybrids of a few years ago, you don’t have to trade away passing power to get it. Many are more potent than their gas-only counterparts.
The Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape have been battling for compact SUV shoppers’ attention for over two decades. For 2025, each is available in a fuel-efficient, powerful hybrid version.
Let’s look at these two crossover SUVs and find the right one for you.
2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V compact SUV has been a perennial best-seller and benchmark among compact SUVs for decades. Simply put, it’s been the right solution for millions of drivers. The CR-V Hybrid is both the most fuel-efficient and the quickest version. It was redesigned entirely just two years ago and is still fresh from that revamp. For California buyers with access to a hydrogen fueling station, Honda introduced a fuel cell CR-V for the Golden State this year. Prices for the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid start at $36,000.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Highlights
More nimble: Objectively, the CR-V Hybrid has a tighter turning radius than the Escape Hybrid. That means it’s easier to handle in a parking lot and at low speeds. Subjectively, our expert reviewers say, “There’s a poise and agility to how the CR-V Hybrid drives” that many competitors lack. There’s nothing remarkable about the Escape’s handling. It’s normal for the class. The CR-V is just a little better than normal.
Traffic Jam Assist: Will you use your next car to commute in rush-hour traffic? If so, the CR-V Hybrid might be the better call. Honda’s Traffic Jam Assist system can make steering adjustments, accelerate, and brake to keep up with traffic below 45 mph. It’s not quite self-driving — you have to keep a hand on the wheel because it can’t safely handle unpredictable traffic situations. But it’s a considerable fatigue reliever, and it’s standard at every trim level.
Refined interior: In general, car interiors have come a long way in a few years. Even most base models in this class have many standard creature comforts. However, Honda designers have done a better job packaging them than most of the competition. The CR-V Hybrid has an upscale look that isn’t quite luxury-car elegant, but it hints at it.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Honda CR-V Hybrid models for sale near you.
2025 Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape has long been an affordable, pleasant choice in this segment. Our expert reviewer says that, for 2025, “The easiest powertrain for us to recommend is the hybrid 4-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower and a combined fuel economy rating of up to 39 mpg. With more power and better fuel economy at a small price premium over the 3-cylinder, the hybrid is a no-brainer if it fits your budget.”
The Ford Escape recently received a design refresh inside and out that keeps it with the top of its class. It boasts one of the roomiest interiors in its class and comes in two hybrid editions — the other being a plug-in hybrid variant. Pricing for the Ford Escape Hybrid starts at $33,985.
Ford Escape Hybrid Highlights
Greater towing capacity: If you’re buying a small crossover to see over traffic, either one will do. If you’re buying one for the added power, the Escape puts it down more usefully. The CR-V Hybrid’s towing capacity is surprisingly low — just 1,000 pounds. Even small rental trailers can weigh almost that much when empty, so that’s a little like saying it doesn’t tow. The Escape hybrid is good for 1,500.
Sliding second-row seats: The Escape remains the only compact SUV outside the luxury classes with sliding second-row seats. It does a lot to make the cabin more flexible.
B&O audio: The Ford Escape might be music to an audiophile’s ears thanks to its optional 10-speaker system from none other than Bang & Olufsen, a high-end audio brand more often found in luxury cars.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ford Escape Hybrid models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both offer impressive fuel efficiency, technology, and safety features. They also have the same warranty coverage.
Conclusion
Either the Honda CR-V Hybrid or the Ford Escape Hybrid could meet your needs as a daily driver.
The CR-V Hybrid might win on refinement, and its Traffic Jam Assist makes life easier for those who get stuck in traffic often. However, the Escape Hybrid has more useful towing power, and its sliding second row makes its space more flexible. It’s also less expensive than the Honda.
You might need a test drive to decide between these two.
Specifications
| 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid | |
| Starting Price | $36,000 | $33,985 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter hybrid 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 204 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 192 hp @ 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 155 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg | 42 city/36 highway/39 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD, plug-in hybrid |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 106.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches | 180.1 inches |
| Width | 73.5 inches | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 66.2 inches | 66.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 39.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.2 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 41.0 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.9 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.3/76.5 cubic feet | 34.4/60.8 cubic feet |