I always check safety ratings before looking at any new car. If you’re like me, you want to know how well a vehicle can protect you and your family.
That’s why I took a close look at the 2025 Ford Escape. It’s a popular SUV, and I wanted to see if it’s also a smart choice when it comes to safety.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the latest safety ratings, crash test results, and key safety features of the 2025 Escape.
I’ll also show how it compares to past years, so you can see if anything has improved. It’s all laid out in simple terms, without any confusing words or tech talk.
If you’re thinking about getting a 2025 Ford Escape, this guide can help you decide if it’s the safe pick you’re looking for. Let’s get started!
What Are Safety Ratings and Why Do They Matter?
Safety ratings help us know how well a car can protect people during crashes.
These scores come from trusted places like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
They test cars using real crash data and safety features.
For many buyers, safety is just as important as price or looks. Good safety ratings mean fewer injuries, better control, and more peace of mind.
That’s why I wanted to break down how the 2025 Ford Escape performs in terms of keeping people safe.
Quick Overview of the 2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape is a compact SUV. It’s good for families, commuting, or weekend trips.
Ford has updated a few things this year, including some new safety features. It still offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and comes in different trims.
Some basic things you should know:
- Seats: Up to 5 people
- Fuel Type: Gas and hybrid options
- Drive Options: Front-wheel or all-wheel
- Trims: Base, Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and PHEV
Now, let’s talk about how it does in safety tests.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2025 Ford Escape
The NHTSA is a U.S. agency that tests how cars hold up in crashes. It gives cars up to 5 stars in each test area.
How the 2025 Ford Escape scored:
- Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
- Frontal Crash: ★★★★☆
- Side Crash: ★★★★★
- Rollover Rating: ★★★★☆ (about 17% rollover risk)
These scores are solid, though not perfect. The Escape did very well in the side crash test, which checks how it protects passengers from a side crash.
The rollover score is also decent. SUVs can tip more easily than sedans, so 4 stars is a good result here.
IIHS Safety Ratings for the 2025 Ford Escape
The IIHS is another trusted group that runs more detailed tests. It examines the car’s strength and safety systems.
The 2025 Escape scored well overall. The test results are:
Crashworthiness (Structure and Strength)
- Small Overlap Front (Driver Side): Good
- Small Overlap Front (Passenger Side): Good
- Moderate Overlap Front: Good
- Side Impact: Good
- Roof Strength: Good
- Head Restraints and Seats: Good
“Good” is the best rating the IIHS gives. The Escape scored “Good” in all of these areas. That means the car holds up well in crashes and helps prevent injuries.
Crash Avoidance and Mitigation
- Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle to Vehicle): Superior
- Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle to Pedestrian): Advanced
- Headlights: Acceptable to Good (depends on trim level)
The top trims come with better headlights, which help you see more clearly at night. The base model headlights are just okay.
LATCH System (for Child Seats)
-
Ease of Use: Acceptable
The lower anchors are a bit deep in the seat, which may make installing a car seat harder. But overall, it’s still safe for kids.
Standard Safety Features in the 2025 Ford Escape
Ford has made safety a big focus for the 2025 Escape. Even the base model now comes with a strong list of safety tools. These features help prevent accidents, protect passengers, and make driving easier and safer.
1. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
This system uses sensors to watch the road ahead. If it sees a possible crash with another car, person, or bike, it warns you. If you don’t hit the brakes in time, the car will do it for you.
- Helps stop or slow down before a crash
- Works at city and highway speeds
- Can detect cars and pedestrians
2. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
BLIS warns you if there’s a car in your blind spot when you try to change lanes. Cross-Traffic Alert helps when you back out of a parking spot by warning you if a car is coming from the side.
- A light shows up on the side mirror if a car is in your blind spot
- Alerts you to crossing traffic when backing up
- Makes lane changes and parking safer
3. Lane-Keeping System
This system helps you stay in your lane. If the car sees that you’re drifting without using a turn signal, it will nudge the steering wheel to keep you in place.
- Gentle steering helps to stay centered
- Works at highway speeds
- Includes a lane departure alert if you cross lines
4. Post-Collision Braking
After a crash, the car may roll or move again, which can be dangerous. This feature applies the brakes to help stop the car after the first impact.
- Helps reduce damage after a crash
- Can prevent second hits
- Keeps you and others safer
5. Rear View Camera
When you shift into reverse, a camera shows the space behind you on the screen. It helps you see small kids, pets, or objects you might miss when backing up.
- The color screen shows the rear view clearly
- Includes guides to help with parking
- Works in tight spaces and garages
6. Automatic High-Beam Headlamps
These headlights turn on and off based on traffic. They switch to low beams when another car is near, so you don’t blind other drivers.
- Helps you see better at night
- Turns high beams on when the road is dark
- Turns them off when cars are nearby
7. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
This feature helps keep the car steady during sharp turns, bad weather, or uneven roads. It works with the brakes and engine to avoid sliding or flipping.
- Helps prevent skids and slides
- Keeps the car balanced on curves
- Works in rain, snow, and gravel
8. Safety Canopy® System (Side-Curtain Airbags)
This is an airbag system that helps protect your head in a side crash or rollover. It covers the side windows and inflates fast to block flying objects.
- Covers all rows of the car
- Helps protect heads during a rollover
- Stays inflated longer for added safety
9. Driver Alert System
If the car thinks you’re getting tired or distracted, it will show a warning. It tracks small movements and steering to spot drowsy driving.
- Suggests taking a break
- Detects signs of tired or unsafe driving
- Great for long road trips
10. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
This system checks your tire pressure. If one or more tires get too low, a warning light will come on.
- Helps prevent tire blowouts
- Keeps fuel use and handling at safe levels
- Easy to check before long drives
11. SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
After a crash, this feature turns on the horn and flashes the lights. It helps emergency workers find your car faster.
- Activates if the airbags go off
- Alerts people nearby to help
- Works even if you can’t call for help
12. SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System
This system stops the engine from starting unless it recognizes your key. It helps keep your car safe from theft.
- Adds peace of mind
- Works without needing extra steps
- Included in all trim
Optional Safety Features
Some trims give you more advanced options. These cost extra but may be worth it if you want more help while driving.
Extra safety features include:
- Parking Assist: Helps steer the car into tight parking spots.
- 360-Degree Camera: Gives a bird’s-eye view to help avoid bumps.
- Head-Up Display: Shows speed and directions on the windshield.
- Traffic Sign Recognition: Lets you know about speed limits and stop signs.
Higher trims like the Platinum or ST-Line Elite may include these or offer them as add-ons.
How the 2025 Escape Compares to Past Years
It’s always good to look back and see if a car has improved. Ford has worked on safety features year after year.
| Model Year | NHTSA Overall | IIHS Top Safety Pick | Key Crash Test Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 stars | Yes | Strong side and front protection |
| 2024 | 5 stars | Yes | Improved pedestrian detection |
| 2025 | 4 stars | Not yet announced | Same structure, but possible scoring changes |
2023 and 2024 models both earned top marks from NHTSA, with full 5-star ratings. The 2025 model received 4 stars, which is still good but shows a slight drop.
The IIHS has not yet released full results for the 2025 Escape, but past years were labeled “Top Safety Picks” due to strong crash prevention scores.
Feature Changes Over Time
A quick breakdown of what Ford changed or improved year by year in terms of safety tech:
2023 Ford Escape
- First year to include updated Co-Pilot360 system as standard
- Rear seatbelt reminders added
- Improved camera clarity for backup view
- Strong crash test results across all trims
- Good headlight ratings for most models
2024 Ford Escape
- Added traffic sign recognition on more trims
- The front pedestrian braking system has been upgraded
- Easier-to-use child seat anchors (LATCH)
- Upgraded side crash protection
- Continued to earn Top Safety Pick awards
2025 Ford Escape
- Standard safety features are mostly the same as in 2024
- Added Driver Attention Monitor across all trims
- A slight change in vehicle weight may affect crash scores
- Possible test updates at NHTSA may have led to the 4-star result
- More trims offer a 360-degree camera and parking assist
So, while the 2025 model still has great safety gear, the small drop in its NHTSA score may reflect tougher test standards or changes in testing, not necessarily worse performance.
Has Safety Improved or Declined?
The short answer is: The 2025 Ford Escape is still very safe. But in terms of crash test scores, it took a tiny step back compared to 2023 and 2024.
That said, the car now offers new tools like:
- Driver Attention Monitoring, which helps spot distracted driving
- More safety features, even in lower trims
- Optional upgrades like a head-up display and better cameras
So, while the test score dropped one star, real-world safety may have improved thanks to more smart tech.
Pick 2023 or 2024 if crash test ratings are your #1 priority and you don’t mind missing the newest driver alert tools.
Pick 2025 if you want the most up-to-date features, modern displays, and smarter safety tools, even if the crash test rating dipped slightly.
How the 2025 Ford Escape Compares to Other SUVs
Let’s see how the 2025 Escape stacks up against some popular rivals:
| SUV Model | NHTSA Rating | IIHS Rating | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Escape | 4 stars | Good (mostly) | Good standard safety tech |
| 2025 Honda CR-V | 5 stars | Top Safety Pick+ | Great crash prevention |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 5 stars | Top Safety Pick | Reliable all-around |
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 5 stars | Top Safety Pick+ | Many features for the price |
How the Ford Co-Pilot360 System Helps
Ford bundles its driver-assist tech under the name Co-Pilot360. This is included on all 2025 Escape models.
- Avoiding Front Crashes: It warns you and brakes for you.
- Staying in Your Lane: If you start to drift, it nudges you back.
- Blind Spot Warnings: Lights on the mirror alert you to cars nearby.
- Cross-Traffic Alerts: Warns you if something is coming when you’re backing up.
This system gives peace of mind, especially on long drives or in city traffic.
Child Safety in the 2025 Escape
If you have young kids, the Ford Escape offers several helpful features for car seat installation.
The rear doors open wide, making it easier to lift and position car seats without hassle.
While the LATCH anchors are set a bit deep in the seat, they’re still accessible and usable with most seats.
There’s enough room in the back to fit rear-facing car seats comfortably, depending on the front seat position.
Rear seatbelt reminders also add an extra layer of safety, helping ensure everyone stays properly buckled during the ride.
How the Hybrid and Plug-In Models Compare
The 2025 Escape comes in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid forms. The safety scores stay mostly the same across these versions. But weight differences may affect the exact crash test results.
The good news?
- Hybrids still get top ratings.
- Plug-in versions come with the same safety tech.
- Battery weight helps lower the center of gravity, which may reduce rollover risk.
So, no matter which version you choose, you’re getting solid safety.
Conclusion
After digging into the 2025 Ford Escape’s safety ratings, I feel pretty confident saying it’s still a solid choice.
It didn’t get a perfect score from NHTSA this year, but 4 stars is still strong. The IIHS results look promising so far, and the standard safety features are better than ever.
I like that even the base model includes smart tools like automatic braking, blind spot alerts, and lane-keeping assistance.
I also noticed the newer tech, like driver attention warnings and improved cameras, adds more value for everyday driving.
It’s easy to see that Ford focused on keeping things safe without making things too complicated.
If you’re looking for a small SUV with lots of safety features, the 2025 Escape gives you a lot for the price.
I hope this guide helped you feel more informed. Let me know if you want to see a trim-by-trim safety breakdown next.
