If you're shopping for a reliable, well-rounded compact SUV in Salem, OR, the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Ford Escape are two strong contenders. But when you compare them side-by-side, the Forester clearly stands out for drivers who want all-weather performance, exceptional safety, and smart, long-term value. At Capitol Subaru-located right here in Salem, Oregon-we've helped countless drivers choose vehicles that match their lifestyles, and the redesigned 2025 Forester continues to impress. The 2025 Forester arrives with fresh styling, improved ride quality, and new hybrid options that blend efficiency with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. By contrast, the 2025 Ford Escape, while offering a variety of powertrains, requires costly upgrades to match the capability and technology that come standard in every Forester trim. Whether you're navigating daily commutes in Salem, OR or heading into the Cascades for a weekend escape, you'll want an SUV that can keep up without compromise. In the comparison below, we'll break down the key differences between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Ford Escape in terms of design, comfort, performance, safety, and value-so you can make the right choice for your next adventure.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Ford Escape: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Subaru Forester introduces a bold new look that's more modern yet still unmistakably rugged. Its tall stance, prominent grille, and roof rails convey a sense of capability, while its large windows offer superb visibility. Ground clearance remains best-in-class for this segment, making the Forester ideal for weekend adventures around Oregon. The 2025 Ford Escape continues with a softer, more car-like silhouette. It's sleeker than the Forester but lacks the same adventurous personality. While both SUVs offer LED headlights and available hands-free liftgates, the Forester's design clearly leans into its outdoorsy heritage, which resonates well with drivers in Salem and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Ford Escape: Comfort & Technology
Inside, the Subaru Forester prioritizes simplicity, comfort, and function. Its redesigned cabin is quiet, spacious, and, on higher trims, is equipped with a large 11.6-inch touchscreen that integrates wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Physical buttons for climate and volume controls make it easy to use, even while driving. The 2025 Ford Escape offers similar tech features, but its interface is more dependent on touch controls, which some reviewers find distracting. While passenger space is competitive, the Forester's wide-opening rear doors and excellent outward visibility give it an edge in daily practicality. Plus, Subaru's high seating position offers a more commanding view of the road-especially appreciated during rainy Oregon drives.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Ford Escape: Performance
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all trims-a major advantage in a region like Salem, OR, where conditions can change quickly. Its 2.5-liter BOXER engine provides balanced power and a smooth ride. For those seeking better fuel economy, the new hybrid model adds improved efficiency without sacrificing performance or AWD capability. The Ford Escape offers a mix of engines, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbo option, and hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. However, all-wheel drive is optional and not available on some trims, and the base engine can feel underpowered under heavy loads. For consistent traction and confident handling, the Forester offers more peace of mind right out of the gate.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Ford Escape: Safety
Subaru has built its reputation on safety, and the 2025 Forester continues that legacy. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and comes equipped with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and the new Emergency Stop Assist system. The 2025 Ford Escape also received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, its IIHS ratings show a "Marginal" score in the updated side-impact crash test, and some trims require upgrades to get advanced safety tech. When safety matters most-and it always should-the Forester provides broader protection without added cost.
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Ford Escape: Overall Value
When it comes to overall value, the 2025 Subaru Forester easily comes out ahead. With a starting MSRP that's competitive with the Escape, it includes standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety tech, and high resale value backed by Subaru's long-standing reputation for reliability. Plus, Subaru owners benefit from lower long-term maintenance costs and better fuel efficiency with the new hybrid variant. The Ford Escape does offer variety, but to get comparable features-like AWD and driver-assist tech-you'll have to climb the trim ladder. That added cost, paired with mixed reliability scores, makes the Escape a tougher long-term investment for Salem drivers. If you're searching for the smarter SUV choice in Oregon, the 2025 Forester delivers capability, safety, and value in one confident package.
 | 2025 Subaru Forester | 2025 Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.5-Liter BOXER® | 1.5-Liter EcoBoost® |
| Standard Horsepower | 180 | 180 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 178 | 190 |
| All Wheel-Drive | Standard (Symmetrical) | Available |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 26 City / 33 Highway | 27 City / 34 Highway |
| Passenger Volume (Cubic Feet) | 110.8 | 104.0 |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 74.4 | 65.4 |
| Standard Climate Control | Dual-Zone | Dual-Zone |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Available |
| Standard Multimedia Touchscreen Size | Dual 7.0 Inches | 8 Inches |
