The auto industry continues to face challenges regarding what qualifies a brand to be considered premium while another is labeled mainstream or entry-level. A prime example is comparing the 2025 Buick Envision and 2025 Ford Escape. The top-of-the-line Ford Escape compares favorably to the premium Buick Envision.
Let’s take a closer look at these two 5-passenger SUVs to see what makes them appealing options.
2025 Buick Envision
2024 model shown
Straddling the line between luxury and mainstream, the Buick Envision carries over with no significant changes for 2025. Like the Escape, the Envision offers plenty of room for five passengers and their gear. It’s built to be a comfortable ride with great technology, which aligns it with the rest of the Buick lineup. The Envision is available in three trims: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Envision’s engine puts out 228 hp, with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard. It comes with plenty of niceties, such as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a hands-free tailgate. A slew of advanced driver assistance and active safety technology is available in the mid and upper trim levels.
Buick Envision Highlights
Impressive tech: The standard Technology 1 package includes a head-up display and a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system. We love to see these tech features standard on every trim.
Elegant interior: The first thing you’ll notice in the new Buick Envision’s interior is a digital instrument cluster mounted flush with an expansive infotainment touchscreen. In total, it stretches 30 inches diagonally and wouldn’t look out of place in a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Genesis product. Upper trims have niceties like perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a digital rearview camera.
Massaging seats: Available as an option in the Buick Envision Avenir, massaging front seats knead their occupants into full-on luxury vehicle territory. Covered in perforated leather, these seats are as comfortable as you would expect them to be.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Envision models near you.
2025 Ford Escape
For more than two decades, the Ford Escape has been a popular choice in the small SUV segment, providing solid value in an attractive package. It looked like a rugged little SUV until getting a makeover a few years ago, giving it a more curved, contemporary design.
Aside from four powertrain options, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that provide a mix of excellent power and fuel economy, the Escape offers ample room for passengers and a good amount of space for cargo. It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds, allowing for lighter sand toys or even a small boat.
The Escape is available in six trim levels: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite, and Plug-in Hybrid.
Ford Escape Highlights
Plenty of tech: Not only did Ford make wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, but its SYNC4 system also packs a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot with connectivity for up to 10 devices.
Powertrain choices: A 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine putting out 180 hp comes standard, but Ford offers more options. If you want additional power, try the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost and get 250 hp. The two hybrid options, conventional and plug-in, offer more power and better fuel economy than the base engine. The Buick Envision has no hybrid options.
Great sound: If you want to treat your ears to a well-regarded audio system, the optional B&O 10-speaker premium audio setup brings your music to life and makes the cabin feel and sound like a more luxurious SUV.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Escape models near you.
Similarities
The Buick Envision and Ford Escape feature sophisticated exterior styling, room for five passengers inside a spacious cabin. Moreover, they can be equipped with an impressive array of technology and amenities.
Pricing
New 2025 Buick Envision Prices
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
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---|---|---|---|---|
$37,895 |
TBD |
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$40,395 |
TBD |
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$47,595 |
TBD |
New 2025 Ford Escape Prices
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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---|---|---|---|---|
$29,895 |
TBD |
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$30,890 |
TBD |
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$33,725 |
TBD |
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$33,985 |
TBD |
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$35,685 |
TBD |
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$37,040 |
TBD |
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$37,110 |
TBD |
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$38,035 |
TBD |
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$39,605 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Buick Envision vehicles and New 2025 Ford Escape vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
2025 Buick Envision | 2025 Ford Escape | |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
Transmission | 9-speed automatic/AWD | 8-speed automatic/FWD/AWD |
Fuel Economy | 22 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg | 27 city/34 highway/30 combined |
Also Available | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder/2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder/PHEV | |
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 | 5-Star | 5-Star |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 109.0 inches | 106.7 inches |
Overall Length | 182.7 inches | 180.1 inches |
Width | 74.1 inches | 74.1 inches |
Height | 64.6 inches | 66.0 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 38.4 feet |
Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.9 inches | 39.3 inches |
Legroom, Front | 40.4 inches | 42.4 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 39.3 inches | 40.7 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 56.7 inches | 57.6 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.9 inches | 56.0 inches |
Cargo Volume | 25.2 cubic feet | 37.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Buick Envision offers ample room, and excellent safety and convenience technology. It’s a borderline luxury vehicle for a less-than-luxury price. However, the Ford Escape can possess similar traits. It starts with a price tag that is more than $8,000 cheaper, which could allow a buyer to climb to a premium-feeling Escape. Because both provide their own appeal, we suggest setting your budget, driving both, and deciding which meets your needs while capturing your heart.