Compare the2025 Ford Escape PHEVVS 2024 Toyota bZ4X

Both the Escape PHEV and the bZ4X have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 2 times as many Ford dealers as there are Toyota dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape PHEV’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated lower.

The Escape PHEV’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 9 more horsepower (210 vs. 201) than the bZ4X’s standard electric motor.

The Escape PHEV’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 503 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The bZ4X’s range is only 222 to 252 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 30 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge using a conventional 110-volt outlet can take up to 50 hours.

The Escape PHEV has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The bZ4X doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

The Escape PHEV stops shorter than the bZ4X:

The Escape PHEV has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the bZ4X; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Escape PHEV’s turning circle is 2.8 feet tighter than the bZ4X’s (37.2 feet vs. 40 feet).

The Ford Escape PHEV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 600 pounds less than the Toyota bZ4X.

The Escape PHEV is 3.4 inches shorter than the bZ4X, making the Escape PHEV easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Escape PHEV uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The bZ4X doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Escape PHEV has 7.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the bZ4X (102.2 vs. 94.4).

The Escape PHEV has 1.4 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front hip room, 2.2 inches more rear headroom, 3.6 inches more rear legroom and 8.5 inches more rear hip room than the bZ4X.

The Escape PHEV has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the bZ4X with its rear seat up (34.4 vs. 27.7 cubic feet). The Escape PHEV has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the bZ4X with its rear seat folded (60.8 vs. 56.9 cubic feet).

The Escape PHEV’s cargo area is larger than the bZ4X’s in almost every dimension:

The Escape PHEV has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The bZ4X has no towing capacity.

The Escape PHEV can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Escape PHEV can be unhitched and driven around locally. The bZ4X can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Escape PHEV uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The bZ4X doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

When three different drivers share the Escape PHEV, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The bZ4X doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Escape PHEV’s optional Easy Entry and Exit glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The bZ4X doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Escape PHEV offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The bZ4X doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape PHEV’s available exterior PIN entry system. The bZ4X doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its Safety Connect™ can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Escape PHEV has a standard rear wiper. The bZ4X doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Escape PHEV has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the bZ4X.

The Ford Escape outsold the Toyota bZ4X by over 15 to one during 2023.