It’s your last chance (for real, this time) to drive home in a brand new version of Ford’s beloved compact SUV, the 2026 Ford Escape. As usual, the latest model is big on power, efficiency, and everyday comfort!
Key Takeaways
- The new Escape looks a lot like it did last year, giving drivers a unique blend of power, efficiency, and modern comfort.
- With two available hybrid powertrains, the Escape is a commuter favorite, earning up to 40 mpg combined (or 101 MPGe if you count the PHEV’s 37-mile electric driving range)!
- Choose from six Escape trim models for the luxury and performance upgrades you crave.
- The Escape is set to retire after 2026, making way for Ford’s affordable EV pickup truck!
What’s changed for the 2026 Ford Escape compared to the 2025 model?
The new Escape carries over unchanged into its final model year. Ford has long planned to retire its popular compact SUV to make room for its all-new electric vehicles. And while the 2025 model year was rumored to be its last, the Escape returns for one last go-around for 2026. If you want to enjoy this SUV’s unique blend of efficiency, power, and everyday comfort, don’t wait to get yours — order banks are only open for a limited time!
Is the 2026 Ford Escape good for commuters?
Absolutely! Ford’s small SUV gives you everything you want in a great commute, from rich interior comfort to everyday efficiency. Just like last year, the Escape PHEV trim model delivers the most efficient performance, offering up to 101 MPGe when you take its 37-mile all-electric range into account (or 40 mpg combined if you don’t). The next-most efficient option, the optional 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, has limited availability for 2026. So if you’re interested in enjoying its thrifty performance (up to 39 mpg combined (42 city/36 highway), make sure to put your order in quickly.
Escape Powertrain Options
- Active, ST-Line: turbo 1.5L three-cylinder engine (180 hp, 199 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic transmission
- ST-Line Select and up: turbo 2.0L four-cylinder (250 hp, 280 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic
- PHEV: 2.5L plug-in hybrid powertrain (210 hp) and continuously variable transmission
- Optional for ST-Line and up: 2.5L hybrid powertrain (192 hp) and continuously variable transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
What are the different trim packages for the 2026 Ford Escape?
The Escape lineup includes six trim models: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and PHEV. As you move up the list, you can enjoy a longer list of luxury, tech, or performance upgrades! Keep reading to discover which of these compact SUVs is right for your daily drive.
Active
Not only does the entry-level Escape come at a great price, but it also delivers an incredible list of comfort, tech, and safety features.
- Cloth seating
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- SYNC 4 with 8-inch central touchscreen
- Six-speaker sound system
- Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids (with lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and forward collision mitigation)
- Available all-wheel drive
ST-Line
The mid-level ST-Line adds to the standard lineup with a splash of style and extra options.
- 18-inch Rock Metallic-painted wheels
- Eight-way power driver seat with Red accent stitching
- Available hybrid powertrain
- Available all-wheel drive
ST-Line Select
Choose this Escape trim model for extra interior luxury, high-tech utility, and all-weather performance!
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power liftgate
- All-wheel drive
- Available hybrid powertrain
ST-Line Elite
In the ST-Line Elite, you can enjoy both the sporty ST-Line styling and a dose of high-end luxury!
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory settings
- Digital instrument panel
- 13.2-inch central touchscreen
- Built-in navigation
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Ambient interior lighting
- Ford Co-Pilot Assist+ (with adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist)
- All-wheel drive
- Available hybrid powertrain
Platinum
This luxury model adds to the ST-Line Elite lineup (excluding the trail-ready underbody skid plates) with some classy touches, including Ford’s soft, breathable ActiveX seating and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
- ActiveX upholstery
- 13.2-inch central touchscreen
- Ford Co-Pilot Assist+ (with adaptive cruise control)
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Roof-rack side rails
- All-wheel drive
- Available hybrid powertrain
PHEV
The Escape PHEV is the only trim model available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain! And in addition to an efficient ride, this SUV treats you to upscale style and technology.
- 2.5L plug-in hybrid I-4 engine (up to 101 MPGe)
- Front-wheel drive
- Partial vinyl and cloth upholstery
- Heated, sport-contoured front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 13.2-inch central touchscreen
- Remote start system
- Power liftgate
- LED fog lamps
- Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids (including adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go and Predictive Speed Assist)
What is replacing the 2026 Ford Escape?
This might be the last year for the Escape, but big things are on the horizon from Ford. In spite of its popularity, the Escape is leaving to make room for a truck that’s specially designed to be both all-electric and budget-friendly. We don’t know much about this EV truck yet, but we’ll get back to you as details become available!
In the meantime, you can order your brand new Escape right now! Call or text us at Banner Ford in Mandeville for more information on how you can build the perfect small SUV for your daily drive.