All New 2026 Ford Escape: What’s New & Full Specifications

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It’s here and ready to impress. The 2026 Ford Escape returns as a smart, stylish SUV built for everyday life. This popular compact SUV continues to stand out because it offers a smooth ride, great fuel efficiency, and the flexibility drivers want for both busy weekdays and relaxed weekend trips.

The Ford Escape features a sleek, modern body style that feels sporty without being over the top. Its clean lines and confident stance give it a fresh look that fits right in at the office, the grocery store, or on a road trip. Easy handling and a comfortable ride make it a favorite for drivers who want practicality with a touch of style.

Step inside, and you will find a roomy, well designed cabin that feels welcoming and easy to use. The Escape offers comfortable seating, smart storage spaces, and modern technology that helps keep you connected and entertained. Whether you are commuting to work, picking up the kids, or heading out of town, the Escape makes every drive feel simple and enjoyable.

To compare model years, maintenance needs, or specifications from previous models, explore everything right here.

Or continue to read on and discover the specifications and what’s new for the 2026 Escape below.

New Features

Overview

Discontinuation: This is the final production year for the current generation Ford Escape
Updates for 2026 focus on trim availability and drivetrain configurations
Refreshed tech features including expanded standard digital displays

Trim and Lineup Changes

Platinum Hybrid trim is now exclusively available with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Continued offering of ST-Line, Active, PHEV, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and ST-Line Select trims
Enhanced exterior styling elements across the lineup for a more modern appearance

Recognition

Already earning strong recognition, the 2026 Ford Escape received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For budget-minded shoppers, the Escape also ranked #10 on Kelley Blue Book’s Cheapest Compact SUVs of 2026 list.

While the 2026 Escape is still undergoing additional reviews, let’s take a closer look at the standout features and highlights that drivers appreciated most in recent model years, including:

Safety Rating

Top 10 Ranking

Best Trim

We recommend the ST-Line Select trim level.

Starting around $33,890*, the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Select offers the most versatile balance of performance, efficiency, and premium features. It serves as a sweet spot in the lineup by providing standard All-Wheel Drive and the choice between the powerful 2.0L EcoBoost or the fuel-efficient Hybrid powertrain. Key features include:

Performance and Mechanical

Engine: 2.0L EcoBoost Turbocharged 4-Cylinder or 2.5L iVCT Hybrid
Horsepower: 250 hp (2.0L) or 192 net hp (Hybrid)
Drivetrain: Standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with AWD Disconnect
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic (2.0L) or eCVT (Hybrid)
Sport Handling Suspension and tuning for a more responsive ride

Technology and Connectivity

SYNC 4 Infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition
Available 13.2 inch center touchscreen display
Available 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite availability

Interior and Comfort

Heated front-row seats and heated steering wheel standard
Remote start system included
LED fog lamps for improved visibility
Power liftgate for easier cargo access
Unique ST-Line styling with red interior stitching

Trim Levels MSRP:

Active: $30,350*
ST-Line: $31,195*
ST-Line Select: $33,890*
Plug-In Hybrid: $35,400*
Platinum: $36,215*
ST-Line Elite: $37,210*

Performance

1.5L EcoBoost Engine (Standard)

1.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged 3-Cylinder
180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque
8-speed automatic transmission
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds

2.0L EcoBoost Engine

2.0L EcoBoost Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque
8-speed automatic transmission
Standard All-Wheel Drive
Maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds

Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains

2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 engine paired with electric motor
Hybrid: 192 total system horsepower
PHEV: 210 total system horsepower
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)
Maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds

Fuel Economy Estimates*

1.5L FWD: 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined MPG
2.0L AWD: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG
2.5L Hybrid (AWD): 42 city / 36 highway / 39 combined MPG
2.5L PHEV: 101 combined MPGe / 37-mile all-electric range

Acceleration (Car and Driver Tested)

181-hp three-cylinder: 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds
250-hp four-cylinder: 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds

Towing

Maximum Towing Capacity

Maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds with 2.0L EcoBoost engine
2,000 pounds capacity with 1.5L EcoBoost engine
1,500 pounds capacity with Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models
Maximum towing with the 2.0L engine requires the Class II Trailer Tow Package

Towing Features

Class II Trailer Tow Package available on select trims
Includes hitch receiver and 4-pin trailer wiring harness
Trailer Sway Control integrated with AdvanceTrac for stability
Available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist to help align the hitch with the ball

Technology

Infotainment and Software

8-inch color touchscreen standard on Active and ST-Line
13.2-inch center touchscreen available on higher trims
SYNC 4 system with cloud-connected navigation
FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Over-the-air software updates (Ford Power-Up)

Safety and Assistance (Ford Co-Pilot360)

Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
Lane-Keeping System and Auto High-Beam Headlamps
Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
Available 360-Degree Camera with Split View

Appearance

Exterior Features:

Exterior Features

Sleek body lines with a wide front grille
LED reflector headlamps with signature lighting standard
Available LED light bar connecting headlights on higher trims
Dual chrome exhaust tips on gasoline models
Panoramic Vista Roof with power shade available
Power liftgate standard on ST-Line Select and higher

Exterior Dimensions

Overall Length: 181.2 inches
Overall Width (without mirrors): 74.1 inches
Overall Width (including mirrors): 85.6 inches
Wheelbase: 106.7 inches
Overall Height: 66.0 to 66.1 inches
Minimum Ground Clearance: 7.5 inches

Exterior Colors

Rapid Red Metallic
Vapor Blue Metallic
Star White Metallic
Agate Black Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Space Silver Metallic
Oxford White

Interior Features:

Seating and Space

60/40 split-folding and sliding second-row seats
Sliding rear seats provide extra legroom or cargo space as needed
Seating capacity for 5 passengers
Front Legroom: 42.4 inches
Rear Legroom: 40.7 inches (Gas) or 38.9 inches (Hybrid)
Maximum Cargo Volume: 65.4 cubic feet (Seats folded)
Cargo Volume behind second row: 37.5 cubic feet (Gas) or 34.4 cubic feet (Hybrid)

Interior Materials

Unique cloth upholstery (Active trim)
Partial vinyl and cloth seats with red stitching (ST-Line trims)
ActiveX trimmed seats with mini-perforations (Platinum and Elite trims)
Space Gray or Ebony Black interior color options

Safety

Safety Awards*:

Collision Avoidance (Ford Co-Pilot360)

Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking standard
BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert standard
Lane-Keeping System includes Lane-Keeping Aid and Alert
Rear Cross-Traffic Braking mitigation
Auto High-Beam Headlamps

Advanced Assistance Features

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
Predictive Speed Assist available
Evasive Steering Assist available
360-Degree Camera with Split View available
Intersection Assist available to detect oncoming traffic during left turns

Airbags and Safety Rating

Total of 7 standard airbags
Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags
Driver knee airbag
Side-impact airbags for front seats
Safety Canopy System side-curtain airbags for both rows

Ford Warranty and Maintenance Coverage*

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Coverage lasts 3 years or 36,000 miles
Covers most vehicle parts from front to back
Includes electrical systems and onboard technology
Covers issues caused by factory materials or factory assembly

Powertrain Limited Warranty

Coverage lasts 5 years or 60,000 miles
Covers the engine, transmission, and drive axles
Includes internal parts that use oil, along with seals and gaskets
Commercial fleet vehicles may qualify for coverage up to 5 years or 100,000 miles

Corrosion Warranty (Perforation Only)

Coverage lasts 5 years with unlimited miles
Covers rust that goes completely through metal body panels
Repairs do not require a deductible

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Coverage lasts 5 years or 60,000 miles
Includes towing to the nearest Ford dealership
Includes help with flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts
Includes emergency fuel delivery, usually up to 2 gallons

Maintenance and Service

Pickup and delivery service may be offered at select Ford dealerships
Ford Mobile Service can perform routine maintenance and some recall repairs
FordPass Rewards Points earned at purchase can be used toward early service visits
Optional extended maintenance plans are available for items like brake pads and wiper blades

View Warranty & Extended Protection Plans: The Ford Warranty

FAQS

Trim Levels, Pricing and Availability

Q: Is the Ford Escape being discontinued?

A: Yes, the Escape is being discontinued. Explore more of the Escape’s future here.

Q: What trim levels are available for the 2026 Ford Escape?

A: The 2026 Ford Escape is available in six trim levels: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), Platinum, and ST-Line Elite.

Q: What is the starting MSRP for the 2026 Ford Escape?

A: The Active trim starts at approximately $30,350*. The ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims reach up to approximately $37,210* and $36,215*, respectively. Prices do not include destination charges, taxes, or title fees.

Engine and Performance

Q: What engine options does the 2026 Ford Escape offer?

A: There are four powertrain options:

1.5L EcoBoost I-3: 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.
2.0L EcoBoost I-4: 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
2.5L Hybrid I-4: 192 total system horsepower.
2.5L Plug-In Hybrid I-4: 210 total system horsepower.

Q: What transmission does the Ford Escape use?

A: Gas-powered EcoBoost models use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models utilize an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

Q: Does the 2026 Ford Escape have all-wheel drive?

A: Yes. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite. It is available as an option on the Active and ST-Line trims. Note that the 2026 Hybrid is now AWD-only, while the Plug-In Hybrid remains FWD-only.

Fuel Economy and Range

Q: What is the estimated fuel economy for the 2026 Ford Escape?

1.5L EcoBoost (FWD): 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined MPG*.
2.0L EcoBoost (AWD): 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG*.
2.5L Hybrid (AWD): 42 city / 36 highway / 39 combined MPG*.
2.5L Plug-In Hybrid: 101 combined MPGe*.

Q: What is the electric-only range for the Escape Plug-In Hybrid?

A: The 2026 Escape PHEV offers an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 37 miles on a full charge.

Q: How long does it take to charge the Escape Plug-In Hybrid?

A: Using a standard 120V Level 1 outlet, it takes about 10 to 11 hours. A 240V Level 2 charger reduces this time to approximately 3.5 hours.

Technology and Infotainment

Q: What size infotainment screen does the Escape have?

A: Most models feature a 13.2-inch center touchscreen running SYNC 4. An 8-inch screen is standard on the base Active trim.

Q: Does the 2026 Ford Escape support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

A: Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across all 2026 trim levels.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Q: What safety features are standard on the 2026 Ford Escape?

A: Every model includes Ford Co-Pilot360, which provides automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

Q: Is a 360-degree camera available?

A: Yes. A 360-degree camera with split-view is available on higher trims like the Platinum and ST-Line Elite to assist with parking and tight maneuvers.

Cargo, Utility, and Practicality

Q: What is the cargo capacity of the 2026 Ford Escape?

A: Gas models offer 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Due to the battery pack, Hybrid and PHEV models offer slightly less, with 34.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.8 cubic feet total.

Q: Can the 2026 Ford Escape tow?

A: Yes. When equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 1.5L EcoBoost and Hybrid models are rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds and 1,500 pounds, respectively.

Q: Does the Escape have sliding rear seats?

A: Yes. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats can slide nearly 6 inches forward or backward to prioritize either rear legroom or cargo space.

Ownership and Warranty

Q: What warranty covers the 2026 Ford Escape?

A: Coverage includes:

3-year / 36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty.
5-year / 60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
8-year / 100,000-mile Hybrid/Electric Unique Component Coverage.
5-year / 60,000-mile Roadside Assistance Program.

Hybrid and Electric Performance

Q: Does the Ford Escape Hybrid require a plug?

A: No. The standard Escape Hybrid is a self-charging system that uses a gas engine and regenerative braking to charge its battery. Only the Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) needs to be plugged into an external power source to utilize its 37-mile all-electric range.

Q: What is the real-world range of the Escape Plug-In Hybrid?

A: When fully charged and with a full tank of gas, the Escape PHEV has a total driving range of approximately 520 miles. In electric-only mode, it can travel up to 37 miles before the gas engine seamlessly takes over.

Q: Is the battery in the Escape Hybrid covered under warranty?

A: Yes. In addition to the standard powertrain warranty, Ford provides a specialized Hybrid/Electric Unique Component Warranty that covers the battery and related components for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Interior and Feature Details

Q: Which Ford Escape trims have a power liftgate?

A: A power liftgate is standard starting on the ST-Line Select trim and above. A hands-free, foot-activated power liftgate is available on the Platinum and ST-Line Elite trims, allowing you to open the hatch even when your hands are full.

Q: Does the 2026 Escape have a panoramic sunroof?

A: Yes. A Panoramic Vista Roof is available as an option on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and PHEV trims. It features a large power-sliding front panel and a fixed rear glass panel.

Q: What is the difference between the 8-inch and 13.2-inch screens?

A: The 8-inch screen uses a more basic interface, while the 13.2-inch screen features the latest SYNC 4 system with enhanced voice recognition, multi-touch gestures, and a larger landscape for navigation and wireless smartphone integration.

Comparison and Practicality

Q: How does the Ford Escape compare to the Ford Bronco Sport?

A: While both share a similar platform, the Escape is designed for on-road efficiency and comfort with a more aerodynamic shape and hybrid options. The Bronco Sport is built with a more rugged, upright design focused on off-road capability and trail performance.

Q: Can the Ford Escape be flat towed behind an RV?

A: Only the Escape Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models are approved for four-wheel-down "flat towing." Gas-only models with the 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost engines cannot be flat-towed and require a trailer or tow dolly.

Q: Is the 2026 Ford Escape getting a redesign?

A: The 2026 model remains part of the fourth generation, which received a significant refresh in 2023. This update introduced the new front-end styling, the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 screen, and the streamlined ST-Line trim levels.

Maintenance and Reliability

Q: What are the most common maintenance items for the Escape?

A: Regular oil changes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or when the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor indicates) are standard for gas models. For Hybrid models, brake pad wear is often lower due to regenerative braking, but battery cooling system checks are part of the routine maintenance schedule.

Q: Does the 2026 Ford Escape include a spare tire?

A: Most gas-powered Escape models include a mini-spare tire located under the cargo floor. However, Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models may come with a Tire Mobility Kit (sealant and compressor) to accommodate the battery placement.

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Disclaimer: House Ford believes the information and specifications on this website to be correct at the time of publishing.

Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, fuel economy estimates, performance data, safety ratings, awards, and warranty information are based on manufacturer data and publicly available sources and may vary by model year, trim, drivetrain, optional equipment, driving conditions, and vehicle configuration. MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, license, and dealer fees. Fuel economy and acceleration figures are estimates and actual results may vary. Safety and driver-assistance features are not a substitute for attentive driving and may have operational limitations. Awards and ratings apply to specific model years and configurations and may not reflect current inventory. Warranty and maintenance coverage are subject to Ford Motor Company terms, conditions, exclusions, and eligibility requirements.

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The All New 2026 Ford Escape: Specifications & What's New