2026 Ford Escape Review
A beloved compact SUV, the 2026 Ford Escape delivers a bold appearance, seating for five, advanced technology,
and incredible gas mileage. Make the most of your everyday and weekend getaways with the new Ford Escape.
Explore all six stylish, loaded trims when you visit Bell Ford for a test drive!
2026 Ford Escape at a Glance
- The 2026 model is the last year for new Ford Escape production, meaning it’s your last chance to own or
lease a brand-new iconic Escape.
- Choose from six trim levels with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.
- The new Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
- 2026 Escape models are available now at Bell Ford in Phoenix, AZ.
Discover the 2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape is the lineup’s final model year. As such, this stylish and reliable SUV remains largely
unchanged since the last update in 2023. You can still have the new Escape in six trim level options with
various features. The Ford Escape continues to offer several powertrain choices, including two
Ford EcoBoost engine
options, a hybrid unit, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Let’s start our SUV exploration with the spacious Ford
Escape cabin, where you and your family can relax and enjoy every drive.
2026 Ford Escape Interior
Even at its very accessible price, the new Ford Escape delivers the impressive amenities you want most.
As standard, this Ford SUV offers wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Intelligent Access with
push-button start, a premium-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature
control. Use the standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to join work calls from the road and enjoy music and
media via the available 13.2-inch LCD capacitive infotainment touchscreen.
With five seats and up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, the new Ford Escape is
the perfect SUV for long commutes with friends and all your gear. Engage the 60/40-split folding rear
seats to make even more space for your things – up to 65.4 cubic feet – or slide them back to give
passengers more legroom.
The 2026 Ford Escape interior keeps up with your comfort, convenience, and safety needs while on the go
and does it in style with several interior color and material options. Choose unique cloth, partial
vinyl and cloth, ActiveX-trimmed with mini perforation, or leather-trimmed with quilting and mini
perforation upholstery in Ebony Black, Ebony, Space Gray, or Ebony and Red, depending on the trim and
configuration.
2026 Ford Escape Configurations
Each of the six 2026 Ford Escape trim configurations brings a slew of amenities to the lineup. Here’s an
overview of what you can expect inside each trim to help you choose the right fit.
- Active: The Ford Escape Active trim is functional with an optional power liftgate that makes
loading and unloading easy. Enjoy wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, and stay
safe on the road with Ford Co-Pilot 360™ watching your back. An easy-to-reach rotary gear shift dial
and USB charging system outfit the center console, and dual-zone automatic temperature control
allows for customized climates in the cabin.
- ST-Line: This sporty trim launches the lineup’s ST-Line styling with a black mesh grille, a
single-wing rear spoiler, a racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel, and upholstery with red
stitching. A unique rear skid plate ensures protection, while available Intelligent AWD enhances
handling and stability.
- ST-Line Select: Step up your sporty luxury in the ST-Line Select, which boasts heated
front-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start. On the outside, LED fog lamps and heated
side mirrors both come standard. This trim also has Intelligent AWD as a standard enhancement. You
can also choose between the larger 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and the hybrid system.
- ST-Line Elite: Rounding out the athletic ST-Line is the Elite trim, which brings an optional
360-Degree Camera with Split View, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a wireless charging pad, and
ambient lighting with floor lights. A large 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster outfits the
cockpit, and a 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with SYNC 4 adorns the center stack.
- Platinum: Platinum metal is shiny and attractive, just like the new Ford Escape Platinum
trim. This model is brimming with top-notch standard features like a premium-wrapped and heated
steering wheel and ActiveX-trimmed sport contour bucket seats with mini perforation. Its 19-inch
machined-face aluminum wheels with dark tarnished painted pockets offer a striking look.
- Plug-In Hybrid: The Plug-In Hybrid trim offers supreme tech and performance, with many of the
same features as the Platinum. This trim, however, has partial vinyl and cloth sport contour bucket
seats, 18-inch machined-face magnetic aluminum wheels with painted pockets, and, of course, the
2.5-liter I-4 plug-in hybrid engine.
We can’t wait to introduce you to the
new 2026 Ford Escape for sale. Pick your favorite
model, then customize it even further with one of the sporty 2026 Ford Escape colors like Rapid Red,
Agate Black Metallic, or Iconic Silver Metallic. For an on-trend exterior, choose the new Vapor Blue
Metallic paint color and turn heads with your SUV’s modern style. Discover all your Ford Escape color
options with a member of our team today.
2026 Ford Escape Powertrains
With four powertrain options across the lineup, the new Ford Escape truly is versatile and ready for any
lifestyle. Standard in the Active and ST-Line trims, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine comes in FWD or
Intelligent AWD. It produces 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque alongside its EPA-estimated
27/34 MPG (City/Highway)1 with FWD.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine is equipped in the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims;
it is available in the Active. It generates 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and it can tow
up to 3,500 pounds2 while still delivering an EPA-estimated 23/31 MPG
(City/Highway)1 with standard Intelligent AWD.
The 2.5-liter I-4 hybrid comes in FWD or Intelligent AWD and is available in four Ford Escape trims: the
three ST-Line models and the Platinum. It delivers 192 combined horsepower with 155 pound-feet of
torque. Regardless of drivetrain, fuel economy is an incredible EPA-estimated 42/36
(City/Highway),1 perfect for weekday commutes or weekend travel.
Choose the Plug-In Hybrid trim for the 2.5-liter I-4 plug-in hybrid engine and access 210 combined
horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque with an EPA-estimated 101 MPGe Combined.1 Can you
even imagine a combined 101 miles per gallon in an SUV?
Explore the 2026 Ford Escape at Bell Ford Today
Escape the mundane and journey off the beaten path in a 2026 Ford Escape trim you love. Visit our showroom for a
test drive today, or explore our entire
new Ford inventory to find more exciting options. Have
questions about a Ford model? Our team is ready and excited to help you get behind the wheel and be on your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Ford Escape be redesigned?
The Ford Escape has seen various redesigns over its lifetime. Most recently, it saw a major redesign in 2020,
with updated exterior and interior styling and new engine options. The popular SUV also received a refresh for
the 2023 model year, with a new front and rear fascia, updated trim levels, and new powertrain options. The 2026
Ford Escape is the final year of this impressive SUV.
Will there be a 2027 Ford Escape?
No, there will not be a 2027 Ford Escape model. The 2026 Ford Escape is the last model year for this beloved and
stylish SUV, as the Ford Motor Company brand doubles down on electric vehicle production. The brand is set to
focus on its pure electric vehicle development on the new flexible Universal EV Platform and aims to create
smaller and more affordable electric options.
What year did the Ford brand redesign the Escape SUV?
The Ford Escape has seen various redesigns over its lifetime. Most recently, it saw a major redesign in 2020,
with updated exterior and interior styling and new engine options. The popular SUV also received a refresh for
the 2023 model year, with a new front and rear fascia, updated trim levels, and new powertrain options. Visit us
to see the 2026 Ford Escape and take it for a test drive.
1EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of
other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric
models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for
electric mode operation.
2When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
