Since its launch in 2019, the Escape has widely offered the 2.5L hybrid powertrain through its lineup. As part of the 2023 refresh, it remained an easily obtainable option for consumers, even as the compact crossover debuted with a completely new model range, including the ST-Line series. Now, it seems the 2026 Ford Escape lineup will seemingly adopt the hybrid powertrain more commonly, based on information from an unexpected source.
As part of the Q&A session of the 2025 Ford virtual annual meeting, a shareholder asked about potential improvements to the Escape lineup given the intensely competitive nature of the segment. While the answer didn’t directly answer the question, it revealed that the 2026 Ford Escape lineup will make the hybrid powertrain standard, at least on some trims. “For the 2026 model year hybrid is the standard powertrain in
the mid to high series giving our customers better fuel economy in an attractive package,” read part of the reply.
For the 2025 model year, The 1.5L EcoBoost is the sole engine available on the Active and the standard powertrain on ST-Line. Buyers can opt for the hybrid on ST-Line, albeit without all-wheel drive. All other trim levels – ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum – come standard with the 2.0L EcoBoost I4 paired with all-wheel drive, with the hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain available as an option. The PHEV essentially exists as its own trim in the Escape lineup. Based on that information and the comments about the 2026 Ford Escape, it would be reasonable to assume that the automaker intends to completely ditch the 2.0L EcoBoost in favor of the hybrid. It’s also possible that it could keep the gasoline powertrain as an available option for Escape shoppers.
The more cynical angle to this tidbit of 2026 Ford Escape information is that the company is simply whittling down the lineup in anticipation of the pending shutdown at Louisville Assembly plant later this year. As it stands, production of the Escape and the Lincoln Corsair will almost certainly cease within six months so the facility can retool and build products based on the all-new advanced vehicle center’s low cost EV platform. In all likelihood, the 2026 model year run will likely be a truncated affair that allows the automaker to build as many vehicles at the plant before it temporarily goes offline, and simplifying the lineup would theoretically allow the company to maximize production of the outgoing models. In any event, when the plant comes back online, it will most likely start pumping out an all-electric Ford Ranger.
Comments
Jesus Christ, nobody is going to buy these. Why even bother? 2.0 is the shiznit. 250hp 280 torque, quick acceleration.
Rest i n Peace Corsair. Ford murdered you!
I would only own one with the 2.0 Liter. Both my Corsairs had it standard and I added it as an option to the Escape I owned. Having the Corsair in the production mix, I think they will keep that engine as an option for the Escape.
The 2.0L is great, BUT, no one in their right mind would spend more than $35K on a lame duck model. That means the 1.5L or buy something else.
So what will replace the Escape? I’ve seen so little news about what will replace it. I’ve heard the Bronco Sport will become the sole compact crossover but it’s smaller interior and cargo capacity is a big negative and its styling does appeal to everyone.
I question the marketing. The platform that underpins the Escape, Bronco Sport and Maverick has been and continues to be one the very cleanest cars ever whether it is a 1.5L, 2.0L Ecoboost or 2.5L hybrid. Why not refresh and improve it further and even carryover the new ZF supplied AWD from the Maverick and offer an Escape and Bronco with a 4k tow package?
Will we look back and say that Ford was a great company until the tree-huggers took over and refused to build what the buyers wanted?
Now they want to out-source engines, force you to buy a hybrid with a wheezer ICE engine; well not me, Ford, I’ll buy something else, as will millions of others.
R.I.P. Ford.
I understand Fusion Pilot above but we cant have what we want anymore. Yes its happening climate change, eventually we wont be able to afford anything because insurance and disasters will outcompete income.
Why would anyone buy a product knowing that it is going to cease production? I’m glad Ford is ditching some of the EcoBoost engines and the Hybrid has been extremely popular in the Maverick, so from that standpoint it makes sense.
You won’t be able to buy the 2026 in the following states anyways:
Be aware the 2026MY Escape/Corsair (incl. PHEV) will be equipped with Federal / Non-California Emissions System and therefore cannot be registered in Green States (CA, MA, NY, OR, VT, WA) or sold by Dealers located in the state of VT
The information detailed below is applicable to ALL SALES including Retail and Fleet units
SUMMARY
The 2026MY Escape/Corsair will not have split-emissions certifications like Bronco Sport and Maverick. The 2026MY Escape/Corsair will only be able to be equipped with a “Federal / Non-California Emissions System
All those states with their more restrictive emissions policies about to end.
So, they will drop the Escape for another EV that nobody will want!! Did you forget Biden is not in office anymore? No one wants EV’s, except the liptard states.
Trump chump loves his Tesler
I don’t understand what Ford management is thinking. The successful formula for building cars is ICE, HEVs, and PHEVs. You have a base ICE and performance ICE version, and then HEV and PHEV variants. You don’t have to worry about the CARB eco-commies anymore, Trump took care of them. I pray Ford abandons this insane EV push.