As Ford Authority reported back in May, the Ford Escape will indeed live on for the 2026 model year, which came as a bit of a surprise after prior reports indicated that the crossover would be discontinued following the current 2025 model year. The 2026 Ford Escape won’t be sold in all U.S. states due to the fact that it won’t comply with increasing emissions standards in certain places, and it may be an abbreviated year of production, to boot. However, even though 2026 Ford Escape deliveries haven’t even begun yet, that model is already being treated to some discounts.
According to a dealer bulletin recently seen by CarsDirect, the 2026 Ford Escape is already eligible for $1,000 in Bonus Customer Cash for the regular gas-powered version and the hybrid, a figure that increases to $2,000 for the plug-in hybrid crossover. Customers will be able to take advantage of that offer regardless of whether they’re purchasing or leasing a new Escape, which is good news for anyone looking to snag one before the model seemingly disappears from Ford’s lineup.
Currently, Ford Escape production is expected to end at the Louisville Assembly plant by this coming December. It’s then that the facility is scheduled to be retooled for the production of the company’s under-development low-cost all-electric vehicles, according to both CEO Jim Farley and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. It’s possible that the Escape will be replaced on the line at Louisville by an all-new mid-size EV pickup, which is slated to be the first underpinned by Ford’s low-cost platform.
In the meantime, the 2026 Ford Escape isn’t set to receive too many updates in what is likely its final year of production, as one would expect. As Ford Authority previously reported, the exterior color Vapor Blue Metallic – previously a no-cost option – will now add $495 to the price tag. Additionally, the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line and Platinum trims with the 2.5L I-4 hybrid powertrain can no longer be had in front-wheel drive configuration, and are only going to be sold with all-wheel drive.
Comments
I’m on my second Escape. First one was a 2022 Titanium Hybrid AWD in Star White Metallic and it was a great car, especially for the price.Just traded it for a 2025 Escape ST-L Select Hybrid AWD in Vapor Blue with the Tech 2 package and it’s a great improvement over the 2022. Took advantage of the $3,000 off deal. Personally, I think Ford is crazy for discontinuing the Escape. It’s a great car at a great price and also very popular. Whoever thought that the Bronce would be a good substitute for it is nuts. This tank of gas in the new Escape is at 43 mpg right now. Bronco not even close in functions, style, or performance. Wouldn’t even consider the Bronco. If they’re going heavy electric, I think that’s a big mistake. Would like to have an electric but it’s too early in the product. There’ll be battery improvement, range improvements, and price improvements going on for a good few years yet. Then they’ll be practical.
In its lame duck stage, at this point, I wouldn’t touch one without at least $10K in total discounts at the dealership. I’d signed up for the Ford Pass Visa in hopes of that helping, but Ford dropped the ball and the card is no longer (GM, meanwhile, is introing a new GM Card next month and I’ll be able to use all of my $6K accumulated earnings dollars in one fell swoop, so that Equinox seems more likely). You’d be insane not to think similarly. It’s resale will PLUMMET, fast, after discontinuation. I went through the same thing with the Fusion discontinuation.
It will be a great buy for 2026, you can expect some 0% interest programs also. None of these compact SUVs hold their value well unless you look at Honda and Toyota, but there are no real big discounts on those. The 2.0 liter EcoBoost puts the Escape on another level for performance, much better than the competitions tiny underpowered 1.5 liters. With the choices of hybrid plus the gas engines AWD, you can get pretty much what you are looking for.
I agree with bobp, eliminating the Escape form factor is baffling. Ford seems to be evolving into a niche truck maker. OK, I don’t own the stock so don’t care. Have rented enough Kia’s, from compact to minivan, to get comfortable with that brand. Can always buy Toyota if I want premium. Sad about Ford, though.