As Ford Authority previously reported, the 2026 Ford Escape will mark the end of the line for that particular model, as production of the crossover will end at the Louisville Assembly plant later this year – at which point a major retooling is scheduled to prepare the plant for production of a future all-electric mid-size pickup. In that likely abbreviated model year, the Escape won’t be sold in six U.S. states either, due to increasing emissions regulations. For those that can go out and buy a 2026 Ford Escape, they’ll also find that it’s going to cost them a bit more than previously expected, too, though that depends on the trim level.
The most recent price update for the 2026 Ford Escape shows that the small crossover is getting a hike across some of the lineup, save for the ST-Line Hybrid, which stays put. A few trims are also getting slightly cheaper – the ST-Line Select Hybrid, ST-Line Elite Hybrid, and PHEV. Otherwise, the rest of 2026 Ford Escape lineup is going to cost a bit more, with increases ranging from $600 up to $2,030.
| 2026 Ford Escape | 2025 Ford Escape | + / – 2025 Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | $30,350 | $29,515 | +$835 |
| ST-Line | $31,195 | $30,360 | +$835 |
| ST-Line Hybrid | N/A | $32,490 | $0 |
| ST-Line Select | $35,015 | $33,195 | +$1820 |
| ST-Line Select Hybrid | $33,890 | $34,190 | $-300 |
| Platinum | $37,940 | $35,910 | +$2030 |
| Platinum Hybrid | $36,215 | $35,615 | +$600 |
| ST-Line Elite | $38,935 | $36,905 | +$2030 |
| ST-Line Elite Hybrid | $37,210 | $38,110 | $-900 |
| PHEV | $35,400 | $37,400 | $-2000 |
| Destination | $1,495 | $1,495 | $0 |
As Ford Authority reported back in June, the 2026 Ford Escape is already eligible for some incentives, so it’s possible one could mitigate these price increases somewhat, or perhaps even score a better deal.
Regardless, the 2026 Ford Escape isn’t set to receive too many updates in what is 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 guess Ford must have quietly (read: not reported in here) raised prices on ’25s after dropping them at the start of the model year because when I priced a ’26 ST-Line (3 cylinder) with Tech Pack #1, it was $34.5K vs. the $32.2K I’d priced a year ago.
Regardless, it’s pure and total idiocy by Ford for an outgoing model and one built in the US.
Gotta pay for that new HQ, the EV bust, Farley’s salary and his racing addiction….
Bottom line is that I’d never, without $12K off sticker (previously $10K). Guess it’s bye bye Ford.
Farley still taking advice from Tavarez?
Greed. Lower prices on makes thar aren’t selling, and raising prices on everything else when the ONLY thing changed is a paint color and more decontent? Seriously WRONG business and customer model here.
Ford now has recently gotten rid of Edge, Escape, Focus, Fusion. What the heck are they thinking.
I don’t understand it either. I am surprised that dealers aren’t revolting and threatening to terminate their relationship. By next year, they will have the F-150, Ranger, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Expedition, and Mustang to sell to retail customers who want an ICE or hybrid option. Thankfully, pickup trucks sell well, but it’s not enough to offset the lost sales of the vehicles you mentioned above.