2026 Ford Escape

The 2026 Ford Escape represents the seventh – and final – model year of the crossover’s fourth generation, for which it receives very minor changes and updates consistent with a model year carry-over.

Quick Facts

Model Line

The 2026 Ford Escape continues to be offered as a compact crossover utility vehicle with either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) across the following trim levels:

• Active
• ST-Line
  • ST-Line
  • ST-Line Select
  • ST-Line Elite
• Platinum
• PHEV

These trims can be configured to deliver the following build combinations.

• S: Standard
• A: Available
• – : Not Available

Changes, Updates, New Features

The 2026 Ford Escape receives a handful of minor changes and updates, headlined by the deletion of all FWD hybrid build configurations.

• See the complete list of 2026 Ford Escape changes, updates, and new features

Powertrain

The 2026 Ford Escape offers a choice of the following four powertrains:

• Turbocharged Ford 1.5L I3 EcoBoost engine, which provides 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque and is standard on the Escape Active and ST-Line trims, with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive
• Turbocharged Ford 2.0L I4 EcoBoost engine, which delivers 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, is standard on the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims; it’s offered exclusively with all-wheel-drive
• Hybrid 2.5L I4, rated at 192 total system horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, is optional on ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum; all-wheel-drive is standard for the 2026 Escape Hybrid
• PHEV 2.5L I4, rated at 210 total horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, is offered only in FWD and exclusively on the PHEV trim

Towing

The 2026 Ford Escape is capable of towing a maximum of 3,500 pounds, which can only be achieved with the 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engine and optional Class II towing package.

1. Without Class II Trailer Tow Package
2. With Class II Trailer Tow Package

Fuel Economy

2026 Ford Escape fuel economy varies by powertrain:

• 1.5L EcoBoost I3 FWD models are rated at 27 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined
• 1.5L EcoBoost I3 AWD models are rated at 26 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 28 MPG combined
• 2.0L EcoBoost I4 AWD models are rated at 23 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined
• 2.5L Hybrid I4 FWD and AWD models are rated at 42 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway, and 39 MPG combined
• 2.5L PHEV I4 FWD models are rated at 101 MPG combined

Production & Availability

The 2026 Ford Escape continues to be assembled at the Ford Louisville Assembly plant in Kentucky. Production start and end dates TBD.

Platform

The 2026 Ford Escape continues to ride on the Ford C2 platform shared with various Ford and Lincoln models.

Pricing

2026 Ford Escape pricing coming soon.

Seating

The 2026 Ford Escape is offered in a single seating configuration, seating a maximum of five in a 2-3 format, which features two front bucket seats (seating two) and a second-row bench seat (seating three).

Beyond 2026

The 2026 Ford Escape marks the crossover’s final model year. The Louisville Assembly plant, where the Escape has been produced, received a hefty investment for retooling the facility for EV production on the Ford CE1 platform. With $2 billion allocated toward the project, the path forward seems clear, and it doesn’t include the 2027 Escape, at least not in its current internal combustion engine (ICE) form.

Sales

See running Ford Escape sales numbers for global markets

Discussion

Discuss the 2026 Ford Escape in our Ford forum.

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