2026 Ford Escape Updates, Changes, New Features

The 2026 Ford Escape receives several small changes for the sixth model year of the crossover’s fourth generation, which represents the model’s final model year altogether.

These changes follow the 2020 Escape, which represented a complete overhaul (redesign and re-engineering) to introduce the fourth generation of the Escape, followed by 2023 Escape, which was treated to a significant midcycle update, and small changes for the 2024 Escape and 2025 Escape.

Model Line

The 2026 Ford Escape continues to be offered with 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

Mechanical

• Addition of Federal/non-California compliant emissions system as standard on all trims
  • For the 2025 model year, 50-state (California compliant) emissions system was standard
  • For the 2026 model year, the Escape cannot be sold in California-compliant states, meaning it cannot be sold in California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington
• Deletion of front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2.5L I4 Hybrid configuration
  • For the 2025 model year, Hybrid FWD was offered on ST-Line and Platinum models
  • For the 2026 model year, 2.5L Hybrid is exclusively offered with all-wheel-drive (AWD) on which trims

Exterior

• Vapor Blue Metallic is now an extra-cost color
  • For the 2025 model year, this color was free
  • For the 2026 model year, this color costs extra to equip

Interior

• No changes

Safety and Security

• No changes

Functional

• 4G Modem replaces FordPass Connect
  • For the 2025 model year, FordPass Connect app included the following content:
    • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (connects up to 10 devices)
    • Remote start
    • Remote lock and unlock
    • Check Vehicle Status
  • For the 2025 model year, 4G modem controls the above features in conjunction with Ford app

Packages

• No changes

Discussion

Discuss the 2026 Ford Escape in our Ford forum.