2026 Ford Escape

Active® sets the tone with a clean, well-equipped baseline, offering the essentials without unnecessary complication. It feels honest in its execution, designed for drivers who want capability without distraction. ST-Line introduces a sharper visual edge, with sport-inspired styling that gives the Escape a bit more attitude. It’s not overdone, just enough to suggest there’s more intent behind the wheel. ST-Line Select builds on that with meaningful comfort upgrades, including heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. It’s the point where the Escape begins to feel more considered for longer days behind the wheel. ST-Line Elite leans into technology, bringing in the larger 13.2-inch display and a broader suite of driver assistance features. It feels more complete, more modern, without losing the Escape’s underlying simplicity. Platinum™ shifts focus toward refinement, introducing upscale materials and a quieter, more polished cabin atmosphere. Plug-In Hybrid models stand apart, designed for efficiency with extended electric capability while retaining the Escape’s everyday usability.

The Escape offers a genuinely flexible lineup. The 1.5L EcoBoost® delivers 180 hp, providing a light, responsive feel suited to daily driving. Step up to the 2.0L EcoBoost®, and output rises to 250 hp with 280 lbs. ft. of torque, giving the Escape a more assertive character when you ask for it. Hybrid models produce a combined 192 hp, blending electric assistance with smooth, efficient operation. The plug-in hybrid increases output to 210 hp and introduces an EPA-estimated 37 miles of all-electric range, making short commutes nearly silent and fuel-free. On the road, the Escape feels tidy and composed. Steering is direct without being overly sharp, and the chassis settles nicely over uneven pavement, which suits the varied surfaces around coastal South Carolina. EcoBoost® models offer towing between 1,500 and 3,500 lbs., depending on configuration, adding a layer of utility that feels genuinely useful rather than theoretical. Selectable drive modes—Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Normal—allow the Escape to adapt subtly to changing conditions, without ever feeling complicated.

Inside, the Escape is built around flexibility. The sliding second row, adjustable by up to 5.9 inches, allows you to prioritize passenger comfort or cargo space as needed. It’s a simple idea, executed well. Cargo capacity reaches up to 65.4 cu. ft. in EcoBoost® models, with hybrid variants offering 60.8 cu. ft., still more than adequate for everyday demands. The layout feels intuitive, making it easy to shift from carrying people to hauling gear without a second thought. Available features such as a panoramic Vista Roof®, ActiveX®-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and a power liftgate add comfort where it counts, without overwhelming the cabin with excess.

SYNC® 4 anchors the experience, with available enhanced voice recognition and a 13.2-inch display that feels crisp and responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, integrating smartphones without fuss. Connected Navigation and Alexa Built-in expand functionality, while the FordPass® app allows remote access to vehicle features, including remote start and location tracking. An available 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot and wireless charging keep everything connected and powered, as expected.

Ford Co-Pilot360® provides a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert form the core, delivering consistent awareness in everyday driving. Available upgrades such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering Assist, and a 360-degree camera system add another layer of confidence, particularly in traffic or tight spaces.