Verified vehicle record
2026 Ford Escape
Car and Driver says 2026 is the Escape's final model year before discontinuation, and as a result it carries over unchanged for its send-off year. Standard power comes from a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic and standard front-wheel drive (AWD available). MSRP runs $31,845-$38,705. MotorTrend measured an AWD three-cylinder Escape's 0-60 time at 8.4 seconds and says the Escape struggles to distinguish itself in a segment filled with alternatives, with a standard engine that lacks the smoothness found in some competitors; MotorTrend lists top-ranked competitors as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester.
Current archiveChecked Sep. 20, 2026United States specification
Powertrain1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo), 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid), 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo)
Output180–250 hp
DrivetrainAWD
Seating5
Maximum towing3,500 lb
Decision answers19Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says 2026 is the Escape's final model year before being discontinued. As a result, it carries over unchanged for its send-off year.
Pricing and powertrain for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $31,845-$38,705.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Escape is equipped standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder making 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic, standard front-wheel drive, and available all-wheel drive; an AWD three-cylinder model accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds in testing.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Escape struggles to distinguish itself in a segment filled with alternatives, with a standard engine that lacks the smoothness found in some competitors, listing top-ranked competitors as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2026 Ford Escape?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says nothing, since this is its final model year before discontinuation.
How much does the 2026 Ford Escape cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $31,845 to $38,705.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
The 2026 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that Kelley Blue Book lists in 8 trims, from the Active to the ST-Line Elite. Its engine choices are 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo), 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo). Power runs from 180 to 250 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists all-wheel drive. Its curb weights run 3,420 to 3,670 lb and its combined fuel economy 26 to 39 mpg.
Model-year note
Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, ST-Line Hybrid is no longer listed.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Entry trim | See full equipment map |
| ST-Line | Trim 2 of 8 | See full equipment map |
| ST-Line Select Hybrid | Trim 3 of 8 | See full equipment map |
| ST-Line Select | Trim 4 of 8 | See full equipment map |
| Platinum Hybrid | Trim 5 of 8 | See full equipment map |
| ST-Line Elite Hybrid | Trim 6 of 8 | See full equipment map |
| Platinum | Trim 7 of 8 | See full equipment map |
| ST-Line Elite | Top trim | See full equipment map |
01
Entry trim
Active
02
Trim 2 of 8
ST-Line
03
Trim 3 of 8
ST-Line Select Hybrid
04
Trim 4 of 8
ST-Line Select
05
Trim 5 of 8
Platinum Hybrid
06
Trim 6 of 8
ST-Line Elite Hybrid
07
Trim 7 of 8
Platinum
08
Top trim
ST-Line Elite
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Ford Escape: 8 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 180 | 199 | 26 / 32 / 28 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST-Line | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 180 | 199 | 26 / 32 / 28 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST-Line Select Hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, eCVT | AWD | 192 | 154 | 42 / 36 / 39 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST-Line Select | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 250 | 275 | 23 / 31 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Platinum Hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, eCVT | AWD | 192 | 154 | 42 / 36 / 39 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST-Line Elite Hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, eCVT | AWD | 192 | 154 | 42 / 36 / 39 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Platinum | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 250 | 275 | 23 / 31 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ST-Line Elite | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 250 | 275 | 23 / 31 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 3,420 lb | 180.1 in | 66 in | 106.7 in | 7.5 in | 38.4 ft | 15.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 2,000 lb | P225/65HR17 |
| ST-Line | 3,420 lb | 180.1 in | 66 in | 106.7 in | 7.5 in | 38.4 ft | 15.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 2,000 lb | P225/60R18 |
| ST-Line Select Hybrid | 3,670 lb | 180.1 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 6.9 in | 38.4 ft | 14.3 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 1,500 lb | P225/60R18 |
| ST-Line Select | 3,505 lb | 180.1 in | 66 in | 106.7 in | 7.5 in | 38.4 ft | 15.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 3,500 lb | P225/60R18 |
| Platinum Hybrid | 3,670 lb | 180.1 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 6.9 in | 38.4 ft | 14.3 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 1,500 lb | P225/55R19 |
| ST-Line Elite Hybrid | 3,670 lb | 180.1 in | 66.1 in | 106.7 in | 6.9 in | 38.4 ft | 14.3 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 1,500 lb | P225/55R19 |
| Platinum | 3,505 lb | 180.1 in | 66 in | 106.7 in | 7.5 in | 38.4 ft | 15.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 3,500 lb | P225/55R19 |
| ST-Line Elite | 3,505 lb | 180.1 in | 66 in | 106.7 in | 7.5 in | 38.4 ft | 15.7 gal | 40 in | 42.4 in | 3,500 lb | P225/55R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Ford Escape trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Active | ST-Line | ST-Line Select Hybrid | ST-Line Select | Platinum Hybrid | ST-Line Elite Hybrid | Platinum | ST-Line Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Side-view cameras | – | – | Opt | Opt | – | – | – | – |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | Opt | Opt | – | – | – | – |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||||
| Navigation system | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Opt | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Real-time traffic information | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Opt | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Opt | Std | Opt |
| Fog lights | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
5 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49850Escape AWD | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 26 | 32 | 28 | N/A |
| 49849Escape AWD | 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 23 | 31 | 26 | N/A |
| 49851Escape AWD HEV | 2.5L 4-cyl HybridHybrid | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 42 | 36 | 39 | N/A |
| 49842Escape FWD | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 27 | 34 | 30 | N/A |
| 49763Escape FWD PHEV | 2.5L 4-cyl PHEVPlug-in Hybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular Gas and Electricity | 42 | 37 | 40 | 37 mi |
Direct answers
19 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Escape come in?
Kelley Blue Book lists 8 trims for the 2026 Ford Escape (compact SUV): Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select Hybrid, ST-Line Select, Platinum Hybrid, ST-Line Elite Hybrid, Platinum, ST-Line Elite.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q02What are the 2026 Escape trims?
Kelley Blue Book lists these 8 trims for the 2026 Ford Escape, in this order: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select Hybrid, ST-Line Select, Platinum Hybrid, ST-Line Elite Hybrid, Platinum, ST-Line Elite.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Escape use?
The 2026 Ford Escape is built around 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo), 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid), 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo), rated at 180–250 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Escape?
The 2026 Ford Escape is offered with AWD.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 Escape?
Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, ST-Line Hybrid is no longer listed.
Source: Kelley Blue Book model-year information
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2026 Ford Escape?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 2 recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Escape, covering seat belts, powertrain.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07How did the 2026 Ford Escape do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2026 Ford Escape earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 14.3% to 17.4% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q08How long does the 2026 Ford Escape take to charge at home?
EPA lists 3.2 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger for the Escape FWD PHEV.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q09What kind of brakes does the 2026 Ford Escape have?
MotorTrend lists the 2026 Ford Escape with four-wheel disc brakes.
Q10How did the 2026 Ford Escape do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Ford Escape: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Marginal in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2020-26, 2022-26 and 2023-26 models, based on a test of the 2020 Ford Escape SE 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q11What size wheels does the 2026 Ford Escape have?
The 2026 Ford Escape's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the Active, 18 inches on the ST-Line, ST-Line Select Hybrid and ST-Line Select and 19 inches on the Platinum Hybrid, ST-Line Elite Hybrid, Platinum and ST-Line Elite. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q12How much cargo space does the 2026 Ford Escape Active FWD have?
CarBuzz lists 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space for the 2026 Ford Escape Active FWD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q13What is the GVWR of the 2026 Ford Escape Active FWD?
CarBuzz lists a curb weight of 3,283 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,013 pounds for the 2026 Ford Escape Active FWD; because payload is the gross vehicle weight rating minus curb weight, that puts the GVWR at 4,296 pounds.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q14What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Ford Escape Active FWD?
CarBuzz lists a maximum payload of 1,013 pounds for the 2026 Ford Escape Active FWD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q15What warranty does the 2026 Ford Escape Active FWD come with?
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Ford Escape Active FWD with basic coverage of 36 months or 36,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 60 months or 60,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 60 months with unlimited miles and roadside assistance of 60 months or 60,000 miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q16What engine oil does the 2026 Ford Escape use?
OilChangeDIY.com and OilCapacity411.com both list SAE 5W-20 as the engine oil viscosity for the 2026 Ford Escape.
Source: OilChangeDIY.com model-year specification page
Q17How quickly does the 2026 Ford Escape accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph tests of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists are of earlier model years than the 2026 Ford Escape: 5.8 seconds for the 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite (Car and Driver), 6.6 seconds for the 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite (Motor Trend), 7.7 seconds for the 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (Car and Driver), 7.8 seconds for the 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (Motor Trend) and 8.1 seconds for the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid ST Line Elite (Motor Trend).
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q18How do the 2026 Ford Escape trims differ from one another?
The ST-Line has heated mirrors, a power driver's seat and roof rails as standard equipment over the Active. The ST-Line Select Hybrid has 192 hp against 180 and fog lights, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and 2 more as standard equipment over the ST-Line. The ST-Line Select has 250 hp against 192 over the ST-Line Select Hybrid. The Platinum Hybrid has 192 hp against 250 and an anti-theft alarm, power front seats for driver and passenger, an integrated garage-door opener and 4 more as standard equipment over the ST-Line Select. The ST-Line Elite Hybrid has cruise control as standard equipment over the Platinum Hybrid.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q19What does the 2026 Ford Escape cost across its trims?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Ford Escape run from $31,845 for the Active to $40,430 for the ST-Line Elite, across 8 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Ford Escape.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Ford Escape across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Kelley Blue Book 2026 Ford Escape specificationsPer-trim specifications and standard and optional equipment
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.