2026 Ford Escape

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2026 Ford Escape is its lineup of four available powertrains. The entry-level 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine delivers 180 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. Step up to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder for 250 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and a commanding 280 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 RPM - capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package.

For those who lean toward fuel efficiency, the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain produces 192 total system horsepower, while the plug-in hybrid version pushes that to 210 total system horsepower with an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 37 miles. Selectable drive modes - including Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Normal - let you fine-tune the Escape's handling to match any road condition.

Inside the 2026 Ford Escape, comfort and practicality come together in an impressively adaptable cabin. The sliding second-row seats offer up to 5.9 extra inches of legroom adjustment, and the 60/40 split-fold configuration makes it easy to reconfigure the space for passengers or cargo. EcoBoost models deliver up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer up to 60.8 cubic feet. Front-row legroom measures a generous 42.4 inches maximum across all configurations.

Depending on the trim, the Escape can be equipped with an 8-way or 10-way power driver seat, heated front-row seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and an available wireless charging pad. The rotary gear shift dial keeps the center console clean and clutter-free, adding a modern, minimalist touch to the overall design.

The 2026 Ford Escape comes loaded with technology designed to keep drivers connected and in control. SYNC 4 is standard across all trims, with an available 13.2-inch touchscreen center display on select models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, while connected navigation with one year of included connectivity is available on higher trims.

The FordPass app gives owners access to vehicle status checks, fuel level monitoring, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to 10 devices. An available B&O Sound System by Bang and Olufsen features 10 speakers, including a subwoofer, for a premium audio experience. Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology is standard on all trims, with available upgrades to Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus that add adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and predictive speed assist.

Safety is a top priority in the 2026 Ford Escape. Every model comes standard with Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and dynamic brake support. The lane-keeping system includes lane-keeping assist, lane-keeping alert, and driver alert. BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with rear cross-traffic braking is also standard on most trims, helping drivers navigate busy roads and tight parking situations with greater confidence.

Additional available features include evasive steering assist, intersection assist, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and reverse brake assist. The Escape's comprehensive airbag system includes dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, a driver knee air bag, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and the Safety Canopy system. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and torque vectoring control round out the chassis safety features.

The 2026 Ford Escape is offered in six distinct trim levels, each designed to appeal to a different kind of driver. The Escape Active starts the lineup with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, available all-wheel drive, and a 6-way manual driver seat. The Escape ST-Line adds sport-inspired touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel, red accent stitching, 18-inch Rock Metallic-painted aluminum wheels, and sport contour bucket seats. The Escape ST-Line Select steps up with a standard 2.5-liter hybrid engine, all-wheel drive, remote start, heated front-row seats, and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel.

The Escape ST-Line Elite brings the 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 10-way power driver seat, a wireless charging pad, connected navigation, and standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus. The Escape Platinum adds ActiveX trimmed sport contour bucket seats with mini-perforation, chrome beltline molding, an LED light bar, and 19-inch Ebony-painted machined-face aluminum wheels. Finally, the Escape Plug-in Hybrid delivers 101 combined MPGe and an EPA-estimated 37 miles of all-electric range - making it the most fuel-forward choice in the lineup.