2026 Ford Escape
MSRP: $30,350[a]
Cargo Space: 65.4 cu.ft.
MPG city/hwy: 42/36
Screen Size: 13.2 in
A growing number of drivers have discovered the benefits of driving a compact SUV. These models provide you with the fuel efficiency and maneuverability of a smaller vehicle, but give you more passenger space and a rugged design you just won’t find in a sedan. One of the models that has been responsible for getting drivers to make the move from a sedan to an SUV is the Ford Escape. Over its four generations, the Escape has given folks everything they could ever want in a compact SUV, including the engine options that help you find a vehicle that truly meets your needs.
The 2026 Ford Escape is the most advanced model in the vehicle’s history so far, with standard technology to keep you safe, connected, and entertained wherever you go. Best of all, if you are a commuter, family driver, or retiree, you are going to love the 2026 Escape’s price point, which makes it affordable for most drivers. With a base MSRP of $30,350, it is easy to fit the Escape into most budgets, which is why we are proud to offer it to customers like you.[a]
Performance
Engine Options
Ford gives you four great engines to choose from on the 2026 Escape. To make things easier, Ford has tied the engines to specific trim levels, so you can choose the options that work best for you, while making sure that the one you decide upon is right for your vehicle budget. With four different engines spread over six different trim levels, it is easy to get a 2026 Ford Escape that you are sure to love.
The Active and ST-Line trims come equipped with a very efficient 1.5-liter EcoBoost Turbocharged I-3 gas engine. This has a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design. The 1.5-liter engine uses direct fuel injection to deliver 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. When you choose the Escape with this engine, you will be able to tow up to 2,000 pounds, giving you some added utility.
Drivers who opt for the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims get to choose between two engines. If you prefer a conventional gas engine, you get a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 gas engine. It uses a combination of direct injection and port fuel injection to provide up to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, while giving you the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is the highest towing capability for any of the four Escape engines.
You can also opt for a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 hybrid powertrain. This combines a gas engine with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The combined powertrain has an output of 192 hp. This is a conventional hybrid, with the gas engine charging the battery at lower speeds through a generator.
Ford also offers a Plug-In Hybrid trim on the 2026 Escape. As its name suggests, this model comes with a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 Plug-in Hybrid. This pairs a gas engine with a pair of AC electric motors, which are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. In addition to having the gas engine charge the battery, you also get the convenience of being able to plug the Escape PHEV into a power source through the onboard charger. Like the conventional hybrid on the other Escape models, the gas engine for the Plug-in Hybrid has a DOHC design. The combined powertrain produces an impressive 210 hp.
Transmissions
Depending on which engine you choose for your 2026 Ford Escape, you will get a specific transmission paired to your engine. Drivers who choose an Escape with a conventional gas engine get an eight-speed automatic transmission, while those who opt for either hybrid powertrain have a CVT (continuously variable transmission) for their vehicle. This is designed to provide the ideal blend of gas and electric propulsion when driving.
Fuel Economy
One of the biggest reasons why folks choose to drive a compact SUV is the exceptional fuel efficiency of the vehicle. This is certainly true of the 2026 Ford Escape, especially if you choose one with a hybrid powertrain. Drivers who opt for either trim with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost I-3 will be pleased with a combined fuel economy of an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined with front-wheel drive. If you want the benefit of improved traction of all-wheel drive, you will still get a solid EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined.
The trims with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 also get standard all-wheel drive. The result is excellent traction with impressive fuel economy as well. These models get up to an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined, with even better performance on highway driving of an EPA-estimated 31 MPG.
These upper-level trims also offer the conventional hybrid engine. This gives you an EPA-estimated 34 MPG combined, including a very desirable EPA-estimated 42 MPG in city driving. This is because the conventional hybrid uses mostly electric power when driving at lower speeds. Still, the best fuel economy is to be found in the Escape Plug-in Hybrid. This model delivers an exceptional 40 MPG in combined fuel economy, making it an ideal engine for commuters who want to save on gasoline with their daily drive.
Speed and Acceleration
The 2026 Ford Escape shows that you don’t need to compromise on performance to get exceptional fuel efficiency. No matter which engine you choose, you are going to get a compact SUV that provides the speed and acceleration you need, especially when driving on busy roads. The models with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost, conventional hybrid, and plug-in hybrid will get you from zero to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds. This is enough speed to make it easy to merge onto the highway during rush hour. However, if you want a little more acceleration, you can opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which will get you from zero to 60 mph in an exceptional 5.8 seconds.
Interior Space
Passenger Compartment
One complaint drivers often have about compact SUVs is that the interior may feel cramped, especially in the back seat. Fortunately, this is not the case with the 2026 Ford Escape. The designers at Ford have done an exceptional job of creating a great deal of space between the two rows of the Escape, giving you plenty of room for up to five passengers to sit comfortably, even on long road trips.
The Escape models with conventional gas engines have 104 cu.ft. of passenger space, while those with a hybrid powertrain give you 102.2 cu.ft. The only difference is the rear row in the hybrid, which has 38.9 inches of legroom compared to 40.7 inches on those with a gas engine. Otherwise, the interior dimensions are identical, with 57.6 inches of shoulder room and 55.2 inches of hip room up front, and 56 inches of shoulder room and 53.3 inches of hip room in back.
Depending on which trim level you choose, you will get seats that are comfortable and upholstered with very attractive materials. In addition, all of the models of the 2026 Escape come with heated front row seats except the Active and ST-Line, which offer this as an optional feature.
Cargo Space
The 2026 Escape is a great model for folks who love to shop. This is because the Escape has a very spacious trunk with a flexible design. If you choose an Escape with a gas engine, you will get 37.5 cu.ft. of space for your things in the back. When you need more room, you can simply fold down the rear row of seats to give you 65.4 cu.ft. The hybrid models have slightly less, with 34.4 cu.ft. in the trunk that can be expanded to 60.8 cu.ft. Either way, you will have plenty of room if you need to move large objects or bring supplies home from a hardware store for your latest DIY project.
Technology
Active Safety Features
When it comes to safety, Ford does not cut corners. Every 2026 Escape comes with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 active driver assistance features. These will keep you and your passengers safe by providing you with alerts to hazards on the road so you can take evasive action to avoid getting into an accident. For example, Pre-Collision Assist will help keep you safe on the road. If the system detects a potential collision with the vehicle in front of you, the Forward Collision Warning will sound, alerting you to the situation, while the Automatic Emergency Braking and Dynamic Brake Support will help you bring your Escape to a safe stop or reduce the impact of an unavoidable collision.
One of the most common causes of accidents in highway driving is lane changes. Drivers often don’t see that there is another vehicle in their blind spot until it is too late. The Escape will help you avoid these accidents with standard BLIS. That stands for Blind Spot Information System, and it will let you know if there is a vehicle in the adjacent lane when you signal to change lanes. It even has a Rear Cross-Traffic Braking feature that will not only let you know if there is a vehicle about to pass behind you when you are backing out of a parking space, but it will also engage the emergency brakes to avoid an accident.
Connectivity and Entertainment
The technology on the 2026 Ford Escape will not only keep you safe but will also help you and your passengers stay entertained wherever you go. The Escape features the SYNC 4 infotainment system. This is the most advanced version of Ford’s famous system, and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use the system even if you left your charging cables at home. Simply connect your smartphone, and you are ready to make hands-free calls and texts using voice commands.
The SYNC 4 comes with a standard 13.2-inch center display on most trims of the 2026 Escape, except for the Active, ST-Line, and ST-Line Select, which have an eight-inch screen, with the 13.2-inch display available as an option. Either way, you can stream your favorite music from your smartphone over the Escape’s audio system, keeping you and your passengers entertained during your trip.
Welcome to Our Dealership
Loganville Ford is the place to go to find the 2026 Ford Escape. As your trusted Ford dealership, we have the selection you need to find a new or used Ford that you are sure to love. Our friendly sales team looks forward to meeting you and going over all of your options, helping you find a Ford that you are sure to love.
As a full-service dealership, we will be here for you throughout your ownership of your next Ford. Our experienced finance team will help you get a lease or loan for your next Escape, while our service center can help you with everything from routine oil changes to major repairs. When you buy a 2026 Ford Escape from Loganville Ford, you know we are here for you. Come in today and make your next compact SUV a 2026 Ford Escape!