Blend comfort and capability in the 2026 Ford Escape! As usual, this compact SUV bolsters your free-spirited lifestyle, compliments its roomy cabin, high-tech standard lineup, and sporty (yet efficient) performance.
Key Takeaways
- Midwest drivers love the Escape’s adventure-ready performance and all-weather capabilities!
- With the available plug-in hybrid powertrain, this small SUV earns an incredible 101 MPGe combined.
- Choose from five Escape trim levels for the on-road experience you crave, whether that’s budget-friendly or downright luxurious!
- Order your 2026 Escape today — call or text us at Lunghamer Ford to get started.
Why choose the 2026 Ford Escape in Michigan?
In the compact SUV segment, the 2026 Escape offers a unique experience. Where competitors tend to be underwhelming, the Escape delivers sporty handling and up to 250 horsepower. And this small SUV also makes a point of delivering a very efficient performance! In the Escape PHEV trim model, you can even combine speed (210 hp) with plug-in hybrid efficiency, earning up to 101 MPGe!
Better still, all six Escape trim models deliver a roomy cabin, plenty of cargo space, and a wealth of tech features. The standard lineup includes must-have infotainment gear, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the base Escape even throws in some luxury items, including dual-zone automatic climate control and a power liftgate!
As you move up the Escape’s list of trim models (Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and PHEV), you can treat yourself to even greater interior comfort. For a cozy winter cruise, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available. You can even enjoy a taste of the finer things, thanks to luxury upgrades like the head-up display, panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery.
How much can the 2026 Ford Escape tow?
The latest Escape can tow a camper or boat trailer weighing up to to 3,500 pounds. However, you need the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, all-wheel drive, and the Class II Trailer Tow Package to make this happen. So if you’ve got big toys to transport, make sure you configure your new Escape to get the job done! Powertrain availability also varies according to Escape trim model, so that’s something else to keep in mind.
2026 Escape Powertrain Options
- Active, ST-Line: turbo 1.5L three-cylinder engine (180 hp, 199 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic transmission
- ST-Line Select and up: turbo 2.0L four-cylinder (250 hp, 280 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic
- PHEV: 2.5L plug-in hybrid powertrain (210 hp) and continuously variable transmission
- Optional for ST-Line and up: 2.5L hybrid powertrain (192 hp) and continuously variable transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
What are the 2026 Ford Escape trim models?
Once again, the Escape offers six handsomely equipped options: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, PHEV, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. They range from comfy and tech-savvy to downright luxurious! The one that’s right for you will be a good match for both your budget and your daily drive. Keep reading for a closer look at each Escape.
Active
The entry-level Escape sets the standard for everyday practicality, adding a few upscale flourishes along the way.
- Cloth seating
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- SYNC 4 with 8-inch central touchscreen
- Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids (including lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot warning)
- Available all-wheel drive
ST-Line
Show off a little with the ST-Line’s sporty flourishes, including red interior accent stitching and a single-wing rear spoiler.
- Partial vinyl and cloth upholstery with Red accent stitching
- Eight-way power driver seat
- Flat-bottom sport steering wheel
- Underbody skid plates
- Roof rails
- 18-inch Rock Metallic-painted wheels
- Available hybrid powertrain
- Available all-wheel drive
ST-Line Select
Add to the ST-Line’s head-turning style with performance upgrades, including standard hybrid power and all-wheel drive.
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power liftgate
- 2.5L hybrid powertrain
- All-wheel drive
PHEV
This Escape delivers both a 37-mile electric range and thrifty hybrid performance — not to mention an upscale interior!
- Partial vinyl and cloth upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 13.2-inch central touchscreen
- 2.5L plug-in hybrid I-4 engine (up to 101 MPGe)
- Front-wheel drive
ST-Line Elite
This Escape lets you have it all, featuring style, performance, and tech upgrades.
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory settings
- Digital instrument panel
- 13.2-inch central touchscreen
- Built-in navigation
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Ambient interior lighting
- Ford Co-Pilot Assist+ (with adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist)
- All-wheel drive
- Available hybrid powertrain
Platinum
With chrome exterior trim, LED signature lighting, and ActiveX upholstery, this Escape puts a unique spin on luxury cruising.
- ActiveX seating
- 13.2-inch central touchscreen
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Roof-rack side rails
- Ford Co-Pilot Assist+ (with adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist)
- All-wheel drive
- Available hybrid powertrain
When can I order the 2026 Ford Escape?
Not only can you build your 2026 Escape today — starting at $30,350* — but we recommend you do so as quickly as possible! Since this is the Escape’s final model year, Ford will only take orders for a limited time before ending production for good. Visit us at Lunghamer Ford in Owosso, MI to build the perfect compact SUV for your busy lifestyle!
*Price as of 9/30/25.