2026 Ford Escape: What’s New, Trims, Specs & Features
The 2026 Ford Escape adds a Plug-In Hybrid with 210 total system horsepower and 11 distinct trim configurations. The PHEV is FWD-only, while the standard Hybrid comes standard with AWD across all hybrid trims. This page covers every trim, powertrain, and feature so you can find the right Escape at Fillback Ford.
What’s New for 2026
The headline addition for 2026 is the return of the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, producing a combined 210 system horsepower. That puts it at the top of the Escape output ladder, ahead of the standard Hybrid at 192 system horsepower and the 2.0L EcoBoost at 250 hp when equipped. Ford also expanded the trim structure to 11 configurations, giving shoppers more entry points into both gas and electrified versions.
The 2026 model also standardizes BLIS with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking across every trim, upgrades to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims, and makes the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen standard on ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid grades. The exterior palette runs to seven colors: Star White, Rapid Red, Vapor Blue, Agate Black, Space Silver, Carbonized Gray, and Oxford White.
Trim Lineup
The 2026 Escape starts with the Active FWD and scales through 11 configurations.
Active
This is the entry point. It comes with a urethane steering wheel, 6-way manual driver seat, 17-inch aluminum wheels, SYNC 4 with an 8-inch touchscreen, and the full Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite. AWD is available.
ST-Line
The ST-Line adds sport-oriented styling with a black mesh grille, flat-bottom sport steering wheel with red stitching, partial vinyl and cloth sport contour seats, 18-inch Rock Metallic aluminum wheels, and the large single-wing rear spoiler.
ST-Line Select
The ST-Line Select brings heated front seats, a heated flat-bottom sport steering wheel, remote start, power liftgate, LED fog lamps, and standard AWD on both powertrain choices. The 2.0L EcoBoost option unlocks towing capacity up to 3,500 lbs with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Plug-In Hybrid
The Plug-In Hybrid uses the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 paired with an electric motor for 210 combined system hp. It comes FWD-only and includes the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 display, heated front seats, power liftgate, and dual-zone automatic climate control as standard.
Platinum
The Platinum steps up to ActiveX trimmed sport bucket seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, memory for the driver seat and mirrors, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, universal garage door opener, and perimeter alarm. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds Adaptive Cruise with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Predictive Speed Assist.
ST-Line Elite
The top ST-Line grade adds headlamps with LED light bar, Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, rear parking sensors, and the full Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite as standard.
Shoppers in Prairie du Chien, Highland, and Richland Center can find current stock across Fillback Ford locations. Browse Available 2026 Escape Trims
Performance & Powertrain
The 2026 Escape offers four powertrain choices, ranging from the efficient 1.5L EcoBoost to the Plug-In Hybrid. Gas models offer the highest towing potential, while Hybrid trims come standard with AWD and the PHEV delivers the highest combined system output among the electrified options.
The 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines use direct injection. The hybrid engines use sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection. All four powertrains use aluminum engine blocks and cylinder heads.
The 2.0L EcoBoost is the strongest towing choice in the lineup. It is the only configuration that supports the available Class II Trailer Tow Package and reaches the Escape’s maximum 3,500-lb tow rating.
| Powertrain | Horsepower | Torque | Drivetrain | Transmission | EPA Fuel Economy | Max Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L EcoBoost 3-Cylinder | 180 hp | 199 lb-ft | FWD standard, AWD available | 8-speed automatic | 27 / 34 / 30 combined mpg | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.0L EcoBoost 4-Cylinder | 250 hp | 280 lb-ft | AWD only | 8-speed automatic | 23 / 31 / 26 combined mpg | 3,500 lbs* |
| 2.5L Hybrid | 192 system hp | 155 lb-ft | AWD standard | eCVT | 42 / 36 / 39 combined mpg | 1,500 lbs |
| 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid | 210 system hp | 155 lb-ft | FWD only | eCVT | 101 MPGe / 40 combined mpg | 1,500 lbs |
*Requires available Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo
The Escape seats five across two rows. First-row headroom measures 40.0 inches and legroom reaches 42.4 inches. Second-row passengers get 39.3 inches of headroom and 40.7 inches of legroom on EcoBoost models, with slightly less at 38.9 inches on Hybrid and PHEV trims due to battery packaging.
Cargo space behind the second row measures 37.5 cubic feet on EcoBoost models and 34.4 cubic feet on Hybrid and PHEV trims. Fold the second row and EcoBoost versions open to 65.4 cubic feet. Hybrid models reach 60.8 cubic feet.
The second-row seats slide on a 60/40 split-fold track, letting drivers trade cargo room for legroom. Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control is standard on every trim. Illuminated sliding sun visors are standard from ST-Line Select up, replacing the non-illuminated units on Active and ST-Line.
Seat materials progress from cloth on the Active to partial vinyl and cloth sport contour seats with red stitching on ST-Line grades, and ActiveX trimmed buckets on Platinum models. Heated front seats are standard from ST-Line Select upward. The optional panoramic Vista Roof is available across the entire lineup.
Technology & Infotainment
Every 2026 Escape ships with SYNC 4, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Active and ST-Line start with an 8-inch touchscreen. The 13.2-inch center display is optional on those trims and standard from ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid upward.
A standard 4G LTE modem with available Wi-Fi hotspot supports up to 10 devices via AT&T. Connected Navigation with one year of connectivity is standard on ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid trims. SiriusXM with 360L is standard on all trims where the radio is equipped.
The base cluster is an 8-inch digital display. A 12.3-inch digital cluster is standard on ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims and optional on others. An available head-up display is offered on ST-Line Elite and Platinum grades.
The optional B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen includes 10 speakers and a subwoofer. A wireless charging pad is standard on Platinum and ST-Line Elite trims and optional on others. Smart-charging USB ports, including one USB-A and one USB-C in the front and two USB outlets in the rear, are standard across all trims.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on every 2026 Escape and includes a robust package of driver assistance features. Standard safety equipment includes:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection
- Forward Collision Warning with Dynamic Brake Support
- Lane-Keeping System
- BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Predictive Speed Assist. It is optional on Active, ST-Line, and ST-Line Select, and standard from ST-Line Elite and Platinum upward. Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist are standard on those same upper trims.
Rear parking sensors are standard on ST-Line Elite and Platinum. A 360-Degree Camera is available as an option on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims. A digital rearview camera is standard on ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid.
The airbag system includes dual-stage front airbags, a driver knee airbag, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and a Safety Canopy system. The SOS Post-Crash Alert System and Tire Pressure Monitoring are standard across all trims.
Who It’s For Compared to the Prior Year
The 2026 Escape is the right choice for buyers who want a compact SUV that covers every level of electrification in one model family. The return of the PHEV is the most meaningful change from the prior year. Buyers who want daily electric commuting with gasoline backup now have that option without stepping up to a larger platform.
The 11-trim structure means there is a configuration for nearly every need: a no-frills daily driver at the Active level, a sport-influenced commuter in the ST-Line family, a connected and feature-loaded upper trim in Platinum, or a plug-in option for efficiency-focused buyers.
Compared to the prior model year, the expanded trim count and standardized wireless connectivity make the 2026 a more complete package at every trim level. Buyers who previously skipped the Escape because it lacked a PHEV option have a reason to return to the lineup.
Drivers in Prairie du Chien, Highland, and Richland Center who want AWD year-round capability should note that the Hybrid trims include AWD as standard, making them a strong choice for Wisconsin winters without adding AWD to a gas model.
See the 2026 Ford Escape at Fillback Ford Across Wisconsin
The 2026 Escape covers a wide range of buyers, from the value-focused Active to the PHEV and the fully loaded ST-Line Elite. Fillback Ford carries inventory across Prairie du Chien, Highland, and Richland Center to serve drivers throughout southwestern Wisconsin. Check current stock online or visit a Fillback location to drive the trim that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Ford Escape come as a Plug-In Hybrid?
Yes. The 2026 Escape Plug-In Hybrid produces 210 combined system horsepower from a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 paired with an electric motor. It is FWD-only.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Ford Escape?
The 2026 Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 lbs with the 2.0L EcoBoost AWD and the available Class II Trailer Tow Package. The 1.5L EcoBoost is rated at 2,000 lbs. Both Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid configurations are rated at 1,500 lbs.
What infotainment screen size does the 2026 Escape have?
An 8-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen is standard on Active and ST-Line trims. A 13.2-inch SYNC 4 display is optional on those trims and standard on ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid.
Does the 2026 Ford Escape have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility are standard on every 2026 Escape trim.
What drivetrain options does the 2026 Escape offer?
FWD is standard on the Active, ST-Line, and Plug-In Hybrid. AWD is available on Active and ST-Line trims. AWD is standard on all Hybrid trims, including ST-Line Select Hybrid, Platinum Hybrid, and ST-Line Elite Hybrid. The PHEV is FWD-only.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Escape have?
EcoBoost models offer 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet maximum. Hybrid and PHEV models offer 34.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.8 cubic feet maximum due to hybrid battery packaging.
What safety features are standard on every 2026 Escape?
Every trim includes Pre-Collision Assist with AEB and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning with Dynamic Brake Support, Lane-Keeping System, BLIS with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, and Auto High-Beam headlamps.
Where can I buy a 2026 Ford Escape near Richland Center or Prairie du Chien?
Fillback Ford carries the 2026 Escape at multiple locations across Richland Center, Prairie du Chien, and Highland, Wisconsin. Use the stock links on this page to browse current availability across all Fillback stores.
