2026 Ford Escape

Price Range: $30,050 - $38,635

The 2026 Ford Escape is a spacious and comfortable compact SUV with a user-friendly infotainment system and wide range of powertrain options, but many of its competitors match it in those areas and also offer more driving engagement and a higher-quality interior.Read full review

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$30,638

Prices based on sales in CO thru 7/7/25

Final assembly in USA

7 Colors
6 Trims
6 Packages

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2026 Ford Escape Review

Pros

Roomy and comfortable seating
Smooth ride quality
Easy-to-use controls
Available hybrid powertrain that gets around 40 mpg

Cons

Transmission's abrupt shifts
Lackluster handling

What's new

Platinum hybrid is now all-wheel-drive only
No longer for sale in California and states with California emissions
Part of the fourth Escape generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Written by automotive expert Alex Nishimoto

7/18/2025

The 2026 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a multitude of drivetrain options, including two turbocharged gas engines, a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The Escape is a practical and economical small crossover, but it doesn't deliver the same level of interior quality or driver engagement as most of its rivals.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Colorado

$124/mo

$167/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Edmunds spotlight: Two hybrid powertrains to choose from

The Escape offers not one but two hybrid options. The standard hybrid, which is available on ST-Line trims and up, pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission. It makes 192 horsepower and gets up to an EPA-estimated 39 mpg. There's also the Escape PHEV, or plug-in hybrid. It makes 210 hp from its 2.5-liter gas engine and electric motor setup. You can charge its battery pack using a standard 120-volt outlet or a higher-voltage Level 2 charger. On a full charge, the Escape PHEV is estimated to be able to drive 37 miles on battery power alone. And once the battery runs out, it switches to operating as a regular hybrid and gets an estimated 40 mpg. If you do a lot of city driving and can frequently charge at home, we think the Escape PHEV is the better choice of the two.

Competitors to consider

The Escape competes with the many other compact SUVs in its class, including the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. All of those drive better and have nicer interiors than the Escape. For plug-in hybrid competitors, the Escape has the Kia Sportage PHEV, Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The Hyundai and Kia offer similar battery-only range but more power than the Escape. The RAV4 could be the most compelling pick for 2026. It's fully redesigned, and Toyota says it will be able to drive 50 miles on all-electric power.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

Good

7.8

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Ford Escape on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

How does the Escape drive? We tested the Escape ST-Line Elite with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This motor makes plenty of power, allowing it to easily squirt through traffic and accelerate up to highway speeds. In Edmunds' testing, our Escape covered 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is better than rival small SUVs with an upgraded engine.

Unfortunately, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts slowly and can be jerky with its upshifts. Downshifts are similar, and you'll feel multiple small shocks as you decelerate. Even the engine stop-start system bucks the Escape when it restarts the engine as you take your foot off the brake. It all feels terribly unrefined and like something that Ford should have fixed before putting the Escape on sale.

The Escape's handling is disappointing too. It rolls a lot and has a ponderous feel as you go around turns. There's not much grip from the tires either. As for the steering, it's very light and low-effort in the default drive mode. Selecting Sport mode gives it more heft and makes it easier to figure out where the front wheels are pointed.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Escape? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort the Escape offers. The front seats are well shaped and have a pleasing amount of cushioning. The rear seats are also comfortable and provide a suitable amount of thigh support for adults.

Around town and on the highway, the Escape rides in a smooth and composed manner. It's also fairly quiet at speed, with road noise the prevailing source of sound intrusion. A dual-zone climate control system is now on the options list. Unfortunately, ventilated front seats and heated rears remain unavailable on any Escape trim.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The Escape's cabin is functional and pleasantly laid out. The primary controls are easy to reach, and the steering wheel buttons take no time to decipher. The Sync 3 touchscreen interface is snappy and simple to operate as well but also grows to integrate more functions into the touchscreen. Tech-savvy buyers might appreciate the giant tablet display, while others might miss physical climate controls. The driver's seat gives you a commanding view outward, and it's only mildly impeded by the rising beltline toward the rear. The seat itself offers numerous adjustments that make it a cinch to dial in the perfect position. On the downside, the door armrests are a touch too narrow.

We're impressed by the Escape's use of space inside. There's plenty of room all around, and the deeply sculpted front seatbacks afford rear passengers lots of knee room. Headroom might run out for very tall rear occupants on models with the panoramic sunroof. Other than the tall doorsills, there are no issues getting into or out of the Escape.

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2026 Ford Escape pricing in Aurora, CO

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$29,515
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2025 Ford Escape
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Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The Ford Escape's infotainment system is a highlight. The navigation setup is easy to use and quick to act, but oddly the newest version doesn't show you directional info when a point-of-interest search returns multiple locations (e.g., a Starbucks is 1 mile forward, or 0.5 mile to the left), as the pre-refresh version did. The standard six-speaker audio system is excellent for a base system, producing clear audio and punchy bass. The optional 10-speaker B&O system is even more impressive for this price class. Smartphone integration is excellent, and every model comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and plenty of powerpoints throughout the cabin.

The driving aids work well and almost all are standard. The lane centering feature works quite well on the highway, avoiding the "ping-ponging between the lanes" effect found on many rivals.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The Escape, compared to most compact SUVs, has a cargo area that's a little smaller, at 33.5 cubic feet. We like the low floor and high seatbacks, affording you a lot of vertical storage space before luggage would cut into rear visibility. The rear seats don't fold flat, but the outboard seat belts can be disengaged from their seat holsters so there's no obstruction while loading cargo.

Interior storage is much better, with large cubbies in the front and sizable door pockets in the back. All cupholders have anti-tip tabs, which is fairly uncommon in this vehicle class. Easily accessible car seat anchors and tethers, plus the large rear seat, make it a breeze to load a child safety seat.

Escape models with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is typical for the segment.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Escape with the turbo 2.0-liter engine, which is what we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined. This is better than other small SUVs with similarly potent engines. Though the estimates are stellar, our observed fuel economy with our test vehicle fell short of expectations. We averaged just 20.2 mpg in our own real-world testing.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Escape a good value? The Escape's interior has plenty of soft-touch plastics up front, while hard plastics are generally silver, gloss black or otherwise textured in a way that shows effort. The synthetic leather upholstery on lower trims is surprisingly convincing, though the genuine leather on our test vehicle was too stiff to be comfortable. The panel gaps are a little inconsistent and the interior door handles feel inexcusably cheap, but overall it's an appealing cabin for the price.

Ford's pricing is competitive with other small SUVs with potent turbocharged engines, and revisions to the features structure over the years add value throughout the Escape lineup. (Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, for instance.) Ford offers basic warranty coverage for three years/36,000 miles, with powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles. All are average for the class.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The Escape has a fairly distinctive exterior and the ST-Line variants lend a sporty flair to the interior. The cabin is less immediately impressive if you select one of the non-ST variants, but after living with the Escape for a while, you'll appreciate how effortlessly usable it is. Oddly, the 2.0-liter turbo powertrain is the letdown here, with the transmission never quite feeling at ease. This trim with the hybrid engine is probably the sweet spot.

Which Escape does Edmunds recommend?

An ST-Line trim would be our pick because it's the least expensive model with the fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain. Thanks to its more distinctive interior and larger 18-inch wheels, it looks sportier than the lesser Active trim.

Compare 2026 Ford Escape trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Ford Escape Owner Reviews

3.9

31 reviews

5(65%)

4(6%)

3(7%)

2(3%)

1(19%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Perfect Hybrid

Joe S., 01/28/2024

2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)

I have a 2024 Ford Escape St-Line AWD. Excellent mileage, solid, comfortable, quiet and well laid out interior. The transisition between hybrid and gas powered is seamless. Put your foot into it and you can merge, pass or enter an expressway quickly and safely. Drive it smartly and you can get north of 45 MPG..

24 Escape st line 1.5 Burning/sulfur Smell

Blackjac24, 04/27/2024

2024 Ford Escape ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A)

I just bought my 24 Escape on April 12, 24 I was driving to my parents house and the check engine light came on with a burning smell at 188 miles. Took car in the next day. They kept it for 1 day said they reprogrammed the module and couldn't duplicate the burning oil smell. Picked it up drove out to my parent the smell was still there and it fills the inside of the car. No check engine …

Great gas and electric mileage.

David , 09/11/2024

2024 Ford Escape Platinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)

I bought this Ford Escape PHEV SUV for my woman to drive as she hates going to get gas. She can go to work and run around Los Angeles, on electric. Average around 65 mpg. I live in San Diego and she only burns gas on long trips to visit me or more than 35 miles. I Iike the cargo area that fits a large dog crate, for my German Shepherd and we still have room for two more Large people or …

Looks of a compact SUV, the power of a sports car

FusionPilot, 08/09/2024

2024 Ford Escape Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Replaced a 2013 Ford Fusion with this 2024 Ford Escape Platinum 2.0 L eco-boost 250 HP engine. This is my first SUV and I am very happy with the vehicle. It’s not perfect but it checks all the boxes. The really good - the 2L turbo 4 banger is amazing. 250 HP in this little car makes it a wolf in sheep’s sheet metal. The 8 speed is smooth and best of all, it’s not a slush-box CVT. … Deciding you don’t want a CVT eliminates about half the potential compact SUV choices. The electronics are excellent. I have to admit they take some time to learn, but as I become increasingly familiar with them I really like Ford’s SYNC 4. The available drive modes - sport, slippery, normal, and economy really change the driving dynamics. Sport in particular makes the car even more exciting by making the accelerator more responsive, changing the shift points and making this hot hatch even hotter. Gas mileage is impressive - in mixed driving I am getting 25 MPG, compared to 19 or so in the Fusion I previously had. And the Fusion also sported a 2L eco-boost, so I’m guessing the 8 speed is contributing to that. And the 10 speaker B&O audio system is excellent, again comparing it to the 6 speaker Sony system in the Fusion. Finally I find the car one of the quietest vehicles I have ever owned. At normal highway cruise speeds there is little or no wind or road noise at all. The good - seats, seating position, steering and brakes are fine. I don’t share the negative feelings expressed by some other reviewers. The looks of the vehicle are also attractive, having been updated in 2023. The things they missed - there is no “global window open/close” that other Fords have. Why, Ford? It’s just software after all! The big display is great but the map appears in washed-out colors that make it difficult to see when underway. It’s helpful to be able to glance at the map to gauge where a turn is coming, or where a street intersection is; that is much safer than looking around in all directions while driving. Finally, the transition from a sedan to the SUV means a much higher seating position, and I find myself driving 10 to 15 MPH faster without realizing it - you have to be careful there! All in all I am very happy with my purchase. UPDATE February 2025 It's been a trouble-free six months with the Escape. Everything is working as it is supposed to; I have no complaints about fit and finish, reliability, and as-delivered condition. I continue to be impressed with the engine and despite its peppy performance, the gas mileage continues to be in the mid-20s in mixed driving. Several minor things that may be the "nature of the beast" I have noticed. When you have Apple Car Play connected, the Ford Sync system will not place calls. You have to use Siri and the Apple system. That's not necessarily bad but I got used to the simple "Phone" command in the earlier Sync system in my Fusion, and I think this system is a bit more complicated. It's a car, after all, not a living room full of hi-fi and intelligent speakers. Keep it simple, folks! The map contrast is still a point I would address - either make the background color different or increase the color of the roads and markers. I've learned to live with it, but it could be better. Comparing it to the earlier Fusion, the Fuze was definitely easer to read with a quick glance while you are driving. Inside the car on the visor there is a placard about rollover risk, noting that the Escape's higher CG makes it more prone to instability in radical maneuvers. I have never sensed any such tendency to over-lean or not comply with turns and even quick movements in traffic when some other driver intrudes on your lane. I suppose technically it is less stable than a low-slung sports car, but if you truly "drive" this vehicle rather than "aim" it, you get a feel for the dynamics and it is plenty stable. A driver should be able to sense the willingness of a vehicle to handle and not be tempted to push it past its limits. The Escape is fine in this department. If I had a magic wand and could have Ford do anything I wanted, I'd ask them to extend the rear of the vehicle about 12". It would dramatically alter the load-capacity, especially with the back seats up. Frankly, I miss the deep trunk of the Fusion and have had several occasions when things were too long and had to be shoe-horned in. However in fairness, the height of the rear compartment is light-years ahead of the sedan, and takes tall things without complaint that would not fit in a three-box sedan. I truly dislike the automatic stop-start system, and turn it off whenever I get in the car. It's a shame that the driver can't permanently switch it off - but that is not a complaint about Ford; it is apparently the same thing with all vehicles. Other than the map contrast I mentioned earlier, the screen, the driver's display, and the HUD are excellent, provide useful information, and are easy to adjust (after you get some familiarity). I don't understand why some reviewers have commented negatively about the HVAC controls at the bottom of the screen. I find them intuitive and responsive, and am very happy with all the electronics in general. Ford gets credit for some significant improvements in driver assist items, compared to earlier vehicles (and my earlier Fusion). They absolutely nailed the automatic high beams, keeping the highway well illuminated while automatically dimming for oncoming traffic. The system is flawless. The "Coast to Coast Lightbar" across the hood makes you easily noticed even in daylight. My subjective experience is that people are not pulling out in front of me as much as they did in the Fusion. You are well lit up and easy to see for traffic. That's a big safety plus in my opinion. All in all with over 6 months' experience I am very, very happy with this vehicle. It's not perfect, but it's fun to drive, versatile, and a pleasant experience, even on a trip of several hundred miles. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Ford Escape, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escape since its last redesign.

See all 31 reviews of the Ford Escape

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2026 Ford Escape Features & Specs

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Active

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,050
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$124/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	37.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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2025 Ford Escape

At a Glance:

7 Colors
6 Trims
6 Packages
$29,515starting MSRP

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Safety

Key safety features on the Escape include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Good
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Marginal
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

FAQ

Is the Ford Escape a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Escape both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Escape gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Escape ranges from 34.4 to 37.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Escape. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Ford Escape?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Ford Escape:

Platinum hybrid is now all-wheel-drive only
No longer for sale in California and states with California emissions
Part of the fourth Escape generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

To determine whether the Ford Escape is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Escape. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Escape's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Ford Escape a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Ford Escape is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Escape and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Escape gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Escape is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Ford Escape?

The least-expensive 2026 Ford Escape is the 2026 Ford Escape Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $30,050.

Other versions include:

Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $30,050
ST-Line 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $30,895
Active 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $31,450
ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $32,295
ST-Line Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $33,590
ST-Line Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $34,715
Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) which starts at $35,400
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $35,915
ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $36,910
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $37,640
ST-Line Elite 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $38,635

Learn more

What are the different models of Ford Escape?

If you're interested in the Ford Escape, the next question is, which Escape model is right for you? Escape variants include Active 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), ST-Line 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Active 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), and ST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Escape models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2026 Ford Escape

Pricing

2026 Ford Escape Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: Two hybrid powertrains to choose from

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $1,151 with Edmunds

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Escape does Edmunds recommend?

Ford Escape Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Perfect Hybrid

24 Escape st line 1.5 Burning/sulfur Smell

Great gas and electric mileage.

Looks of a compact SUV, the power of a sports car

Helpful shopping links

2026 Ford Escape Features & Specs

Compare the Ford Escape

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Safety

Key safety features on the Escape include:

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Ford Escape a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Ford Escape?

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

Is the 2026 Ford Escape a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Ford Escape?

What are the different models of Ford Escape?

Related 2026 Ford Escape info

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