2026 Ford Escape Hybrid

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.

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.

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.