The Ford Escape is a mainstay in the compact SUV market, being well regarded for its breadth of features and trademark Ford versatility as it has excelled year after year. The Escape enters 2026 with few changes on the horizon, due to Ford’s continued emphasis on discontinuing it.
In this 2026 Ford Escape preview, we’ll be going under the hood for the new Escape to give you the full rundown of what Ford has prepared for the new SUV as it enters another year in the segment.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Escape is virtually identical to 2026, with Ford biding its time before discontinuing the vehicle as has been hinted at.
- Gas mileage is also a key concern, with the Escape providing seriously impressive performance in this regard.
- Hybrid options continue to impress with their mix of power and efficiency.
Is there going to be a 2026 Ford Escape?
The 2026 Ford Escape enters the market with virtually no changes, focusing instead on trimming its lineup as it nears the end of its production. One of the most notable adjustments is the discontinuation of front-wheel-drive hybrid models, leaving all-wheel drive as the sole configuration for buyers seeking electrified performance.
However, availability is further limited in states with stricter emissions standards—California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, and Washington—where the 2026 Escape cannot be registered due to noncompliance with regulatory requirements. Pricing for the compact SUV starts at $31,545, while the top-of-the-line ST-Line Elite model begins at $40,130, positioning the Escape as a practical but transitional option in Ford’s lineup.
- Active - $31,545
- ST-Line - $32,390
- ST-Line Select Hybrid - $35,085
- ST-Line Select - $36,210
- Platinum Hybrid - $37,410
- ST-Line Elite Hybrid - $38,405
- Platinum - $39,135
- ST-Line Elite - $40,130
What kind of gas mileage does a 2025 Ford Escape get?
The 2026 Ford Escape provides a wide spread of fuel economy ratings depending on engine choice and drivetrain, giving buyers options between efficiency and performance. The base turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder is the most efficient of the gas-only engines, returning up to 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive form.
Opting for all-wheel drive brings those figures down slightly to 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. For drivers seeking more power, the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder paired with AWD trades efficiency for performance, delivering an estimated 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
Hybrid versions are where the Escape truly shines in terms of efficiency. The standard 2.5-liter I4 hybrid with AWD can achieve up to 39 mpg combined, making it an appealing option for those with longer commutes. The plug-in hybrid variant builds on that advantage, rated at 40 mpg combined in hybrid operation while also offering an estimated 37 miles of all-electric range, providing flexibility for both short trips and extended drives. This range of choices allows the 2026 Escape to cater to a variety of needs, whether buyers prioritize capability, performance, or maximum fuel savings.
Summary
The Escape is set to continue its reputation for being one of the most solid models in the segment pricing and value wise, as its a fantastic option for first time drivers or for families on a budget. The new updates it brings only serve to make the Escape all the more enticing as a prospective model when it drops later in 2025. Come check out our stock of SUVs in Plant City at Jarrett Scott Ford.