2026 Ford Escape

Today’s compact SUVs are better than ever, and there are some dozen to choose from. The Ford Escape is among the elder statesmen in the segment, and this latest generation is itself showing its age compared to fresher rivals like the all-new, all-hybrid Toyota RAV4 and the always impressive Honda CR-V. That said, it’s still relatively competitive thanks to undergoing regular updates. The Escape also offers several powertrain choices, from a standard 3-cylinder engine to a zesty turbo-4, plus hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. If you have your heart set on an Escape, we’d advise buying one sooner rather than later, as this could be the last year for the model as we know it. And if you reside in six particular states, you won’t be able to buy one at all. See details about that under What’s New.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Ford Escape.

The 2026 Ford Escape brings nothing new to the table, instead simplifying its lineup in what is likely its last model year before Ford retools the factory where it’s made. Ford Escape hybrid models are no longer available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) form, so all-wheel drive (AWD) is your only option. And if you live in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, or Washington state, you won’t be able to register a 2026 Escape at all, since it won’t meet emissions requirements.

The Ford Escape’s starting price is in line with the benchmark Honda CR-V, but we should note that a base Escape doesn’t include as many standard active driver assistance features, including one we now can’t live without: adaptive cruise control. That’s extra on the Escape, but standard on the CR-V, as well as the less expensive Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Chevrolet Equinox, all of which are newer, too. The least-expensive Ford Escape Hybrid is around $35,000, which we think is a pretty solid value since it also comes with all-wheel drive. Still, a Sportage Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid can be had for less or around the same price, as can the new Subaru Forester Hybrid. The all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 will be hybrid only, but pricing for that model is still forthcoming.

The Ford Escape’s resale value is sub-par, below leaders like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester. Keep in mind that the higher the resale value, the more money you can get when it’s time to sell or trade in your vehicle.

We commend the 2026 Ford Escape for the variety of powertrains on offer, including two turbocharged gas models, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The easiest one for us to recommend is the hybrid 4-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower. With a front-wheel-drive hybrid variant no longer offered, all 2026 Escape Hybrid models have all-wheel drive yet still achieve up to 39 mpg combined. With more power and better fuel economy at a small price premium over the standard turbocharged 3-cylinder, the hybrid is a no-brainer — if it fits your budget. There’s also a 210-hp plug-in hybrid.

The Escape’s standard engine is a 180-hp turbocharged 3-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. We found the base 3-cylinder engine proved adequate for urban errand-running, but struggles with passing on the highway. We also noticed it’s a bit noisy under hard acceleration. For reference, the base Honda CR-V has only a 10-hp advantage.

Those looking to make quicker Escapes (that’s the last time we’ll use that pun), there’s the turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 hp. It makes the Escape fun to hustle around without sacrificing comfort or practicality. Every Escape with this engine also has all-wheel drive. This output is just a bit short of the turbo engine available in the Mazda CX-50.

No matter what’s under the hood, the Ford Escape is comfortable. It does a fine job of providing the utility of an SUV with the efficiency and easy drivability of a compact car.

Fuel Economy

The base 3-cylinder engine has a mixed city-and-highway fuel economy rating of up to 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. That’s the same as a Honda CR-V with front-wheel drive and one mpg behind a CR-V with all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has a slight fuel economy penalty but doesn’t require premium gas.

The conventional hybrid powertrain tops both gasoline-only engines at 39 mpg. The plug-in hybrid claims an all-electric range of up to 37 miles and returns 40 combined mpg in gas/electric hybrid operation.

We like the roomy and flexible 5-passenger cabin of the Ford Escape. We found the front seats comfortable and supportive but noticed some subpar materials in the lower trims. However, it can get pretty fancy with options like ActiveX seat upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a B&O premium audio system.

The SYNC 4 infotainment system is feature-rich and user-friendly. It has a standard 8-inch screen, which can be upgraded to a 13.2-inch screen with more features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard — a convenience we always appreciate.

We especially like the sliding second-row seats. These make it easy to optimize both passenger and cargo space, depending on requirements, and it’s an uncommon feature among compact SUVs.

We’re impressed that we didn’t hear any griping out of a 6-foot teenager relegated to the rear seat thanks to the Escape’s better-than-average 40.7-inch maximum rear legroom (extremely close to the Honda CR-V’s 41 inches). Cargo space is also above average, with 34.4 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats and up to 65.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The CR-V is more impressive here, though, with 39.3/76.5 cubic feet.

Despite not being the freshest of the compact SUV pack, our eyes still like the looks of the 2026 Escape. Where other SUVs have moved on to blockier, chunkier shapes, the Escape retains its rounded and organic design. And this is a model that can boast that it’s been there, done that as far as boxy design; the Escape was doing that decades ago. Want something boxy, rugged, and fresher? Look to the Escape’s sibling, the Bronco Sport.

Power variety
Four powertrain options ensure there is something for almost everyone. Two turbocharged engines are available, plus a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Sensible us would opt for the hybrid, but enthusiast us would pick the higher-performance turbo.

Efficient hybrids
The efficient Escape Hybrid gets a mixed fuel economy rating of 39 mpg with standard all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid is more powerful and efficient and can travel up to 37 miles on electricity alone.

Ford Co-Pilot360
The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 safety tech array brings many driver assistance features. They include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Additional optional features include adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, speed sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. The two of those we miss when we don’t have them: the automatic high-beam function and adaptive cruise control. When it comes to parking, we find the surround-view camera nearly indispensable.

Sliding rear seats
Sliding rear seats are rare in this class, but come standard in the Ford Escape. We didn’t once need to apologize for sticking someone in the rear seat. You can slide them forward to create additional cargo space or back for more passenger legroom.

SYNC 4
The standard SYNC 4 infotainment system is loaded with features, notably wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can upgrade the standard 8-inch screen to a 13.2-inch display and add more features like navigation.

B&O audio
The optional B&O 10-speaker premium audio system brings music to life, making the cabin of the Escape feel (and sound) like a more premium SUV.

The Escape offers an efficient and affordable turbo 3-cylinder with 180 hp, plus a stronger turbo 4-cylinder with 250 hp. For the fuel-conscious, there are also two hybrid options: a conventional hybrid with 192 hp and 39 combined mpg, or a 210-hp plug-in hybrid with a 37-mile all-electric range. Although the 4-cylinder turbo is a cut above the usual power range, overall, the Escape’s powertrain performance is about average with comparable rivals.

For most drivers, we’d recommend the conventional hybrid with its excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and value. You still get all that back-seat room, and for the 2026 model year, the hybrid models have all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid Escape remains front-wheel drive only.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The Ford Escape is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile (whichever happens first) basic bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage is average for the class. Both hybrid models get an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid components.

Safety

The Ford Escape has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.