2026 Ford Escape Review
2026 Ford Escape Review
After 25 years and millions of drivers, the Ford Escape is taking its final lap. Here’s a closer look at what the 2026 model brings to its farewell year.
2026 Escape Snapshot
What’s New for the Ford Escape in 2026?
Unfortunately, 2026 is the year we say goodbye to the compact SUV that has been a best-selling staple in the Ford lineup for the past 25 years. In line with changing times, Ford decided to discontinue the Ford Escape to make way for its new universal EV platform.
The past couple of years have seen no notable changes to the Ford Escape, with the last major overhaul in 2023, when it introduced a new front end, a wider grille, new wheel designs, and a new lineup of Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models.
Trim Levels
Over its 25-year tenure, the 2026 Ford Escape was the second- or third-best-selling Ford 17 times. With that in mind, it’s no surprise it’s leaving on a high note.
The 2026 Escape is available in five trim levels, ranging from the base Active to the high-end ST-Line Elite.
Below, we’ve outlined the 2026 Ford Escape price based on trim level.
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Escape Active | $30,350 |
| 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line | $31,195 |
| 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Select | $33,890 |
| 2026 Ford Escape Platinum | $37,210 |
| 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite | $36,215 |
Engine Options & Performance
When it comes to the Escape’s performance, we have three words: pick your powertrain. The Escape offers two engine choices, each offering a different experience behind the wheel.
If you’re looking for something steady and capable, this base engine gives you enough pep without going overboard.
Delivering all-wheel drive and the kind of power worthy of the Escape’s final year, this engine is ready to move you to new heights.
Exterior Design
The Ford Escape has succeeded in the “effortlessly cool” aesthetic, with a classic design that offers modern amenities at a price worth talking about.
The power liftgate maximizes convenience. With just a press of a button on the power liftgate, key fob, or inside the vehicle, you’ll gain access to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space, providing plenty of space whenever you need to escape.
The Escape may be classic, but it knows when to turn up the heat. The LED light bar takes your compact SUV from day to night, providing that extra flash of recognition and excitement when the sun sets.
Looks can be deceiving, but when it comes to this final year for the Ford Escape, it promises to deliver only the best, and needless to say, the best looks pretty good.
The Escape’s effortless aesthetic has moved into its exterior color palette, offering subdued hues that speak of refinement and poise.
2026 Ford Escape Colors
- Oxford White
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Space Silver Metallic
- Agate Black Metallic
- Vapor Blue Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Star White Metallic Tri-coat
Cabin Interior
The 2026 Ford Escape interior was designed for those seeking a reprieve from reality. Designed for comfort and personalization, the Escape offers 60/40 split-fold second-row seats that slide to give backseat passengers an extra 5.9 inches of room to kick back and relax. Factor in the panoramic Vista Roof that extends well into the backseat, and one could say the Escape is quite literally an escape.
Different trims offer a different suite of design elements. For those who value athletic prowess with an elegant side, the ST-Line series manages to balance the two opposing ideas, with features including:
- All-ebony interior
- Distinctive red stitching
- Black mesh grille
- Sport contour bucket seats
If high-end refinement is more your speed, the Escape Platinum has just the combination of features to bring a bit more luxury to your drive. Features will include:
- Chrome beltline molding
- LED fog lamps
- 19-inch Ebony-painted machined-face aluminum wheels
- Heated steering wheel
Technology
The Escape’s technology is a masterclass in convenience, offering driver-focused features without being overly modern, as we see inside some vehicles.
The Active and ST-Line models come with a standard 8-inch infotainment system, but you can upgrade to the larger 13.2-inch touchscreen that comes standard on the Platinum. Both screens run the latest SYNC 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition software and come equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a must-have for any modern ride.
Other technology features include:
- 360-degree camera
- Wireless charging pad
- USB ports
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Safety technology with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Information System
Ford adds extra convenience with the Ford App, which allows you to stay attached to your vehicle with the Parked Vehicle Locator feature, stay ahead of maintenance needs with vehicle status check, and help you stay connected on the go with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.
Experience the End of an Era with the 2026 Ford Escape — Only at Santee Ford
The 2026 Ford Escape offers more than just a farewell; it provides a sophisticated, tech-forward driving experience designed for the modern world.
With the seamless integration of the Ford App, features like the Parked Vehicle Locator and the Wi-Fi hotspot’s constant connectivity ensure you remain in command of every journey.
Visit Santee Ford today to experience this final chapter firsthand and explore our inventory of Ford Escape models before they’re gone for good!
A 25-year run ends here.
Visit Santee Ford in Manning, SC to experience the 2026 Ford Escape before this iconic compact SUV is gone for good.