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2026 Ford Maverick Review2026 Ford Escape Review
The 2026 Ford Escape keeps drivers connected, confident, and ready for what's next with versatile powertrains, smart tech, and all-around comfort.
Overview
The 2026 Ford Escape is the final chapter of the SUV as Ford shifts focus toward electric vehicles. Inventory will carry over into 2026, but production is already wrapped up, making room for EV manufacturing at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant.
This model doesn’t come with any major changes or special editions, but it maintains a reputation for space, comfort, a solid ride, modern tech, and a mix of gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid options. The 2026 Escape goes out as a compact SUV that’s ready for city commutes, weekend escapes, and everything in between.
Carsforsale.com Score
8.5/10
Powertrain
Score
8.75/10
Interior
Score
8.5/10
Technology
Score
8.5/10
Value
Score
8.75/10
2026 Ford Escape Powertrain 8.75/10
The 2026 Ford Escape is trying to keep up with the times, offering gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Gas options use a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine and eight-speed automatic transmission for an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
An electric continuously variable transmission, or eCVT, is used for both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor to deliver 192 horsepower and 42 MPG in the city. The plug-in hybrid bumps output to 210 horsepower and achieves 44 MPG in the city, using the same 2.5-liter engine, a larger electric motor, and the eCVT.
It’s important to note that the 2026 Ford Escape is not certified under current California Air Resources Board emissions requirements. As a result, it can’t be purchased for registration in states that follow CARB standards, including California, Massachusetts, Oregon, New York, Washington, and Vermont.
2026 Ford Escape Interior 8.5/10
When it comes to materials and comfort, seat quality is solid for the segment. Upper trims bring soft-touch surfaces and available leather upholstery that elevate the cabin. Even more luxury is added with the options for heated front seats and driver seat memory settings.
The Escape is both airy and practical inside. There’s only seating for five, but there’s still generous legroom in both rows. There’s just a slight difference for rear-seat passengers in hybrids. They get 38.9 inches of legroom while gasoline-powered models have 40.7 inches of space.
Cargo space measures 37.5 cu-ft behind the second row and expands to 65.4 cu-ft with seats folded—competitive. The Honda CR-V offers more at 76.5 cu-ft. When we compared the Escape to the Hyundai Tucson, the Escape lost the cargo battle, too. Still, the Escape is comfortable enough for most scenarios without stepping up to a larger SUV.
2026 Ford Escape Technology 8.5/10
Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system anchors the tech experience with an intuitive interface on an eight-inch touchscreen. Higher trims boast a 13.2-inch display. A Wi-Fi hotspot is included at every level. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard across the lineup. That’s all OK, but for a car that innovated the power liftgate, none of this stands out against competitors.
Driver-assistance tech includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrades on sound and driving assistance features are available as you climb the trim ladder. Comparatively, Ford’s tech suite feels somewhere between the CR-V’s base setup and the RAV4’s offerings.
2026 Ford Escape Value 8.75/10
The Escape Active starts at $30,350, and it includes key features like SYNC 4, smartphone integration, and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety tech. Heated front seats are optional on the Active, but don’t become standard until you get to the ST-Line Select. A heated steering wheel is standard on the Platinum and Plug-In Hybrid models.
Our recommended pick is the ST-Line Select is in the middle of the pack at $35,015, adding AWD, a power liftgate, heated front row seats, one-touch powered windows, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and an optional 13.2-inch display. The top-tiered Platinum brings in the leather seats, already has the 13.2-inch screen, and gets a heated steering wheel, too.
Warranty coverage is on par with others in the segment. Buyers get three years or 36,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain.
Trims & Pricing
2026 Ford Escape Final Score 8.5/10
Even as Ford wraps production on the 2026 Escape, it remains a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. These new models (and future used models) deliver the features, powertrain options, and driving manners that appeal to a diverse group of buyers.
The 2026 Escape gets an overall 8.5 score, the same one we gave in our 2025 Ford Escape review. But, for shoppers who want comfort, connectivity, and confidence, this Ford delivers.
