Ford Escape Model Comparison Chart: 2026 Year & Trim
The Ford Escape model comparison chart for 2026 covers six trims: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid. Active and ST-Line use the 1.5L EcoBoost. Higher trims offer the 2.0L EcoBoost or 2.5L Hybrid, while the Plug-In Hybrid is FWD-only.
Compare engine, drivetrain, features, pricing, and towing before choosing. Model years differ too: a 2025 ST-Line Hybrid is not the same configuration as a 2026 ST-Line. The charts below distinguish 2026 specifications from 2023–2025 used-model options.
FordMasterX / Model Comparison
2026 Ford Escape Trim Comparison
Compare engines, available drivetrains, published starting MSRP, and what each trim is suited for.
| Trim | Available engine | Drive | Starting MSRP | Main appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 1.5L EcoBoost | FWD / AWD | $30,350 | Lowest entry price |
| ST-Line | 1.5L EcoBoost | FWD / AWD | $31,195 | Sport-inspired design |
| ST-Line Select Hybrid value pick | 2.5L Hybrid or 2.0L EcoBoost | AWD only | $33,890 | AWD plus engine choice |
| ST-Line Elite | 2.5L Hybrid or 2.0L EcoBoost | AWD only | $37,705 | Premium sport equipment |
| Platinum | 2.5L Hybrid or 2.0L EcoBoost | AWD only | $37,210 | Comfort-focused equipment |
| Plug-In Hybrid | 2.5L PHEV | FWD only | $35,895 | Plug-in electric commuting |
Price note: Published base MSRP for the entry configuration of each trim, not a live dealer quote. Prices exclude $1,495 destination fee, taxes, dealer fees, and options. Selecting a different powertrain can change the price.
Specification basis: Ford 2026 Escape model selector and 2026 order guide. Verify the exact VIN and equipment list before buying. The highlighted ST-Line Select Hybrid value pick is FordMasterX editorial judgment.
2026 Ford Escape Model Comparison Chart by Trim
Ford offered six Escape trims for 2026, but some trims have more than one engine configuration. This chart lists the U.S. published starting MSRP for each trim rather than a dealer’s current asking price.
| 2026 Escape Trim | Available Powertrain | Drivetrain | Published Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 1.5L EcoBoost | FWD or AWD | $30,350 |
| ST-Line | 1.5L EcoBoost | FWD or AWD | $31,195 |
| ST-Line Select | 2.5L Hybrid or 2.0L EcoBoost | AWD only | $33,890 |
| ST-Line Elite | 2.5L Hybrid or 2.0L EcoBoost | AWD only | $37,705 |
| Platinum | 2.5L Hybrid or 2.0L EcoBoost | AWD only | $37,210 |
| Plug-In Hybrid | 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid | FWD only | $35,895 |
These are Ford’s previously published base MSRP figures for the 2026 lineup, excluding the $1,495 destination charge, options, taxes, and dealer fees. Each price applies to the trim’s entry configuration, not necessarily both engines. Dealer pricing and later published figures may differ.
Ford’s 2026 Escape order guide identifies which engines and drivetrains can actually be ordered together. Its configuration codes matter because a 2026 ST-Line does not offer the conventional Hybrid, and the 2026 Platinum Hybrid is AWD rather than FWD.
A 2026 dealership trim-price comparison illustrates how pricing changes by engine and AWD configuration; some listed starting figures differ from Ford’s earlier model selector. Compare actual window stickers before buying.
How 2026 Ford Escape Engines and Drivetrains Compare
The 2026 Escape offers two turbocharged gasoline engines, a regular Hybrid, and a Plug-In Hybrid. Their fuel-economy ratings are not interchangeable.
| Engine | Horsepower | Transmission | 2026 Availability | EPA Combined Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L EcoBoost I3 | 180 hp | 8-speed automatic | Active, ST-Line | 30 MPG FWD; 28 MPG AWD |
| 2.0L EcoBoost I4 | 250 hp | 8-speed automatic | Select, Elite, Platinum | 26 MPG AWD |
| 2.5L Hybrid I4 | 192 hp total system | eCVT | Select, Elite, Platinum | 39 MPG AWD |
| 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid I4 | 210 hp total system | eCVT | Plug-In Hybrid | 101 MPGe combined with electricity and gas |
EPA ratings are estimates for the specified drivetrain. MPGe includes electricity use and cannot be compared directly with a gasoline-only MPG rating.
The 1.5L EcoBoost for Everyday Driving
The 180-hp three-cylinder is available with FWD or AWD on Active and ST-Line. It earns an estimated 30 MPG combined with FWD or 28 MPG with AWD. Choose it for commuting when higher output and towing are not priorities.
The 2.0L EcoBoost for More Power
The 250-hp 2.0L comes only with AWD in 2026. Its estimated 26 MPG combined trails the other non-plug-in options, but it offers the highest properly equipped tow rating. Choose it when extra power or towing matters.
The 2.5L Hybrid for Better Fuel Economy
The 192-hp regular Hybrid uses an eCVT and earns an estimated 42 city, 36 highway, and 39 combined MPG. It needs no external charging. In 2026 it is AWD-only on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum.
The 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid for Electric Commuting
The FWD Plug-In Hybrid makes 210 total system hp and offers an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric-only range. Its 101 MPGe combined rating accounts for electricity and gasoline. It can continue on gasoline after its plug-in charge is used, but regular charging makes the strongest case for buying it. AWD is unavailable.
Which Ford Escape Trims Have the Features You Need
The trim badge does not guarantee every advertised feature. Equipment packages affect screens, seating, driver assistance, and liftgate availability.
Comfort and Interior Equipment
Active includes dual-zone climate control and cloth seats. ST-Line adds a power driver’s seat, red-stitched sport seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel without changing the 1.5L engine.
ST-Line Select adds heated front seats and steering wheel, a power liftgate, and remote start. Elite adds driver memory and a digital instrument display. Platinum favors ActiveX-trimmed seats and upscale comfort rather than sport styling.
Screens and Driver Assistance
Active and ST-Line have a standard 8-inch center screen. A 13.2-inch screen is available through packages on lower trims and standard on Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid.
Co-Pilot360 features vary. Adaptive cruise control with lane centering and certain cameras or parking aids may require particular packages. Check the vehicle’s equipment list.
Exterior Styling and Useful Options
ST-Line gets a black mesh grille, dark details, 18-inch wheels, and sport badging. Elite upgrades to 19-inch wheels; Platinum uses a more traditional chrome-accented look. Compare actual roof, audio, seating, and tech options before paying extra for a trim name.
How Ford Escape Models Changed From 2023 to 2026
An Escape trim name does not mean exactly the same equipment or engine configuration in every year. The 2023 refresh established the later trim family, but Ford changed availability and hybrid combinations afterward.
| Model Year | Important Lineup Difference | What It Means for Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Refreshed Escape introduced Base, Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and separate PHEV trims | Seven named trims; Base still existed |
| 2024 | Base became fleet-only rather than a regular retail choice | Active became the practical retail starting point |
| 2025 | Six main retail trims; ST-Line FWD Hybrid and Platinum FWD Hybrid combinations were listed | Used buyers can find FWD conventional Hybrids that were later deleted |
| 2026 | ST-Line FWD Hybrid deleted; Platinum Hybrid became AWD; six-state registration restriction introduced | Engine and state eligibility must be checked by year |
Ford’s 2025 Escape order guide confirms that a conventional FWD Hybrid could be ordered in ST-Line and Platinum forms for that model year. Those combinations do not carry over to 2026. The 2026 order guide also identifies the standard Platinum AWD Hybrid configuration.
A used 2023 Base is legitimate even though the 2026 retail lineup has no Base. Compare two used Escapes from the same model year first, then verify differences across years and packages.
How 2026 Ford Escape Prices Compare by Trim
Active carries the lowest published entry MSRP at $30,350, and ST-Line adds $845 to that reference price. ST-Line Select starts at $33,890, making it the first 2026 trim in the lineup with a conventional Hybrid or 2.0L EcoBoost option.
Platinum starts at $37,210, while ST-Line Elite starts at $37,705. That means the sporty Elite is not automatically cheaper than the comfort-focused Platinum. Plug-In Hybrid has its own $35,895 starting MSRP, but its charging capability makes it a different purchase decision rather than a direct substitute for a gasoline-only trim.
Ford’s published base prices exclude the $1,495 destination charge, which explains why comparison sites sometimes show higher starting figures. As Escape production has been discontinued, remaining new-stock inventory and dealer pricing may vary considerably. For 2023–2025 used vehicles, compare condition, mileage, accident history, battery condition where applicable, and local asking prices instead of historic MSRP alone.
Where Can Buyers Register a 2026 Ford Escape
Ford’s 2026 order guide says the Escape uses the federal/non-California emissions configuration. Consequently, 2026 Escapes are not eligible for new registration in California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Vermont, or Washington under the listed model-year certification restrictions.
That limitation is specific to the 2026 model and should not be applied automatically to a 2025 or older Escape. Ford’s current consumer website also says it is discontinuing the Escape for the time being while continuing support for existing vehicles. This does not mean every remaining 2026 Escape has already been sold.
Before buying a new-old-stock 2026 vehicle, confirm your state registration rules and the vehicle’s emissions certification with the selling dealer and your registration authority. Our separate guide to Ford Escape discontinuation and the 2026 phase-out covers the model’s future in more detail.
Which Ford Escape Configuration Is Best for Towing
The properly equipped 2.0L EcoBoost has the highest 2026 Escape rating, up to 3,500 pounds, with the required Class II Trailer Tow Package.
| 2026 Powertrain | Maximum Published Trailer Rating | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L EcoBoost | Up to 2,000 lb | Dealer-accessory towing equipment; no factory tow package for this application |
| 2.0L EcoBoost AWD | Up to 3,500 lb | Class II Trailer Tow Package required for the 3,500-lb maximum |
| 2.5L Hybrid AWD | Up to 1,500 lb | Properly equipped; check package and vehicle rating |
| 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid FWD | Up to 1,500 lb | Properly equipped; check package and vehicle rating |
Ford’s 2026 RV and Trailer Towing Guide provides the equipment requirements and warns that ratings change with passengers, cargo, and vehicle configuration. Do not assume the maximum suits every Escape.
Our Ford Escape towing capacity chart by year and engine is useful for broader model-year comparisons. For a 2026 vehicle, use Ford’s guide and your vehicle documentation to confirm the actual drivetrain and tow-package combination rather than relying on any generalized chart row.
Which Ford Escape Trim Offers the Best Value
For a buyer wanting AWD, strong fuel economy, and heated comfort features without paying for the highest trims, the 2026 ST-Line Select Hybrid is our value pick. Its published entry MSRP is $33,890, it comes with AWD, and its hybrid powertrain earns an EPA-estimated 39 MPG combined.
Other priorities lead to different choices:
| Your Main Priority | Escape Configuration to Compare | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest purchase-price entry | Active 1.5L FWD | Lowest published starting MSRP |
| Sporty appearance at modest cost | ST-Line 1.5L | Sport trim without the price of higher equipment groups |
| AWD and fuel efficiency | ST-Line Select Hybrid | 39-MPG combined estimate and heated comfort features |
| More power and towing potential | ST-Line Select 2.0L AWD | 250 hp and up to 3,500-lb towing when properly equipped |
| Premium non-sport cabin | Platinum | ActiveX seating, comfort and technology equipment |
| Premium sport styling and features | ST-Line Elite | ST-Line appearance and expanded convenience equipment |
| Plug-in electric commuting | Plug-In Hybrid | Up to 37 EPA-estimated electric-only miles |
Compare Platinum and Elite window stickers rather than assuming the higher-priced vehicle has all the features you need.
For used Hybrids, request a high-voltage system inspection and see our guide to Ford Escape Hybrid battery lifespan. General lifespan estimates do not establish a particular battery’s health.
How to Verify a Used Ford Escape Trim
A model comparison chart tells you what Ford offered; a VIN-specific window sticker tells you how the vehicle was actually built. Confirm both before trusting a seller’s description.
- Verify the model year and VIN. Compare the dashboard VIN, door-jamb label, title, and listing. Use an official VIN decoder to confirm basic vehicle details.
- Find the original window sticker or build record. Check the trim, engine, drive configuration, equipment group, optional packages, and any relevant tow package. Ask the dealer for a copy if it is missing.
- Check the actual vehicle. Confirm features such as AWD, heated seats, screen size, adaptive cruise control, and power liftgate. For a used Hybrid or PHEV, request a suitable battery-system inspection and review any applicable recall history.
This prevents common mistakes such as calling a 2025 FWD Hybrid a 2026 configuration, assuming every ST-Line has AWD, or paying for a technology feature that was never installed.
How to Choose the Right Ford Escape Model
The Ford Escape model comparison chart points to three especially practical choices. Active is the least expensive way into a 2026 Escape. ST-Line Select Hybrid offers a compelling combination of AWD, efficiency, and comfort. A correctly equipped 2.0L EcoBoost model is the stronger choice when performance and towing matter more than fuel economy.
For buyers considering a 2023–2025 Escape, the best decision starts with the model year, not the trim name. Earlier models can offer powertrain combinations deleted for 2026. Compare the exact engine and equipment, then verify the VIN-specific window sticker and condition.
Finally, check registration eligibility before pursuing a 2026 model. A suitable Escape is the one whose year, configuration, equipment, and legal availability match your needs.
5 Common Questions About Ford Escape Models
What Is the Difference Between Ford Escape Active and ST-Line?
For 2026, Active and ST-Line share the 180-hp 1.5L EcoBoost and offer FWD or AWD. ST-Line mainly adds sport styling, 18-inch wheels, a power driver’s seat, red-stitched interior details, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It does not add a more powerful standard engine.
Is Ford Escape Platinum Better Than ST-Line Elite?
Neither is automatically better. Platinum emphasizes an upscale, less sporty cabin with ActiveX-trimmed seating, while ST-Line Elite combines premium technology and comfort with ST-Line styling. For 2026, compare both vehicles’ engine and equipment-group details because published entry prices and installed options can differ.
Which Ford Escape Trims Have a Hybrid Engine?
In 2026, the conventional 2.5L Hybrid is available on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum, all with AWD. The separate Plug-In Hybrid uses FWD and can be charged externally. Earlier Escape years had additional FWD Hybrid combinations, including 2025 ST-Line and Platinum variants.
What Is the Cheapest 2026 Ford Escape Trim?
Active is the least expensive published 2026 trim, with a $30,350 base MSRP before destination charges, options, taxes, and dealer fees. ST-Line follows at $31,195. A remaining dealer-stock vehicle can sell above or below these historic reference figures.
Is 2026 the Last Ford Escape Model Year?
Ford currently describes the Escape as discontinued for the time being, with 2026 as the final model year in the announced lineup. Remaining vehicles may still appear in dealer stock, and owners continue to receive Ford support. Buyers also need to account for the six-state registration restriction affecting 2026 Escapes.
