2026 Ford Escape: What's in stock, trim-level comparison, FAQ's.
car
Updated 2026-06-05·/
Quick Answer
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV with one of the broadest powertrain menus in its class: a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder gas engine (180 hp), a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder (250 hp), a 2.5L hybrid that returns up to ~39 mpg combined city, and a 2.5L plug-in hybrid that delivers about 37 miles of EV-only range and ~101 MPGe combined. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims; AWD is available on every powertrain except the PHEV, which is FWD-only. Co-Pilot360 is standard.
Ford Escape Gallery6 photos
ActiveVAPOR BLUE METALLIC
ActiveSPACE SILVER METALLIC
ST-LineSPACE SILVER METALLIC
ST-Linecarbonized gray metallic
PHEVrapid red metallic tinted clearcoat
PHEVVAPOR BLUE METALLIC
Highlights of the 2026 Ford Escape
7 highlights
Four powertrains: 1.5L EcoBoost gas, 2.0L EcoBoost gas, 2.5L hybrid, and 2.5L plug-in hybrid
Hybrid returns up to ~39 mpg combined city — among the best in the compact-crossover segment
Plug-in hybrid delivers ~37 miles of EPA EV-only range and ~101 MPGe combined for short commutes on electrons
AWD is available on the 1.5L, 2.0L, and 2.5L hybrid; the PHEV is front-wheel-drive only
Up to 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen on higher trims with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite (auto emergency braking, blind-spot, lane-keep) is standard across the lineup
Max towing up to 3,500 lb with the 2.0L EcoBoost AWD and the trailer tow package
Trim-Level Breakdown and Availability at Bob Swope Ford
Compare available trim levels to find the right Ford Escape for you. Pricing reflects current in-stock inventory.
Compare trimsTrim3 trims · 14 in stock
Active5 in stock
ST-Line7 in stock
PHEV2 in stock
Pricing
Starting price
$34,292
$34,807
$38,958
Top price
$37,135
$37,758
$39,439
Powertrain
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD / FWD
FWD
Fuel options
Gasoline
Gasoline
Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV)
Engine
3 Cyl, 1.5L
3 Cyl, 1.5L
4 Cyl, 2.5L
MPG (city / hwy)
26 / 32
26–27 / 32–34
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Standard equipment — safety & driver assistance
Adaptive cruise control
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Auto high-beam headlights
Blind-spot & rear cross-traffic alert
Evasive steering assist
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Pedestrian & cyclist detection
Standard equipment — technology & infotainment
Built-in navigation
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In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot
Push-button start with proximity key
SiriusXM
SYNC 4 infotainment
Standard equipment — comfort & convenience
Dual-zone climate control
Hands-free smart power liftgate
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Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Remote engine start
Standard equipment — interior & exterior
LED headlights & daytime running lights
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Panoramic sunroof
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Inside the Ford Escape
A four-powertrain lineup that covers almost every shopper
Few compact crossovers offer the powertrain spread the Escape does. The 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder is the value entry — 180 hp, an eight-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, and EPA numbers up to about 30 mpg combined. The 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder steps up to 250 hp and AWD-only, for shoppers who want more passing power and the higher tow rating. The 2.5L hybrid is the long-game commuter pick, with up to ~39 mpg combined city and FWD or AWD. And the 2.5L plug-in hybrid (FWD only) lets you do most short trips on battery — about 37 EV miles per EPA — without committing to a full BEV charging routine.
Tech, safety, and cabin
The Escape's cabin moved upmarket with the latest refresh. Higher trims get a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while base trims still include an 8-inch unit and the same wireless smartphone integration. Co-Pilot360 is standard across the lineup — automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, and a head-up display. Heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and a wireless phone charger are common on ST-Line Select and above.
How to choose: gas, hybrid, or plug-in
If you mostly drive short, predictable trips and can plug in at home or work, the PHEV is the math winner — most days you'll never burn a drop of gas. If you put a lot of miles on the car but charging isn't practical, the hybrid is the simplest fuel-bill-killer; no plug, no range anxiety, just ~39 mpg city. The 1.5L gas Escape is the budget entry — lowest sticker, lowest tech feature set, but still a competent daily. The 2.0L EcoBoost is the choice if you tow occasionally (up to 3,500 lb) or want the most power; it's AWD-only and the least efficient of the four.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Widest powertrain menu in the segment — gas, gas turbo, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid
Hybrid delivers ~39 mpg combined city EPA, beating most rivals on real-world fuel cost
PHEV's ~37 EV miles cover most US commutes on electrons alone
Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite is standard, not an upcharge
13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen on higher trims feels modern and is responsive
AWD is available on three of the four powertrains for winter-weather buyers
Comfortable, quiet ride tuned more for daily commuting than sport
Cons
1.5L three-cylinder is adequate but not quick; passing on the highway takes planning
PHEV is FWD-only — no AWD option for the plug-in buyer
Cargo room behind the second row trails the larger CR-V and RAV4 by a few cubic feet
Interior materials on the base Active trim feel a step behind class leaders
2.0L EcoBoost EPA numbers are the lowest of the lineup — choose hybrid if mpg matters
Who is the 2026 Ford Escape best for?
Value compact crossover (Active, gas)
The 2026 Escape Active is the value entry — a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder making 180 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic and your choice of FWD or AWD. EPA returns up to about 30 mpg combined, which keeps fuel costs manageable for I-65 and I-64 commuters around Elizabethtown, Radcliff, and Louisville. Co-Pilot360 is standard, the cabin is quiet enough for daily driving, and the AWD option is worth considering for central-Kentucky winter weather. If you want a no-drama compact SUV at the lowest price of entry, this is the trim.
Hybrid efficiency (ST-Line / Active Hybrid)
The 2.5L hybrid pairs an Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with electric motors for a combined ~191 horsepower and an EPA rating up to ~39 mpg combined city. FWD is standard and AWD is available — the only Escape powertrain besides the 1.5L gas where you can pick. For Elizabethtown buyers commuting up I-65 to Louisville every day, the hybrid usually pays back the modest premium over the gas Active inside two years on fuel savings alone. No plug needed; it just runs.
Plug-in hybrid (ST-Line Elite PHEV)
The 2026 Escape PHEV gives you about 37 miles of EPA EV-only range and ~101 MPGe combined, then runs as a regular hybrid once the battery depletes. For most Elizabethtown / Hardin County drivers — short hops to Fort Knox, around Radcliff, into Bardstown — that means many days you'll never burn gasoline. Note: the PHEV is FWD-only; if AWD is a must-have, the 2.5L hybrid is the way. Charges on a standard 120V outlet overnight or much faster on a 240V Level 2.
Why this matters around Elizabethtown
Bob Swope Ford in Elizabethtown, Kentucky stocks the 2026 Ford Escape across the gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid lineup — Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and ST-Line Elite trims when available. AWD is available on three of the four powertrains, which matters for central-Kentucky winter weather and the I-65 / I-64 commute. Bob Swope Ford serves drivers across Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Louisville, and Bardstown.
New 2026 Ford Escape Inventory at Bob Swope FordLive
Current in-stock units at Bob Swope Ford in Elizabethtown, KY with full specifications, pricing, and direct links to each vehicle's detail page.
Total in stock14vehicles
Price range$34,292 – $39,439
Available powertrainsGasoline · Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV)
Equipment Group 700A: 2.5L IVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid EngineAM/FM Stereo with SiriusXM 360L RadioECVT18" Machined-Face Magnetic Aluminum Wheels with Painted Pockets
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Ford Escape
Four: a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder gas engine (180 hp), a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder gas engine (250 hp, AWD-only), a 2.5L hybrid (~191 hp combined), and a 2.5L plug-in hybrid (~210 hp combined, FWD-only).
Up to about 39 mpg combined city per EPA on the FWD hybrid. The AWD hybrid is slightly lower. Actual mileage depends on driving style and conditions.
About 37 miles of EV-only range per EPA, with a combined efficiency of roughly 101 MPGe. After the battery depletes, it operates as a regular hybrid.
No. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid is front-wheel-drive only. AWD is available on the 1.5L EcoBoost, the 2.0L EcoBoost (AWD-standard), and the 2.5L hybrid.
Up to 3,500 lb when properly equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, AWD, and the factory trailer tow package. The 1.5L EcoBoost and the hybrid are rated for less.
Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard across the lineup. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beams, and a rearview camera.
Active is the value entry — basic cloth seats, the 8-inch touchscreen, and standard Co-Pilot360. ST-Line adds sport-styled exterior accents, blacked-out trim, sport seats, and on higher ST-Line variants the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 screen and additional driver-assist tech.
Yes — both are standard wireless across all trims via SYNC 4.
An 8-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen is standard; higher trims (ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum) get a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented SYNC 4 unit.
Routine maintenance is similar to a regular Escape — oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks. Hybrid-specific service (high-voltage battery, hybrid transaxle) should be done by a Ford-certified technician. Ford covers the hybrid unique components for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
See the live inventory section on this page for the current count and trim mix. Stock changes daily as units arrive and sell.
Pricing varies by trim and powertrain — the gas Active is the value entry, ST-Line and hybrid trims sit in the middle, and the PHEV ST-Line Elite is the top of the lineup. See the live inventory section for current pricing on every unit on the lot.
Bob Swope Ford is in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, off I-65 in Hardin County. We serve Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Louisville, Bardstown, and the surrounding central-Kentucky region.
Yes. Use the contact form on this page or call the dealership and we'll set you up — gas, hybrid, or PHEV. We can usually accommodate same-day or next-day appointments.
Yes. Our service department has factory-trained Ford hybrid technicians who handle the high-voltage battery, hybrid transaxle, and PHEV charging hardware. Ford covers the hybrid unique components — including the PHEV's high-voltage battery — for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Standard powertrain coverage is 5 years / 60,000 miles, bumper-to-bumper is 3 years / 36,000 miles, and we use Motorcraft parts.
