New Ford Escape Review

Offering confident acceleration even on our busy highways, the main gas engine generates 180 horsepower. Helping keep costs down, it is rated 34 mpg on the highway.

A second gas engine generates 250 horses and 280 lb-ft torque. This is the sporty choice for drivers who are less concerned about perfect efficiency ratings. It still manages to earn 31 mpg on the highway. Plus it’s the best at towing with a tow rating of 3,500 pounds.

Producing 192 horsepower, the 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid is a smart way to travel. It keeps fuel costs low, but doesn’t ask for a premium price. It’s rated for 36 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg in the city!

Offering 210 horsepower, the 2026 Ford Escape Plug in Hybrid provides a remarkable 37 miles of electric range before needing the gas engine. That’s a big winner since most commutes are under 37 miles a day! It’s like an electric SUV with a hybrid’s long-distance range.

It’s easy to tell that engineers had their eye on utility from the beginning with this compact SUV. They gave it sliding second row seats. This allows for additional cargo space without sacrificing seats. If you need to fold, there’s a simple lever that does it easily.

Then there’s easy-access cargo shade that stays in place, but lets you get to your gear. After that, the power liftgate is the most important feature, allowing easy access.

The regular Escape cargo hold measures 37.8 cubic feet. Even better, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid maintain almost as much space with cargo holds measuring 34.4 cubic feet. As far as today’s plug-in hybrids go, the new Escape Plug in Hybrid is definitely one of the most spacious in its class.

Every Escape starts you off right with vital amenities, such as the dual-zone automatic temperature controls. Those take the edge off of our hot summers. Then there are fun details like the Ice Blue lighting on the instrument panel.

Taking care of you every day, an 8-way power chair and dedicated footrest are cockpit favorites. For a racier interior, trim level refinements include contour bucket front seats, red accents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The hybrids don’t lose much in the way of passenger space. They have 102.2 cubes of volume vs 104 cubes in the regular Escape. Second row legroom is 38.9 or 40.7 inches, depending on whether you choose the Escape hybrid or standard edition.

2026 Ford Escape cabins are well-equipped with an impressive array of dash technologies from the entry-level trim upward. Right from the start, drivers can enjoy the convenience of push-button start, a rotary dial for seamless gear selection, and the convenience of USB charging ports to keep devices powered.

The centerpiece is a user-friendly touchscreen, featuring Ford's Sync system, along with full compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Second row passengers benefit from smart charging USB ports, ensuring everyone stays connected and fully charged during their journey.

To top it off, the FordPass Connect feature provides access to WiFi Hotspot, ensuring you're always connected.

For a more luxurious experience, the cabin offers ambient lighting to set the perfect mood. A remarkable 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster displays critical information with precision. A stunning 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen complete with navigation and access to SiriusXM. Together these screens provide the driver with 25.5 inches of customizable information and data.

Even the base model of the new Ford Escape comes equipped with a set of advanced driver assist technologies, providing peace of mind mile after mile. These features include lane keep assistance, which helps maintain the vehicle within its designated lane, forward collision avoidance to mitigate potential front-end collisions, and blind spot monitoring to enhance lane change safety.

Higher trim levels introduce a split-view 360-degree camera, which proves invaluable during slow-speed maneuvers, ensuring that drivers have a comprehensive view of their surroundings. The independent adaptive cruise control is complemented by speed sign recognition, lane centering to maintain proper lane positioning, and stop-and-go functionality for added convenience during traffic.

As you climb the trim ladder, the Ford Escape adds evasive steering assistance, which helps drivers navigate potential hazards, and advanced parking assistance to simplify parking maneuvers.

Whether you need a daily commuter, a premium travel companion or a family hauler, the new Ford Escape lineup has something for you. You are invited to schedule a test drive.