2026 Ford Escape Redesign, Pictures, MPG – Titanium grade comes standard with a 2.5L hybrid drivetrain, but for an additional $2,000, a 2.0L EcoBoost engine is also an option. The 2.0L EcoBoost is the engine to purchase if you’re interested in pulling a trailer at all because it has the maximum towing capacity by a wide margin. In the upcoming months, a 2.5L plug-in hybrid vehicle will also be offered. It would be an understatement to say that the new 2026 Ford Escape is a significant car for the Blue Oval.
especially now that they are concentrating on trucks, crossovers, and SUVs instead of passenger cars for the North American market. In addition to being the second-highest volume vehicle in their lineup (behind the F-150), the Escape also fights in a fiercely competitive market that is expanding, becoming better, and giving customers more options than ever before.
The previous generation was becoming a little dated, especially when compared to rivals who quickly released updated versions. Oddly, the design of the brand-new Escape for 2026 is far more car-like than the company’s decision to discontinue automobile sales in North America (except from the legendary Mustang) the previous generations. 2026 Ford Escape Redesign
2026 Ford Escape Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
It might be stressful to drive a new car in a strange place, but the Escape makes it simple to settle in and become used to it. Simple yet helpful adjustments include the ability to have SiriusXM, AM, and FM satellite radio settings appear on the same menu or to have the radio’s fan and volume automatically turn down when you make a phone call. Commands can be given via a touchscreen or voice activation. The SEL variant I was driving included remote start and rear, a power liftgate, and one-touch up/down front windows—all of which were helpful in the 38°C noon heat in Kentucky until the air conditioner kicked in.
2026 Ford Escape Specs
Sport contour bucket seats, which are heated but not ventilated, and a heated leather steering wheel are standard on the SEL model, which would have been nice. A digital instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches is easily readable and adjustable. Additionally, it prioritizes information according to drive mode and changes colors. 2026 Ford Escape Redesign
There are three 12-volt charging stations, a wireless charging pad, and a USB-C connector in the front center console sockets. Although the back sitting area was sufficient and pleasant, it was somewhat small by today’s standards, with just cup holders and door and window functions. Rear seat passengers are increasingly expected to have access to climate and infotainment settings.
Engine and Performance
The S, SE, and SEL trim levels come standard with a 1.5L turbocharged inline three-cylinder EcoBoost engine with cylinder deactivation that generates 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. When these engines are coupled to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, power is sent to the ground via either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With 93 octane, the 2026 Escape is said to reach speeds of up to 10% faster than the previous model from 0 to 100 kilometers, and power was more than adequate for this use during our test. 2026 Ford Escape Redesign
2026 Ford Escape Fuel Economy
The 2.0L EcoBoost with all-wheel drive has official fuel consumption figures of 10.2 L/100 km in the city, 7.6 L/100 km on the highway, and 9.0 L/100 km overall. According to EPA estimations, each model in the lineup can go 644 kilometers on a single tank. With front-wheel drive, the basic hybrid will travel over 885 kilometers. 2026 Ford Escape Redesign
The second row’s 60/40 split seats are simple to fold down flat for more luggage room. The class boasts the maximum legroom and up to 1,062 L of storage space now that the seats may be moved six inches forward or backward. There is 1,852 L of room when the rear seats are folded flat, which is 3.5L more than with the previous model. The proportions were shown by loading six golf bags, which can now be put sideways via a larger entryway, even if there is only room for five people. Despite not being Ford’s smallest or largest SUV, the space is adequate and practical. When your hands are full, a rear liftgate that you control makes loading easier.
2026 Ford Escape Safety Features
All trim levels come equipped with Co-Pilot360, Ford’s safety suite, which includes automatic high beams, blind spot detection, and cross-traffic alerts. Other features include lane-keeping alert and assist, forward collision warning, a backup camera, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Co-Pilot360 Assist, available on SE and SEL trims, provides voice-activated navigation and adaptive cruise control with start/stop capabilities. Lane-centering functionality is also standard on titanium trim.
I had a personal look at Co-Pilot360’s capabilities in a closed course pre-production model. Emergency braking, lane centering, and reverse detection were all featured in the presentation. They were able to raise awareness and act without being unduly invasive or sudden until it was absolutely required. 2026 Ford Escape Redesign
2026 Ford Escape Price and Release Date
S, SE, SEL, and Titanium are the four trim levels that will be available. The S had only front-wheel drive before, but starting in 2026, all-wheel drive will be an option. The all-wheel-drive SEL sample I tested cost $37,049 with take-and-destination fees, whereas the front-wheel-drive S model had a starting price of $28,549. It offers a great deal of value for the money with a lengthy list of basic features and optional extras. 2026 Ford Escape Redesign