When you need a flexible, stylish, and everyday-capable compact SUV for your modern endeavors, the 2026 Ford Escape® is engineered to deliver. Its spirited, confident performance makes city driving effortless, while a thoughtfully designed cabin and smart technology elevate every trip. Discover key highlights, performance details, and standout features in this 2026 Ford Escape review from the team at James River Ford.
If you’d like a breakdown of what each model includes, our Escape trims guide offers a comparative look at standard features and pricing.
Explore our vast inventory to find the model that fits your needs, and browse our lease offers for budget-friendly rates. Visit our Ford dealership in Ozark, MO, to take your favorite trim for a test drive. Have questions? Our knowledgeable Ford team is here to assist when you contact us online or call us at (417) 551-6437.
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The 2026 Ford Escape offers a thoughtfully upgraded cabin that blends comfort, refined style, and athleticism. The optional panoramic Vista Roof® opens up the interior with expansive views. Plus, you can choose from multiple seating finishes, including unique cloth options, durable vinyl and cloth combinations, or ActiveX® seating with subtle perforated detailing. Available cold-weather features, such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, help make winter drives more enjoyable.
Available interior features include:
The 2026 Ford Escape offers four versatile engine options to match your driving style. Gas-powered models feature either a 1.5L EcoBoost® inline three-cylinder (I3) engine or a 2.0L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers seeking greater efficiency can select a hybrid or plug-in hybrid variation of the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I4 engine, each mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). When properly equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
See the accompanying chart for engine specifications.
| Engine | 1.5L EcoBoost I3 | 2.0L EcoBoost I4 | 2.5L hybrid I4 | 2.5L plug-in hybrid I4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 250 HP | 192 HP | 210 HP |
| Torque | 199 lb.-ft. | 280 lb.-ft. | 155 lb.-ft. | |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | eCVT | ||
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | AWD | FWD | |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 27 / 34 | 23 / 31 | 42 / 36 | 101 combined MPGe |
| Max. Towing | 2,000 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. | 1,500 lbs. | |
Every 2026 Ford Escape trim is built with driver confidence in mind, starting with a suite of standard safety and awareness features under the Ford Co-Pilot360® technology suite. These systems help monitor surrounding traffic, support lane positioning, and assist with detecting potential collisions ahead. When you want enhanced support on the go, available options include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and a full 360-degree camera with split view.
Technology inside the 2026 Escape focuses on simplicity and connectivity. The standard SYNC® 4 infotainment interface provides quick access to apps and navigation through an 8-inch touchscreen, while a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen is available. Keep your phone close at hand and charged up on the go with the available wireless charger. When you want enhanced entertainment on the trip, opt for the available ten-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen®.
Available safety features include:
Available technology features include:
The 2026 Ford Escape blends contemporary style with practical functionality. Seamlessly seating up to five passengers, the Escape offers sliding and split-folding rear seats to help you configure the interior to suit your needs. Behind the second row, you can stow a range of items with up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, or you can expand the cargo area by folding the second row to access up to 65.4 cubic feet of space.
See the accompanying chart for cargo and seating dimensions.
| Model | Standard | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | Five | Five |
| Passenger Volume | 104 cu.-ft. | 102.2 cu.-ft. |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | 40 / 39.3 in. | 40 / 39.3 in. |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 42.4 / 40.7 in. | 42.4 / 38.9 in. |
| Cargo Volume Behind First/Second Row | 65.4 / 37.5 cu.-ft. | 60.8 / 34.4 cu.-ft. |
*Starting MSRP
Your ideal 2026 Ford Escape awaits in our extensive inventory at James River Ford. Select an attractive lease offer, and get behind the wheel at our Ford dealership in Ozark, MO, when you schedule a test drive. If you have questions, contact us online or call us at (417) 551-6437.