The Escape lineup is structured with clear progression. Active establishes the foundation with the 1.5L EcoBoost® engine, SYNC® 4, and Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assistance features. It feels clean and usable from the start. ST-Line introduces a more expressive tone. Black exterior accents, a mesh grille, and red interior stitching give it a sharper identity without changing its everyday usability. ST-Line Select builds on that with standard AWD and access to the 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, making it the first trim where performance and traction noticeably increase. ST-Line Elite brings in more technology. The available 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and expanded driver-assistance features create a more connected cabin. Sarcoxie shifts the focus to refinement, adding ActiveX® seating surfaces, improved materials, and a quieter, more composed interior feel. The Plug-in Hybrid stands apart. It prioritizes efficiency with electric driving capability while maintaining the same overall flexibility as the rest of the lineup.

The 2026 Escape offers a range of powertrains suited to different needs. The 1.5L EcoBoost® engine produces 180 hp, delivering smooth and efficient performance for daily driving. The available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine increases output to 250 hp and 280 lbs. ft. of torque, adding stronger acceleration and improved towing capability. Hybrid models pair a 2.5L engine with an electric motor for a combined 192 hp, while the plug-in hybrid increases output to 210 hp and introduces an all-electric driving range of up to 37 miles.

When properly equipped, towing reaches up to 3,500 lbs. with the 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, while other configurations range between 1,500 and 2,000 lbs. Selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Slippery, allow the Escape to adapt to changing road conditions without overcomplicating the experience. Around Sarcoxie, that translates to a vehicle that handles daily driving with ease and remains stable on longer highway stretches.

Inside, the Escape focuses on flexibility. Seating for 5 is supported by a sliding second row that allows you to adjust for either rear legroom or cargo space. Cargo capacity reaches up to 65.4 cu. ft. in EcoBoost models and 60.8 cu. ft. in hybrid variants with the rear seats folded. The layout feels open, helped by a low load floor and wide rear opening. Material quality improves across trims. Active remains durable, while Sarcoxie introduces ActiveX® seating and more refined finishes. Available features such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate add comfort without overstatement.

Ford Co-Pilot360® is standard across the lineup. This includes BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Available systems expand capability further. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering Assist, and Co-Pilot360® Assist+ features help manage highway driving with greater ease.