2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape is a SUV priced from $30,350 to $38,935 with 11 available trims. This page brings together safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, fuel economy data from the EPA, reliability scores from RepairPal, ownership cost estimates from AAA, and manufacturer specifications. Every number below is sourced from its original publisher and can be independently verified.
5-star safety. A fuel cost. 3.5/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2026 Ford Escape among value SUVs. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.8 average for SUVs.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Ford Escape are lower estimated fuel cost and high published crash-test results, with EPA estimates you will save on fuel compared to the average new vehicle. The main caution is that reliability is middle-of-pack.
- fuel cost
- safety
- fuel savings
Strongest published signals
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among hybrid SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,100. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- EPA estimates this vehicle saves you about $3,500 over five years in fuel compared to the average new vehicle.
Limits and cautions
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
- Efficiency swings by about 14 MPG across the lineup, so trim choice materially changes the fuel story.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $30,350 - $38,935
- EPA Combined MPG
- 26-39 MPG
- EPA Combined MPG
- 40 MPG (Plug-In Hybrid)
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,100 - $1,700/yr
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $3,500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 2 on file
- Brand Origin
- United States
How Safe Is the 2026 Ford Escape?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Ford Escape received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 82% of tested SUVs share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 17.4%
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Ford Escape Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Ford Escape but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | M Marginal |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | M Marginal |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Ford Escape Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 Ford Escape, affecting SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR. This is fewer than the 1.8 average for SUVs. Recalls address safety-related defects identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Repairs for recalled vehicles are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Most recent: December 2025
Units affected: 780
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Ford Escape. This is below the average of 8 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
2 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-02-25
Most-reported problem areas
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Fuel System1
- Visibility1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Ford Escape Fuel Economy?
EPA rates the most efficient 2026 Ford Escape trim at 40 combined MPG. At that rating, estimated annual fuel cost is $1,100, which is $296 below the $1,396 average for value SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 26 to 40 combined MPG/MPGe depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 27 | 34 | $1,450/yr |
| ST-Line FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 27 | 34 | $1,450/yr |
| Active AWD GAS | 28 MPG | 26 | 32 | $1,550/yr |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | 28 MPG | 26 | 32 | $1,550/yr |
| ST-Line Select AWD HEV | 39 MPG | 42 | 36 | $1,100/yr |
| ST-Line Select AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $1,700/yr |
| Plug-In Hybrid FWD PHEV | 40 MPG | 42 | 37 | $1,100/yr |
| Platinum AWD HEV | 39 MPG | 42 | 36 | $1,100/yr |
| ST-Line Elite AWD HEV | 39 MPG | 42 | 36 | $1,100/yr |
| Platinum AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $1,700/yr |
| ST-Line Elite AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $1,700/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Ford Escape Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Ford Escape ranges from $76,535 to $98,830 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,554/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $641/yr |
| Financing | $898/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.69/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 11 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Ford Escape Trims Compare?
11 trims are available for the 2026 Ford Escape, spanning $30,350 to $38,935. Trims are available with Gasoline and Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid powertrains, which affects fuel economy and pricing. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost | EV Range (mi) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active FWD GAS | $30,350 | 30 MPG | $1,450/yr | FWD | 180 hp | 3,273 lbs | $88,995 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| ST-Line FWD GAS | $31,195 | 30 MPG | $1,450/yr | FWD | 180 hp | $89,840 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
| Active AWD GAS | $31,750 | 28 MPG | $1,550/yr | AWD | 180 hp | 3,420 lbs | $90,895 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $32,595 | 28 MPG | $1,550/yr | AWD | 180 hp | $91,740 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
| ST-Line Select AWD HEV | $33,890 | 39 MPG | $1,100/yr | AWD | 192 hp | 3,670 lbs | $91,090 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| ST-Line Select AWD GAS | $35,015 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | AWD | 250 hp | 3,505 lbs | $94,910 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| Plug-In Hybrid FWD PHEV | $35,400 | 40 MPG | $1,100/yr | FWD | 210 hp | 3,880 lbs | $76,535 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| Platinum AWD HEV | $36,215 | 39 MPG | $1,100/yr | AWD | 192 hp | $93,415 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
| ST-Line Elite AWD HEV | $37,210 | 39 MPG | $1,100/yr | AWD | 192 hp | $94,410 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
| Platinum AWD GAS | $37,940 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | AWD | 250 hp | $97,835 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
Show 1 more trim(s)
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The Ford Escape lineup has contracted from 15 trims in 2024 to 11 trims in 2026. Hybrid trims now represent 36% of the lineup, down from 40% in 2024. The entry price has increased $2,350 since 2024.
Trims no longer available
- Base Fleet FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Base Fleet AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- ST-Line FWD HEV (last available 2025)
- Platinum FWD HEV (last available 2025)
Price changes since 2024
- Plug-In Hybrid FWD PHEV $40,500 (2024) → $35,400 (2026) -$5,100
- Platinum AWD HEV $38,465 (2024) → $36,215 (2026) -$2,250
- ST-Line Elite AWD HEV $39,460 (2024) → $37,210 (2026) -$2,250
- ST-Line Select AWD HEV $35,040 (2024) → $33,890 (2026) -$1,150
- Active FWD GAS $29,345 (2024) → $30,350 (2026) +$1,005
- ST-Line Select AWD GAS $34,040 (2024) → $35,015 (2026) +$975
- ST-Line FWD GAS $30,340 (2024) → $31,195 (2026) +$855
- Platinum AWD GAS $37,465 (2024) → $37,940 (2026) +$475
- ST-Line Elite AWD GAS $38,460 (2024) → $38,935 (2026) +$475
- Active AWD GAS $31,515 (2024) → $31,750 (2026) +$235
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Fleet FWD GAS | $28,000 30 MPG | — | — |
| Active FWD GAS | $29,345 30 MPG | $29,515 30 MPG | $30,350 30 MPG |
| Base Fleet AWD GAS | $29,500 28 MPG | — | — |
| ST-Line FWD GAS | $30,340 30 MPG | $30,360 30 MPG | $31,195 30 MPG |
| Active AWD GAS | $31,515 28 MPG | $30,915 28 MPG | $31,750 28 MPG |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $32,510 28 MPG | $31,760 28 MPG | $32,595 28 MPG |
| ST-Line FWD HEV | $33,340 39 MPG | $32,490 39 MPG | — |
| ST-Line Select AWD GAS | $34,040 26 MPG | $33,195 26 MPG | $35,015 26 MPG |
| ST-Line Select AWD HEV | $35,040 39 MPG | $34,190 39 MPG | $33,890 39 MPG |
| Platinum FWD HEV | $36,965 39 MPG | $35,615 39 MPG | — |
| Platinum AWD GAS | $37,465 26 MPG | $35,910 26 MPG | $37,940 26 MPG |
| ST-Line Elite AWD GAS | $38,460 26 MPG | $36,905 26 MPG | $38,935 26 MPG |
| Platinum AWD HEV | $38,465 39 MPG | $37,115 39 MPG | $36,215 39 MPG |
| ST-Line Elite AWD HEV | $39,460 39 MPG | $38,110 39 MPG | $37,210 39 MPG |
| Plug-In Hybrid FWD PHEV | $40,500 39 MPG | $38,400 40 MPG | $35,400 40 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Ford Escape?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Ford Escape at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Ford's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Ford Escape Come With?
Ford provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Escape. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Ford Escape Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Ford Escape as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 1.5L I3, 2.5L I4, 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 - 250 hp |
| Torque | 199 - 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 11.1 - 15.7 gal |
| Length | 180.1 - 181.2 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 74.1 in |
| Height | 65.9 - 66.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,273 - 3,880 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Ford Escape?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Ford Escape based on published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references as of the dates shown above. If any of these agencies publishes updated data, this page will reflect those changes automatically. For questions about how this data is collected and verified, see our methodology page.
2026 Ford Escape FAQ
How does the 2026 Ford Escape compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Ford Escape has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5, and only 1 recall on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Ford Escape trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 11 available trims, the Plug-In Hybrid FWD PHEV has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $76,535, starting at $35,400 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $98,830. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Ford Escape insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Compact SUV class at $1,726 per year, or about $144 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Ford Escape. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Ford Escape maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Compact SUV class at $1,746 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,726/yr) and depreciation ($3,554/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $10,279 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Ford Escape depreciate?
AAA estimates the Compact SUV class depreciates about $3,554 per year, or roughly $17,770 over five years. On a base MSRP of $30,350, that represents about 59% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Ford Escape?
The most efficient 2026 Ford Escape trim costs an estimated $1,100 per year in fuel, or about $92 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $296 less than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Ford Escape?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Ford Escape include 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, 2026 Jeep Compass, and 2026 Subaru Forester. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Ford Escape from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 4 trims were dropped and the entry price increased by $2,350 for the Ford Escape lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Ford Escape cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Ford Escape include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $92 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $949 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Ford Escape available as a hybrid?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Escape is available with a hybrid powertrain option alongside conventional powertrains. Hybrid trims typically offer better fuel economy at a higher starting price compared to conventional gas trims. See our Hybrid SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.