2026 Ford Escape: Hybrid MPG & NHTSA Safety Rating
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Ford Escape scores well across safety and fuel cost. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- 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 - $2,300 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 9 / 10 (Low Emissions)
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $3,500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 2 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $948 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.69
- Brand Origin
- United States
The 2026 Ford Escape is a SUV priced from $30,350 to $38,935 with 11 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- Fuel cost $792 per year below value SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $85 per year above SUV average
- Base price $835 more than 2025 model
2026 Ford Escape at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- 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.
Cautions in the data
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
- Efficiency swings by about 14 MPG/MPGe across the lineup, so trim choice materially changes the fuel story.
Similar vehicles to compare
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%
NHTSA focuses on how the vehicle protects occupants in government-standard crashes. IIHS also evaluates crash avoidance technology and headlight performance, which matter for preventing collisions in the first place.
How Did the 2026 Ford Escape Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Ford Escape across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. 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
NHTSA and IIHS evaluate the design. Recalls evaluate the execution. A look at both tells you whether the 2026 Ford Escape performs as intended under real-world conditions.
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 1.7 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
What Do 2026 Ford Escape Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Ford Escape. This is below the average of 9 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 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2026 Ford Escape's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.
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 $792 below the $1,892 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 | $2,000 per year |
| ST-Line FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 27 | 34 | $2,000 per year |
| Active AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2,300 per year |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2,300 per year |
| ST-Line Select AWD HEV | 39 MPG | 42 | 36 | $1,550 per year |
| ST-Line Select AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2,300 per year |
| Plug-In Hybrid FWD PHEV | 40 MPG | 42 | 37 | $1,100 per year |
| Platinum AWD HEV | 39 MPG | 42 | 36 | $1,550 per year |
| ST-Line Elite AWD HEV | 39 MPG | 42 | 36 | $1,550 per year |
| Platinum AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2,300 per year |
| ST-Line Elite AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2,300 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $5,500 to $11,500 depending on trim.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost. EPA smog rating ranges from 5 to 8 out of 10 across trims.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,554 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $641 per year |
| Financing | $898 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.69 per mile |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows 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 | $2,000 per year | FWD | 180 hp | 3,273 lbs | $88,995 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| ST-Line FWD GAS | $31,195 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 180 hp | $89,840 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
| Active AWD GAS | $31,750 | 26 MPG | $2,300 per year | AWD | 180 hp | 3,420 lbs | $90,895 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $32,595 | 26 MPG | $2,300 per year | AWD | 180 hp | $91,740 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
| ST-Line Select AWD HEV | $33,890 | 39 MPG | $1,550 per year | AWD | 192 hp | 3,670 lbs | $91,090 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| ST-Line Select AWD GAS | $35,015 | 26 MPG | $2,300 per year | AWD | 250 hp | 3,505 lbs | $94,910 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| Plug-In Hybrid FWD PHEV | $35,400 | 40 MPG | $1,100 per year | FWD | 210 hp | 3,880 lbs | $76,535 | 560 mi | |||||||||
| Platinum AWD HEV | $36,215 | 39 MPG | $1,550 per year | AWD | 192 hp | $93,415 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
| ST-Line Elite AWD HEV | $37,210 | 39 MPG | $1,550 per year | AWD | 192 hp | $94,410 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
| Platinum AWD GAS | $37,940 | 26 MPG | $2,300 per year | AWD | 250 hp | $97,835 | 560 mi | ||||||||||
Show 1 more trim(s)
| |||||||||||||||||
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, AWD) (last available 2024)
- ST-Line (FWD) (last available 2025)
- Platinum (FWD) (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 26 MPG | $31,750 26 MPG |
| ST-Line AWD GAS | $32,510 28 MPG | $31,760 26 MPG | $32,595 26 MPG |
| ST-Line FWD HEV | $33,340 39 MPG | $32,490 39 MPG | — |
| ST-Line Select AWD GAS | $34,040 28 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 28 MPG | $35,910 26 MPG | $37,940 26 MPG |
| ST-Line Elite AWD GAS | $38,460 28 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
Price and fuel economy are knowable before purchase. Reliability is the variable that matters most after. The RepairPal score below gives you a data point on what to expect.
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.
A warranty does not make a vehicle more reliable, but it does limit your financial exposure if something fails. Here is what Ford includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Ford Escape Come With?
Ford provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Escape. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Ford Escape Specs?
Core specifications for the 2026 Ford Escape as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Compact SUV
| Engine | 1.5L I3, 2.5L I4, 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 - 250 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 104.6 - 142.7 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $140 - $194 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 408 - 558 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Ford Escape FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Ford Escape?
The 2026 Ford Escape competes with 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, 2026 Jeep Compass, and 2026 Subaru Forester based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. 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.
Where is Ford based?
Ford is a United States-based automaker. The 2026 Ford Escape may be assembled in a different country than where Ford is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Ford models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Ford vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Ford lineup on our Ford models page.
What is the 2026 Ford Escape safety rating?
The 2026 Ford Escape earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 1 recall campaign on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.