Jun 26, 2026

If you’ve been shopping for a versatile, fuel-efficient SUV, you should check out the 2026 Ford Escape in Macomb, IL. If you’re heading off to work, hauling gear for weekend road trips, or simply looking for a comfortable family ride, the 2026 Escape offers a lineup of trims and powertrains designed to match just about any lifestyle. 

This guide walks you through everything from available engines to interior tech, so you can walk into Woodrum Auto Group feeling confident and informed. 

New 2026 Ford Escape in its back profile cruising in rain

Four Powertrains to Power Your Next Adventure 

The 2026 Escape offers four powertrain options, giving drivers the flexibility to prioritize efficiency, performance, or something in between. 

The 1.5L EcoBoost® three-cylinder engine produces 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque and is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It features Auto Start-Stop Technology to help reduce fuel consumption. 

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine delivers 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, along with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package.  

Prefer to go greener? The 2.5L hybrid powertrain produces 192 total system hp and uses regenerative braking to help charge its battery without ever plugging in. And the 2.5L plug-in hybrid bumps that to 210 total system hp, with an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 37 miles. A standard Level 1 mobile power cord lets you charge from a regular 120-volt outlet at home. 

Six Trims, One for Every Driver 

The 2026 Escape lineup includes six trims, each offering its own personality and feature set. 

The Escape Active is the entry point, pairing the 1.5L EcoBoost® engine with SYNC 4®, an 8-in touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety technology as standard equipment.  

The ST-Line adds a sportier edge with a flat-bottom steering wheel, red accent stitching, sport contour bucket seats, and 18-in Rock Metallic-painted aluminum wheels. It keeps the same 1.5L EcoBoost® engine but gives the interior and exterior a more sporty look. 

Moving up, the Escape ST-Line Select comes standard with all-wheel drive and the 2.5-liter hybrid engine. Heated front-row seats, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, LED fog lamps, a power liftgate, and a remote start system round out this well-equipped mid-tier trim. 

The Escape ST-Line Elite raises the bar with a standard 13.2-in touchscreen, a 12.3-in cluster display, a wireless charging pad, a 10-way power driver seat, and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control.  

The Escape Platinum brings premium touches like ActiveX-trimmed seats with mini-perforated inserts, chrome beltline molding, LED fog lamps, a standard LED light bar, and a 13.2-in touchscreen. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive and the 2.5L hybrid engine, with the 2.0L EcoBoost® available as an option. 

Finally, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid is its own dedicated trim, featuring the 2.5L PHEV powertrain, an 8-way power driver seat, heated front-row seats and steering wheel, a power liftgate, and SYNC 4 with a 13.2-in touchscreen as standard. 

A Comfortable, Adaptable Interior 

No matter which trim you choose, the Escape delivers a cabin built around real-life use. The sliding 60/40 split-fold second-row seats can be shifted back for up to 5.9 extra inches of legroom or folded down to maximize cargo space. 

EcoBoost® models offer up to 65.4 cu ft of cargo space behind the first row, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid models provide up to 60.8 cu ft.  

Front-row legroom reaches 42.4-in across all configurations, and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control is standard on every trim. Higher trims add a wireless charging pad, a panoramic Vista Roof with power shade, and available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers including a subwoofer. 

Technology That Keeps You Connected 

Every Escape includes SYNC 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, along with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot through the FordPass app, capable of connecting up to 10 devices. 

Upper trims upgrade to SYNC 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition and a 13.2-in center touchscreen. Connected Navigation — available on select trims — provides real-time traffic data, parking information, gas or charging station locations, and weather updates. 

Ford Co-Pilot360 technology is standard across all trims and includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and BLIS Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking. Higher trims add Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Evasive Steering Assist, and Intersection Assist. 

Capable on the Road — and Ready for Adventure 

Drivers who enjoy getting out and exploring will appreciate the Escape’s available AWD system. Selectable drive modes — Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Normal — let you tailor handling and throttle response to whatever conditions you encounter. 

The AWD system with AWD Disconnect is available on EcoBoost and hybrid trims, helping distribute power to all four wheels when needed while conserving fuel when it’s not.  

The hybrid model also supports flat-towing behind an RV without risk of overcharging the battery. 

Woodrum Auto Group Has an Escape for You 

The 2026 Ford Escape offers one of the most well-rounded lineups in its class, with four powertrain options, six thoughtfully equipped trims, a roomy and flexible interior, and a strong suite of technology and safety features.  

Stop by Woodrum Auto Group to explore current inventory, compare trims side by side, and find the 2026 Ford Escape that fits your life.