We've been tracking rumors of the Ford Escape's demise for a couple of years now, and it turns out that they were half right. It made it through 2025, but 2026? That's really the end. Ford's officially pulling the plug to make room for its expanding EV lineup. The 2026 lineup is the final chapter for a compact SUV that's been a familiar sight on American roads for over two decades. Here's what we know about its final bow.
Key Takeaways:
- The Escape takes its final bow with the 2026 lineup to make room for an as-yet-unnamed EV.
- Due to emissions regulations, the Escape is unavailable in 6 states.
- As it is the last year of the Escape, there are no major changes.
Will the 2026 Ford Escape Be Available in all of the United States?
Due to emissions laws, the 2026 Escape won't be sold everywhere. For California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, and Washington, the Escape is off the table. Combined, those six states represent nearly a quarter of the U.S. market, so that's a massive chunk of buyers who won't see the final Escape at their local dealership.
If you're in one of those states and still want a new Escape, you'll need to check out dealerships across state lines. Ford's offering the 2025 model year with non-California emissions equipment, so there's no alternative coming down the pipeline.
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What is changing for the 2026 Ford Escape?
Since Ford is winding down the Escape, don't expect any major updates or fresh trims. Actually, the biggest shift is that hybrid models are now AWD-only--you can't get them with front-wheel drive anymore.
That might sound like a minor detail, but it's notable. The hybrid's been part of the Escape lineup since 2019 and made it through the 2023 refresh that brought new trims like the ST-Line. Now, based on what we're hearing, the hybrid makes up an even larger share of the lineup as Ford wraps things up.
How Many Engine Options Are Available for the 2026 Ford Escape?
No matter the 2026 Ford Escape trim level, you'll have two gas engines, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid as options. The hybrid delivers 192 horsepower, comes with all-wheel drive as standard, and gets up to 39 mpg combined. The plug-in hybrid bumps output to 210 horsepower and adds electric-only driving for shorter trips.
Should you want a gas engine, there's a 180-hp turbo three-cylinder that pairs with an 8-speed automatic and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. And if you're looking for more power, the 250-hp turbo four is your best bet--it's AWD and gives the Escape a quicker edge without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Is the 2026 Ford Escape Worth Purchasing?
The 2026 Escape isn't reinventing itself on the way out, but it's not resting on its laurels either. It still offers the blend of practicality and options that kept it popular for years. This is your last shot at a new Escape, and in some states, you can't get one at all. With production winding down, inventory's only going to get tighter.
If the Escape's been on your radar, now's the time to pull the trigger, so contact us today at Alan Jay Ford in Sebring! We offer 100% transparent pricing. That means no surprises, no gimmicks. The Alan Jay Way is to show you the whole price up front. Come see why our customers are customers for life.