Most Escapes are pricier but offer no advantages over the 2025 model
Last month, Ford confirmed that production of the Escape would be coming to an end later this year. That’s a big deal, given how popular the compact crossover segment is in the United States. At that point, it seemed that the Escape would leave our shores before the 2026 model year, but the configurator for the 2026 Escape has gone live, confirming that we’ll see an abbreviated model year for this Toyota RAV4 rival. The question is: Should you still consider an Escape, especially right at the end of its life?
2026 Escape’s Price Goes Up
The 2026 Ford Escape is more expensive than the 2025 version, and certain trims will cost you over $2,000 more than before, a not-insignificant increase. Here’s a look at all 2026 trim prices, along with how much they’ve gone up compared to 2025 models:
- Active: $30,350 (+$835)
- ST-Line: $31,195 (+$835)
- ST-Line Select: $35,015 (+$1,820)
- ST-Line Select Hybrid: $33,890 (-$300)
- Platinum: $37,940 (+$2,030)
- Platinum Hybrid: $36,215 (+$600)
- ST-Line Elite: $38,935 (+$2,030)
- ST-Line Elite Hybrid: $37,210 (-$900)
- PHEV: $35,400 (-$2,000)
The ST-Line Hybrid is no longer available for 2026. As for the rest of the lineup, the plug-in hybrid gets the biggest price drop for 2026, but the well-equipped Platinum and ST-Line Elite are over $2,000 pricier.
Besides the fact that production of the Escape will end soon, another availability limitation exists. The 2026 model will only be sold with the non-California emissions system, so it can’t be sold or registered in California, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts. The 2025 model is certified for purchase in all states, though, and Ford recently rolled out attractive lease offers for it.
Related: Ford Rolls Out Solid 2025 Escape Lease Offers for September
Should You Consider A 2026 Ford Escape?
Very little changes for the 2026 Escape. Front-wheel drive is no longer offered for the ST-Line and Platinum trims, which explains their price hikes. Vapor Blue Metallic now adds $495 to the bill, whereas it was a no-cost option previously.
When assessing the 2025 Escape, we appreciated its sharp design and punchy turbocharged engine. However, the base 1.5-liter engine is underpowered and the Ford doesn’t ride as smoothly as some rivals. This generation first went into production in 2019, and its age shows in aspects such as the below-par interior quality.
It doesn’t help that competition in this segment is fierce. Toyota is about to launch a new RAV4, while the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 are both much more polished alternatives to the Ford. The PHEV may be worth a look, as not many crossovers at its price point have a decent all-electric range—the Kia Sportage PHEV is nearly $5,000 pricier, for instance.
Overall, though, the Escape is only an average competitor in a segment brimming with talent, so its imminent departure doesn’t feel like a huge loss for the segment.
Related: 2025 Ford Escape vs Hyundai Tucson: 5 Major Differences
