Stylish, versatile, and turning heads wherever you go, the 2026 Ford Escape® brings a fresh attitude to your everyday driving needs. From your daily commutes to extended road adventures, this dynamic compact crossover SUV delivers the confident performance you want with its fuel-efficient powertrain options, modern design, premium interior features, and innovative technologies. To learn more, continue reading this comprehensive 2026 Ford Escape review prepared by the team at Gallery Ford of Pekin.
Browse through our inventory to find the 2026 Ford Escape for sale at our Pekin, IL, dealership. Lock in a competitive rate with an attractive lease offer. Our Ford experts are here to answer any questions you may have — reach out to us at (309) 347-3111 or contact us online.
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Bold styling and sleek bodylines define the 2026 Ford Escape. Depending on your chosen trim level, the Escape features a range of 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheel options. Available LED fog lamps and automatic high-beam headlamps enhance visibility in changing conditions. A hands-free power liftgate makes loading up groceries and luggage a quick and easy process.
Available exterior features include:
Settle into the thoughtfully designed interior of the 2026 Ford Escape. Plush comfort surrounds you in the Escape with refined seat upholstery options like unique cloth, vinyl and cloth, or ActiveX® seat upholstery with mini perforations. Available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel provide soothing warmth on those frigid winter mornings. An available Panoramic Vista Roof® fills the cabin with natural light and warm summer breezes.
A range of cutting-edge technologies in the 2026 Ford Escape keep you connected to your digital world. The SYNC® 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen pairs seamlessly with your smartphone utilizing wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, putting music, contacts, navigation, and essential apps within reach. The available ten-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen® lets you enjoy your favorite playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks with dynamic clarity. Keep your device powered up on the go with an available wireless charging pad. For a subtle touch, ambient Ice Blue® instrument panel cluster lighting is standard and emanates a cool, softened glow.
Available interior features include:
Available technology features include:
Balancing athletic performance and remarkable fuel efficiency, the 2026 Ford Escape provides a spirited driving experience with any of its four available engine configurations. Two gas-powered engine options include the 1.5L EcoBoost® inline three-cylinder (I3) and 2.0L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder (I4), both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For the eco-conscious driver, the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson cycle I4 hybrid and a plug-in hybrid 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I4 powertrain options both prioritize fuel efficiency, each matched with an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT).
The 2026 Ford Escape offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain options, depending on trim.
When properly equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost I4 and Class II Trailer Tow Package, the Escape confidently tows up to 3,500 pounds, ideal for hauling recreational gear and light trailers.
View engine specifications in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 1.5L EcoBoost I3 | 2.0L EcoBoost I4 | 2.5L hybrid I4 | 2.5L plug-in hybrid I4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 250 HP | 192 HP | 210 HP |
| Torque | 199 lb.-ft. | 280 lb.-ft. | 155 lb.-ft. | 155 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | eCVT | ||
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | AWD | AWD | FWD |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 27 / 34 | 23 / 31 | 42 / 36 | 101 combined MPGe |
| Max. Towing | 2,000 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. | 1,500 lbs. | 1,500 lbs. |
Designed with practicality in mind, the 2026 Ford Escape comfortably seats up to five passengers while maintaining a spacious, modern interior. The second-row sliding seats feature a 60/40 split-fold design, allowing you to balance passenger comfort and cargo needs with ease. With the rear seats folded, you’ll have up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo volume to accommodate bulkier items.
View interior specifications in the accompanying table:
| Model | Standard | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | Five | Five |
| Passenger Volume | 104 cu.-ft. | 102.2 cu.-ft. |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | 40 / 39.3 in. | 40 / 39.3 in. |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 42.4 / 40.7 in. | 42.4 / 38.9 in. |
| Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) | 57.6 / 56 in. | 57.6 / 56 in. |
| Hip Room (Front/Rear) | 55.2 / 53.3 in. | 55.2 / 53.3 in. |
| Cargo Volume Behind Rear Row | 37.5 cu.-ft. | 34.4 cu.-ft. |
| Max. Cargo Volume | 65.4 cu.-ft. | 60.8 cu.-ft. |
Confidence comes standard in the 2026 Ford Escape with its range of advanced safety driver assistance features. Drive with peace of mind with the standard Ford Co-Pilot360® suite, featuring BLIS® (blind spot information system), a lane-keeping system, and Pre-Collision Assist®. The available 360-degree camera provides a bird’s eye perspective of your surroundings, letting you maneuver tight parking spaces and crowded streets with greater confidence.
Available safety features include:
*Starting MSRP
AWD is available on most 2026 Ford Escape trims. AWD is the exclusive drivetrain option for the ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite trims. See which drivetrain options are available for each Ford Escape trim here.
The 2026 Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with its 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engine and the available Class II Trailer Tow Package. The 1.5L EcoBoost I3 engine boasts a 2,000-pound towing capacity, while both 2.5L hybrid I4 powertrain configurations have a 1,500-pound tow rating.
The team at Gallery Ford Pekin has prepared a selection of helpful research tools to assist you in choosing the Ford Escape trim that will keep up with your active lifestyle. View our inventory and learn more about the standard equipment in each Ford Escape model with our detailed trims guide.
Questions? Give us a call at (309) 347-3111 or message us online.
