Browse our new Ford Escape inventory in Dade City, FL.
Ford ended production of the Escape in mid-December, marking the close of one of its most affordable and best-selling SUVs. As it invests $2 billion to overhaul the plant and shift focus to affordable EVs, we take a look at what the Escape has to offer consumers in its final year.
Ford ended production of the Escape in mid-December, marking the close of one of its most affordable and best-selling SUVs. As it invests $2 billion to overhaul the plant and shift focus to affordable EVs, we take a look at what the Escape has to offer consumers in its final year.
In short, there's just one change for 2026, and it's a reduction, not an addition. Hybrid owners will not have the option of front-wheel drive. All hybrids are now all-wheel drive. Other than that, the lineup is business as usual.
In some areas, the Escape is even harder to get because of new emissions standards. Shoppers in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, or Washington won't see it. If you live in one of those areas, you'll have to look at dealerships elsewhere or look into 2025 models.
For its final year, the Escape gives you the same four options it always has: two gas engines, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The standard hybrid delivers 192 horsepower, comes with all-wheel drive, and can reach up to 39 mpg, making it the most efficient choice. The plug-in hybrid bumps output to 210 horsepower and lets you handle short trips on electric power alone, which is useful if most of your driving is around town.
If you want to stick with gas, the base engine is a 180-hp turbo three-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic, available with front- or all-wheel drive. For more power, the 250-hp turbo four-cylinder comes standard with all-wheel drive and gives the Escape a noticeably stronger, more responsive feel without giving up comfort.
The Escape's tech starts with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but moving up the trim ladder gets you a larger 13.2-inch display that feels a lot more modern. No matter which one you go with, you're using Ford's Sync 4 system, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so connecting your phone is quick and doesn't require plugging in every time.
The system also handles over-the-air updates in the background, which means it improves over time without you needing to schedule a dealership visit. If you want to load it up, there are a few solid upgrades available, including a 10-speaker B&O audio system, built-in navigation, a head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces the traditional gauges.
Even though nothing changes for 2026, the Escape still delivers the same versatility that made it popular. The difference now is availability; some regions are already running low, and that's only going to get worse as production ends. If you've been considering an Escape, this is the last chance to find a new model on a dealer's lot. Once inventory is gone, it's gone, so it's worth checking what's still available while you can. Contact us today at Jarrett Ford Dade City to reserve yours!
Compact crossover SUVs remain a top choice for drivers who want comfort, versatility, and modern technology in one vehicle. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle, a capable commuter, or a stylish crossover for weekend adventures, the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Mazda CX-5 each offer compelling advantages.
As we say goodbye to the Ford Escape, it's time to acknowledge why it’s stuck around as long as it has, especially when you stack it up against something as popular as the Honda CR-V. Both compact crossovers take very different approaches to the same segment, and that’s where things get interesting. Let's break it down in this 2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Honda CR-V comparison.
The Ford Escape is being discontinued for 2026, though it doesn’t go out quietly, as it has one last round of upgrades to roll out before biting the dust for good. In this review of the Ford Escape comparison, we’ll be reviewing all of the updates for the final year of this compact SUV.
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