2026 Ford Escape Trim Levels

The 2026 Ford Escape Active serves as the foundation of the lineup, but it doesn’t feel basic in everyday driving. Powered by a 1.5L EcoBoost® engine, this configuration balances responsive acceleration with strong fuel efficiency. For commuters in Savannah who spend time on I-95 or Highway 17, the EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined rating (FWD) helps reduce fuel stops during the workweek while still delivering enough power for merging and passing.

Front Wheel Drive comes standard, with available AWD for drivers who want added traction during heavy rain or road trips toward Bluffton and Beaufort. That flexibility makes the Escape Active adaptable without forcing you into a higher trim level.

Inside, dual-zone climate control and Intelligent Access with push-button start make daily routines easier, while driver-assist features like Lane-Keeping System and BLIS® with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking add confidence in busy parking lots. The exterior styling — including the Piano Black grille and body-color accents — keeps the look modern without pushing into a sport-focused design.

For shoppers comparing 2026 Ford Escape trim levels, the Active proves you can stay near the $30,000 mark and still get meaningful technology, efficiency, and everyday practicality.

The 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line builds on the foundation of the Active trim but adds a more athletic personality. While it shares the same 1.5L EcoBoost® engine and strong fuel economy ratings, the difference here is largely about styling and presence. For drivers who want efficiency without sacrificing a sport-inspired look, the ST-Line strikes that balance.

The black mesh grille, rear spoiler, and dark exterior accents give this version of the Ford Escape a sharper appearance on the road. Around Savannah and through Bluffton traffic, that subtle styling upgrade makes the vehicle stand out without pushing into a higher price bracket. At just over $31,000, it remains close to the entry trim in cost while delivering a noticeably different visual character.

Inside, the same practical features carry over — dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and advanced driver-assist technologies like BLIS® with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking. For many buyers comparing 2026 Ford Escape trim levels, the ST-Line isn’t about performance gains; it’s about getting a sportier design while keeping everyday fuel efficiency and daily drivability intact. It’s a trim that prioritizes personality without changing the fundamentals that make the Escape easy to live with.

The 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Select is where the lineup begins to shift from style-focused to capability-focused. Unlike the lower trims, this version comes standard with All Wheel Drive, giving drivers in Savannah and Beaufort added confidence during heavy rain and unpredictable coastal weather. That alone makes it a meaningful step up for buyers who prioritize traction and stability.

Under the hood, the available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine delivers stronger performance than the base 1.5L option, which can make highway merging and passing feel more effortless. For drivers who value fuel savings, the available 2.5L hybrid configuration introduces significantly higher MPG ratings, creating a choice between power and efficiency within the same trim level. That flexibility is one of the key advantages when comparing 2026 Ford Escape trim levels.

At just under $34,000, the ST-Line Select positions itself as a well-balanced middle ground in the Ford Escape lineup. It combines upgraded capability with familiar comfort features like dual-zone climate control and advanced driver-assist technologies. For many Bluffton-area commuters, this trim offers the sweet spot between everyday practicality and elevated performance.

The 2026 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid stands out in the lineup for one primary reason: efficiency. With a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle plug-in hybrid powertrain and an EPA-estimated 101 combined MPGe, this version of the Ford Escape is designed for drivers who want to reduce fuel costs and spend more time driving on electric power during short daily trips. For commuters in Savannah who make routine drives to work, school drop-offs, or errands around town, that added efficiency can translate into noticeable long-term savings.

Unlike the AWD-focused trims above it, this configuration uses Front Wheel Drive, keeping the focus squarely on maximizing energy efficiency rather than added traction. That makes it especially appealing for drivers in Bluffton who primarily stay on paved roads and prioritize lower operating costs over all-weather capability.

At $35,400, the Plug-In Hybrid sits in the middle-to-upper range of 2026 Ford Escape trim levels, but its value isn’t just about features — it’s about fuel strategy. For Beaufort-area buyers looking to balance SUV versatility with electrified driving, this trim offers a practical step toward hybrid ownership without moving into a fully electric vehicle.

The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum moves the lineup into a more premium space while keeping the practicality that defines the model. Standard All Wheel Drive adds confidence for drivers in Savannah who deal with sudden downpours, while the available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine provides stronger acceleration for highway driving. For those focused on fuel efficiency, the available 2.5L hybrid option offers significantly higher MPG ratings, giving buyers flexibility between performance and savings.

Where the Platinum truly separates itself from other 2026 Ford Escape trim levels is in refinement. Exterior upgrades like the LED light bar and chrome accents create a more upscale presence, especially noticeable when parked in downtown Bluffton or arriving at weekend events in Beaufort. Inside, features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go add real convenience during heavier traffic, reducing driver fatigue on longer commutes.

At $36,215, the Platinum positions itself near the top of the Ford Escape range, but the added technology and comfort features help justify that increase. For shoppers who want everyday SUV versatility with a more elevated feel, this trim delivers a noticeable step up without moving into a larger or more expensive vehicle class.

The 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite is the “top-of-the-line” choice for shoppers who want the most style and daily convenience features in one package. With a starting MSRP of $37,210, it sits at the upper end of the 2026 Ford Escape trim levels, but the upgrades are aimed at things you’ll notice every day—especially if your commute includes stop-and-go traffic.

Standard All Wheel Drive matters in real life because it adds extra confidence when roads get slick from heavy rain, which is a common reality around Savannah and Bluffton. You also get a choice of powertrains: the 2.0L EcoBoost® focuses on stronger acceleration for highway merging, while the available 2.5L hybrid leans hard into efficiency with EPA-estimated 42 city / 36 highway / 39 combined MPG. That’s a practical win for drivers who rack up miles and want fewer fuel stops.

Where this trim really earns its name is comfort and ease-of-use. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go helps reduce fatigue in traffic, and BLIS® with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking can make busy parking lots in Beaufort feel less stressful. If you want the Escape with the most “everyday upgrades,” this trim is built for that.