The 2026 Ford Escape has one of the widest trim lineups of any compact SUV on the market — six trims, four different powertrains, and configurations that range from an entry-level FWD gas model to a plug-in hybrid. If you’re trying to figure out where you land in that lineup, this guide breaks it down trim by trim, straight from the OEM source, so you can walk into Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson knowing exactly what you want.
One thing worth knowing upfront: 2026 is the final model year for the Ford Escape. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time. We’ll cover the full trim story here — and if the discontinuation angle matters to your decision, we have a dedicated guide on that topic as well.
How many trims does the 2026 Ford Escape come in?
The 2026 Ford Escape comes in six trims: Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. That’s a broader lineup than most compact SUVs offer, and it covers a wide range of buyers — from those who want a straightforward, affordable FWD gas model to those who want a fully loaded plug-in hybrid with a premium interior.
Unlike some models where trim progression is straightforward, the Escape lineup branches in two directions — the PHEV is its own standalone trim, and the ST-Line family (ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite) forms a distinct sporty sub-lineup with its own character and engine options. Understanding those branches makes the decision a lot clearer.
What do you get with the 2026 Ford Escape Active?
The Active is the entry point into the 2026 Escape lineup. It’s the only trim available with FWD as standard — AWD is an available option. It’s also the only trim in the lineup that is available in FWD at all, outside of the PHEV.
Active standard highlights:
- 1.5L EcoBoost® engine with 8-speed automatic transmission
- FWD standard — AWD optional
- SYNC® 4 with 8” LCD touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
- 4G Modem with Ford app remote features — remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle locate, status check
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot (3-month / 3GB trial included)
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ — Auto High Beam, BLIS® with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with AEB and Pedestrian Detection, Rear View Camera, Road Departure Warning
- Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC)
- 17” Shadow Silver-painted aluminum wheels
- 225/65R17 All-Season tires
- Unique Cloth bucket seats — 6-way manual driver, 4-way manual passenger
- Second Row 60/40 Split-Fold-Flat and Sliding
- 8 cupholders
- LED headlamps with Signature Lighting
- Manual liftgate
- Selectable Drive Modes
- SiriusXM® with 360L (3-month trial)
Available on Active: Tech Pack #1 (adds Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+, 13.2” touchscreen, Connected Navigation), Active Premium Tech Pack (adds 10-way power driver seat, 12.3” cluster display, B&O® sound system, wireless charging, power liftgate, heated seats, remote start, memory package), Cold Weather Package (heated front seats, heated mirrors, heated steering wheel, remote start), Panoramic Vista Roof®, Power Liftgate, Engine Block Heater.
The Active is the right choice for buyers who want the most flexibility in drivetrain (FWD or AWD), the most package customization, and the most affordable entry point into the 2026 Escape.
What is the 2026 Ford Escape PHEV and who is it for?
The PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is a standalone trim in the 2026 Escape lineup — it doesn’t follow the Active or ST-Line trim progression. It has its own powertrain, its own standard equipment list, and its own order code (700A).
PHEV key facts:
- Engine: 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid — plug-in hybrid powertrain
- Transmission: eCVT
- FWD only — no AWD option on the PHEV
- Includes Mobile Power Cord for charging
- Remote Start System — standard
- Heated front seats — standard
- Heated steering wheel — standard
- 8-way power driver seat — standard
- Sport Contour Bucket seats — standard
- LED fog lamps — standard
- Power liftgate — standard
- 18” Machined-face Magnetic Aluminum wheels with Painted Pockets
- 225/60R18 All-Season tires
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ — standard (full suite including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, Connected Navigation 1-year included)
- SYNC® 4 with 13.2” touchscreen — standard
- Rear Parking Sensor — standard
- Chrome beltline molding — standard
- Roof-rack side rails — standard
- Mini Spare Wheel — standard
- Pedestrian Alert Sounder — standard
- Neutral Towing Capability — standard
Available on PHEV: PHEV Premium Package (adds 360-Degree Camera, 10-way power driver, 6-way heated power passenger, B&O® sound, head-up display, 12.3” cluster display, wireless charging, ActiveX® seats, memory package, perimeter alarm), Panoramic Vista Roof®, Class II Trailer Tow Package, Engine Block Heater.
The PHEV is for buyers who want the best possible fuel efficiency story from the Escape — and who don’t need AWD. If AWD in a hybrid configuration is important, the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, or Platinum with the 2.5L Hybrid engine is the right path.
What does the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line add over Active?
The ST-Line is built on the Active foundation but adds a sportier exterior and interior character. It runs the same 1.5L EcoBoost® engine and is available in FWD or AWD — making it the sporty entry point into the Escape lineup without a powertrain upgrade.
What ST-Line adds over Active:
- Black mesh grille (upper and lower)
- Large single wing rear spoiler
- Black rear bumper (upper and lower)
- Roof-rack rails — black
- ST-Line badging
- Unique rear skid plate
- 18” Rock Metallic painted aluminum wheels
- 225/60R18 All-Season tires (upgrade from Active’s 17”)
- 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar and power recline (upgrade from Active’s 6-way manual)
- Sport Contour Bucket seats — partial vinyl and cloth with red stitching
- Flat-bottom sport steering wheel with red stitching
- Armrest and center console with red stitching
- Sports dark headliner
The ST-Line doesn’t add heated seats or remote start as standard — those come through the Cold Weather Package. And the 13.2” touchscreen upgrade requires Tech Pack #1. But the ST-Line delivers the most distinctive visual character in the non-hybrid Escape lineup at its price point.
What is the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Select?
The ST-Line Select is where the Escape lineup takes a meaningful step forward — in powertrain options, standard equipment, and capability. It is AWD only and is the first trim in the lineup where you can choose between the 2.0L EcoBoost® and the 2.5L Hybrid.
What ST-Line Select adds over ST-Line:
- AWD standard — no FWD option
- Engine choice: 2.0L EcoBoost® (401A) or 2.5L Hybrid (400A)
- LED fog lamps — standard
- Body color and heated mirrors — standard
- Power liftgate — standard
- Heated front seats — standard
- Heated steering wheel — standard
- Illuminated vanity mirrors — standard
- Power windows front and rear with one-touch up/down — standard
- Remote Start System — standard
- Electronic fuel door release (Hybrid) — standard
- Mini Spare Wheel (Hybrid) — standard
- Pedestrian Alert Sounder (Hybrid) — standard
Available on ST-Line Select: Tech Pack #1 (Co-Pilot360™ Assist+, 13.2” screen, Connected Navigation), Tech Pack #2 (adds 360-Degree Camera, 10-way power driver, 12.3” cluster, B&O® sound, wireless charging, memory package), Panoramic Vista Roof®, Class II Trailer Tow Package (536), 19” Machined-face Ebony-painted Aluminum wheels.
What does the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite include?
The ST-Line Elite is the premium tier of the ST-Line family — AWD only, engine choice between 2.0L EcoBoost® and 2.5L Hybrid, and a significantly upgraded standard equipment list over ST-Line Select.
What ST-Line Elite adds over ST-Line Select:
- Body color front and rear fascia and rocker panels
- Painted front and rear bumpers
- Black mesh grille — upper and lower
- 19” Machined-face Ebony-painted aluminum wheels — standard
- 225/55R19 All-Season tires (upgrade from 18”)
- 12.3” Digital Productivity Screen cluster — standard
- Memory Package: driver’s seat and driver/front passenger sideview mirrors — standard
- 10-Way Heated Power Driver Seat (Fore/Aft, Up/Down, Tilt, Power Lumbar, Power Recline) — standard
- 6-Way Heated Power Passenger — standard
- Unique interior accents (door and instrument panel)
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror — standard
- LED Light Bar headlamps — standard
- Perimeter alarm — standard
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ — standard (full suite including Connected Navigation 1-year included)
- Wireless Charging Pad — standard
- SYNC® 4 with 13.2” touchscreen — standard
- Universal Garage Door Opener — standard
Available on ST-Line Elite: Premium Technology Package (adds 360-Degree Camera, B&O® sound, head-up display, front parking sensors, reverse brake assist, ActiveX® seats with quilting and red stitching), 19” Ebony-painted aluminum wheels, Panoramic Vista Roof®, Class II Trailer Tow Package.
What makes the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum the top trim?
The Platinum is the flagship of the 2026 Escape lineup — AWD only, engine choice between 2.0L EcoBoost® and 2.5L Hybrid, and the most comprehensive standard equipment list in the lineup. For 2026, Platinum AWD Hybrid is now standard on the 600A order code — a change from the previous model year.
Platinum standard highlights (over ST-Line Elite):
- AWD only — 2.0L EcoBoost® (601A) or 2.5L Hybrid (600A)
- Chrome beltline molding — standard
- 19” Ebony-painted Machined-face aluminum wheels — standard (new for 2026 on Platinum)
- 225/55R19 All-Season tires
- ActiveX® trimmed seats with Mini-Perforation — standard
- 10-Way Heated Power Driver Seat with Memory — standard
- 6-Way Heated Power Passenger — standard
- Heated steering wheel — standard
- Remote Start System — standard
- Wireless Charging Pad — standard
- Power liftgate — standard
- 12.3” Digital Productivity Screen cluster — standard
- Memory Package — standard
- LED Light Bar headlamps — standard
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror — standard
- Perimeter alarm — standard
- Universal Garage Door Opener — standard
- Unique interior accents — standard
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ with Connected Navigation (1-year included) — standard
- SYNC® 4 with 13.2” touchscreen — standard
- Roof-rack side rails — standard
Available on Platinum: Premium Technology Package (adds 360-Degree Camera with Split View, B&O® sound system, head-up display, front parking sensors, reverse brake assist, ActiveX® seats with quilting), Panoramic Vista Roof®, Class II Trailer Tow Package, Engine Block Heater.
Which engines are available on which 2026 Escape trims?
The 2026 Escape has four powertrain options across the lineup. Engine availability is tied directly to trim selection — you cannot get every engine on every trim.
| Trim | Available Engines | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Active | 1.5L EcoBoost® only | FWD or AWD |
| PHEV | 2.5L PHEV only | FWD only |
| ST-Line | 1.5L EcoBoost® only | FWD or AWD |
| ST-Line Select | 2.0L EcoBoost® or 2.5L Hybrid | AWD only |
| ST-Line Elite | 2.0L EcoBoost® or 2.5L Hybrid | AWD only |
| Platinum | 2.0L EcoBoost® or 2.5L Hybrid | AWD only |
Note: HP, torque, and fuel economy figures are listed as TBD in the 2026 Escape order guide and are not confirmed at time of publication. We will update this guide when official EPA figures are released.
If a hybrid powertrain matters to you, the trim path is clear — ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, or Platinum. The 2.5L Hybrid is not available on Active, PHEV (which has its own hybrid system), or ST-Line. The 2.0L EcoBoost® is likewise exclusive to the upper three non-PHEV trims.
2026 Ford Escape trim comparison — key differences at a glance
| Feature | Active | PHEV | ST-Line | ST-Line Select | ST-Line Elite | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L | 2.5L PHEV | 1.5L | 2.0L or 2.5L Hybrid | 2.0L or 2.5L Hybrid | 2.0L or 2.5L Hybrid |
| Drive | FWD/AWD | FWD only | FWD/AWD | AWD only | AWD only | AWD only |
| Heated Front Seats | w/ Cold Weather Pkg | ✓ Standard | w/ Cold Weather Pkg | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard |
| Heated Steering Wheel | w/ Cold Weather Pkg | ✓ Standard | w/ Cold Weather Pkg | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard |
| Remote Start | w/ Cold Weather Pkg | ✓ Standard | w/ Cold Weather Pkg | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard |
| Power Liftgate | Optional | ✓ Standard | Optional | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard |
| Wireless Charging | w/ Premium Tech Pack | w/ Premium Package | — | w/ Tech Pack #2 | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard |
| 12.3” Cluster Display | w/ Premium Tech Pack | w/ Premium Package | — | w/ Tech Pack #2 | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard |
| 13.2” Touchscreen | w/ Tech Pack | ✓ Standard | w/ Tech Pack #1 | w/ Tech Pack | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard |
| Towing (Class II) | — | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| LED Light Bar Headlamps | — | — | — | — | ✓ Standard | ✓ Standard |
Which 2026 Ford Escape trim is right for you?
Here’s how we’d frame it for buyers we talk to at Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson and across the central Minnesota area:
Active — Best for: maximum value, FWD option, package flexibility
The most customizable trim in the lineup. If you want FWD and a lower entry price, or you want to build the exact package configuration you need, the Active is the right starting point.
PHEV — Best for: maximum fuel efficiency, plug-in capability, daily commuters
The plug-in hybrid powertrain with a strong standard equipment list. If you want the best possible fuel cost story and don’t need AWD, the PHEV is purpose-built for that buyer.
ST-Line — Best for: sporty styling, FWD or AWD, 1.5L efficiency
The most visually distinctive trim in the gas lineup. Sport seats, red stitching, black exterior accents, and an 8-way power driver seat without a powertrain upgrade.
ST-Line Select — Best for: AWD + hybrid option, standard heated features, mid-range value
The entry point into the larger engines and AWD-standard territory. Heated seats, steering wheel, remote start, and power liftgate all standard — and your first chance to get the 2.5L Hybrid.
ST-Line Elite — Best for: premium features standard, sporty character, wireless charging
The best-equipped sporty Escape. Wireless charging, 12.3” cluster, LED Light Bar headlamps, memory seat, and Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ with Connected Navigation all standard.
Platinum — Best for: top-of-the-line, ActiveX® interior, full standard equipment
The most fully loaded Escape available. ActiveX® seats, the longest standard equipment list in the lineup, and the cleanest exterior character. For the buyer who wants everything without having to build it up through packages.
If you’re in Hutchinson, Willmar, Litchfield, Glencoe, or anywhere in the central Minnesota area and want to walk through these trims in person, our team at Jay Malone Ford is ready to help. We’re family-owned since 2005 and we’ll never charge extra to locate the exact trim and configuration you want. For a full overview of the 2026 Escape lineup, visit our 2026 Ford Escape page.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Ford Escape comes in six trims: Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum.
- FWD is only available on Active, ST-Line, and PHEV. ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum are AWD only.
- The 1.5L EcoBoost® is exclusive to Active and ST-Line. The 2.0L EcoBoost® and 2.5L Hybrid are only available on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum.
- The PHEV is FWD only — it is not available with AWD in any configuration.
- Class II Trailer Tow Package is not available on Active or ST-Line — only on PHEV, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum.
- Heated seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start are standard from ST-Line Select up. On Active and ST-Line, they require the Cold Weather Package.
- 2026 is the final model year for the Ford Escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trims does the 2026 Ford Escape come in?
The 2026 Ford Escape comes in six trims: Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum.
Does the 2026 Ford Escape come in FWD?
Yes — but only on the Active, ST-Line, and PHEV trims. ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum are AWD only. The PHEV is the only hybrid or plug-in hybrid Escape available in FWD.
Which Escape trims have the 2.5L Hybrid engine?
The 2.5L Hybrid is available on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. It is not available on Active, ST-Line, or the PHEV (which uses a different plug-in hybrid system).
Can you tow with a 2026 Ford Escape?
Yes — on PHEV, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package (option 536). The Active and ST-Line do not have a tow package available.
Does the 2026 Escape have wireless charging?
Yes — wireless charging is available or standard on most trims. It is standard on ST-Line Elite and Platinum. It is available on Active through the Active Premium Tech Pack (66N), on PHEV through the PHEV Premium Package (66H), and on ST-Line Select through Tech Pack #2 (68C). It is not available on the base ST-Line trim.
Is 2026 the last year for the Ford Escape?
Yes. 2026 is the final model year for the Ford Escape. If you’ve been considering an Escape, this is the last opportunity to buy one new. Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson carries the 2026 Escape and can help you find the exact trim and configuration you want — we never charge extra to locate a vehicle.
The 2026 Escape is one of the most versatile compact SUV lineups Ford has offered — six trims, four powertrains, FWD and AWD options, and a wide range of package configurations. It’s a genuinely flexible vehicle that fits a lot of different buyers, and it’s going out on a strong note as the final model year. If you want to talk through which trim makes the most sense for your situation, I’m happy to help. Stop in at Jay Malone Ford at 1165 Highway 7 West in Hutchinson, give us a call at (320) 587-4748, or browse our current inventory online. We’ll find the right one.
Ready to see the full lineup? Visit our 2026 Ford Escape overview page.
About the Author
I’m Jordan Malone-Forst, Assistant General Manager at Jay Malone Motors in Hutchinson, MN. I’m proud to be part of the family business my dad Jay started in 2005 — and even prouder to serve the community I grew up in. When I’m not at the dealership, you’ll find me involved with the Hutchinson Ambassadors and Chamber of Commerce. If you have questions about any Ford vehicle or want to talk through your options, reach out — I’d love to help.