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The Ford Escape has been one of the most popular compact SUVs in America for more than two decades — and for good reason. It delivers a versatile, comfortable, and well-equipped package in a size that works for daily commuters, small families, and drivers who want something more maneuverable than a full-size SUV. The 2026 Escape offers one of the widest powertrain lineups in its class: a 1.5L gas engine, a 2.0L gas engine, a self-charging hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid — across six distinct trims. At Jay Malone Ford in Hutchinson, MN, we carry the full Escape lineup and will help you find the exact configuration you want.
Why the Ford Escape?
The Escape sits in the compact SUV class and delivers a refined everyday driving experience with more powertrain flexibility than most vehicles in its segment. It’s not trying to be an off-road machine — it’s built for the buyer who wants a comfortable, well-equipped, fuel-efficient SUV that handles everything from the daily commute to a weekend trip without asking much in return.
For central Minnesota buyers, the Escape’s AWD availability across multiple trims and its wide range of powertrain options make it a practical choice for four seasons of driving. And for buyers who’ve been considering a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, the Escape offers both — with the self-charging 2.5L Hybrid available in AWD, and the PHEV available for those who want to plug in.
The Ford Escape trim lineup
The Escape is available in six trims, each with a distinct character and powertrain availability:
Active
The entry point. SYNC® 4, Ford Co-Pilot360™, dual-zone climate, FWD standard with AWD available. The most package-flexible trim in the lineup.
1.5L EcoBoost® · FWD or AWD
PHEV
The plug-in hybrid. Electric-range capability, heated seats, remote start, and 13.2” touchscreen standard. Built for the commuter who wants to minimize fuel costs.
2.5L PHEV · FWD only
ST-Line
The sporty trim. Black mesh grille, red stitching throughout, 18” Rock Metallic wheels, sport bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat. FWD or AWD.
1.5L EcoBoost® · FWD or AWD
ST-Line Select
AWD standard. Heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, power liftgate, LED fog lamps — all standard. Choose 2.0L gas or 2.5L Hybrid.
2.0L EcoBoost® or 2.5L Hybrid · AWD only
ST-Line Elite
The premium sporty tier. 12.3” cluster, LED Light Bar headlamps, wireless charging, memory seat, 19” wheels, and Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ with Connected Navigation — all standard.
2.0L EcoBoost® or 2.5L Hybrid · AWD only
Platinum
The flagship. ActiveX® trimmed seats, 19” Ebony-painted wheels, wireless charging, remote start, LED Light Bar headlamps, memory seat, and the most comprehensive standard equipment list in the lineup.
2.0L EcoBoost® or 2.5L Hybrid · AWD only
For a complete breakdown of every trim’s standard equipment, available packages, and a side-by-side comparison, visit our 2026 Ford Escape page.
Ford Escape powertrain options
The Escape lineup includes four distinct powertrains. Your powertrain choice directly affects which trims are available and whether AWD is an option — so it’s one of the first decisions to make when shopping the Escape.
| Engine | Type | Available On | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L EcoBoost® | Gas | Active, ST-Line | FWD or AWD |
| 2.0L EcoBoost® | Gas | ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum | AWD only |
| 2.5L Hybrid | Self-charging Hybrid | ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum | AWD only |
| 2.5L PHEV | Plug-In Hybrid | PHEV trim only | FWD only |
The key constraint to know: if you want AWD and a hybrid powertrain together, the 2.5L Hybrid on the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, or Platinum is the only path. The PHEV is FWD only in every configuration.
Technology and safety on the Ford Escape
Every 2026 Escape comes standard with SYNC® 4, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, a 4G Modem with Ford app remote features, and Ford Co-Pilot360™ — which includes Auto High Beam, BLIS® with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear View Camera, and Road Departure Warning.
Upper trims step up to Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering Assist, Connected Navigation (1-year included), and Rear Parking Sensors. The available Tech Pack #2 on ST-Line Select and the Premium Technology Package on ST-Line Elite and Platinum add Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist 2.0 with a 360-Degree Camera with Split View, Front Parking Sensors, and Reverse Brake Assist.
Shop Ford Escape inventory at Jay Malone Ford
Browse our current Escape inventory below. If you don’t see the exact trim, powertrain, or color combination you want — tell us. We specialize in locating the right vehicle for every buyer and we never charge extra to do it.
Why buy your Escape from Jay Malone Ford?
Jay Malone Ford has been family-owned and operated in Hutchinson, MN since 2005. Jay, Jake, and Jordan Malone have built this dealership on a simple foundation — treat every customer like a neighbor, not a transaction. We’ve been voted Best Place to Buy a Vehicle, Best Auto Mechanic, Best Place to Buy Tires, and Best Auto Body Shop in Hutchinson.
We serve buyers from Hutchinson, Willmar, Litchfield, Glencoe, Waconia, Silver Lake, Winsted, Dassel, New Ulm, and communities all across central Minnesota. Find us at 1165 Highway 7 West — or call (320) 587-4748. Our motto is Your Dealer for Life — and we mean it.
Key Facts About the Ford Escape
- Six trims: Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum
- Four powertrain options: 1.5L gas, 2.0L gas, 2.5L Hybrid, and 2.5L PHEV
- AWD available on Active and ST-Line; standard on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum
- The PHEV is FWD only — no AWD option available on that trim
- The 2.5L Hybrid with AWD is the only hybrid AWD configuration in the lineup
- Class II Trailer Tow Package available on PHEV, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum
- SYNC® 4 and Ford Co-Pilot360™ standard on every trim
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ford Escape come in AWD?
Yes — AWD is available or standard on most trims. Active and ST-Line offer AWD as an option alongside FWD. ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum are AWD only. The PHEV trim is FWD only in every configuration.
Does the Ford Escape come in a hybrid?
Yes — two hybrid options. The 2.5L Hybrid is a self-charging AWD hybrid available on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. The 2.5L PHEV is a plug-in hybrid available on the PHEV trim in FWD only. Each has different capabilities — if you want AWD and a hybrid together, the 2.5L Hybrid is the right choice.
Can the Ford Escape tow a trailer?
Yes — the Class II Trailer Tow Package is available on the PHEV, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims. It is not available on the Active or ST-Line. Contact Jay Malone Ford for towing capacity details.
How many trims does the Ford Escape come in?
The Ford Escape is available in six trims: Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum.
Does Jay Malone Ford locate specific Escape trims and powertrains?
Yes. If we don’t have the exact Escape trim, powertrain, or color you want in stock, we’ll locate it for you — and we never charge extra to do it. Contact us at 1165 Highway 7 West in Hutchinson, MN or call (320) 587-4748.