2026 Ford Escape Hybrid: 2026 might be your last chance to purchase a Ford Escape Hybrid if you’ve had your eye on one. Yes, the Escape, the SUV that helped establish the hybrid crossover market more than 20 years ago, is officially coming to an end. Does it, however still stand up to the very competitive hybrid SUV market of today, even in its last year? Let’s investigate.
A Quick Look at What’s New
The short answer not much. The Escape Hybrid carries over almost entirely from the 2025 model. The real headline here is that this is the last model year. With the rugged Bronco Sport and Ford’s upcoming small electric pickup taking center stage, the Escape quietly bows out.
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Pricing: Where It Starts and Ends
The Escape Hybrid competes effectively against hybrid like the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V despite being more expensive. The breakdown is as follow:
- $35,085 for ST-Line Select
- $36,895 for a plug in hybrid (PHEV)
- $37,410 for Platinum (Best Value)
- $38,405 for ST-Line Elite
The Platinum trim is a good choice if you want the best combination of features and affordability. Parking sensors, heated seat a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control are all available to you.
Performance: Smooth, But Not Sporty
The Escape Hybrid can have one of two hybrid drivetrain:
- Conventional Hybrid: 192 horsepower
- Plug in Hybrid (PHEV): 201 horsepower and 37 mile of all electric range
Both employ a CVT transmission and provide a smooth, comfortable driving experience. It’s ideal for weekend road trips, school run and metropolitan commutes, yet it won’t make your heart race.
- 0–60 mph: 7.7 seconds (not sporty, but faster than the Honda CR-V Hybrid)
Fuel Economy: The Real Reason You’ll Buy It
The Escape Hybrid’s greatest selling feature is still its fuel efficiency:
- Conventional Hybrid: 36 mpg on the interstate and 42 mpg in the city
- Plug in Hybrid (PHEV): 101 mpg when running on electricity, 40 mpg when the battery runs out
In our highway tests, the PHEV achieved 84 MPGe and provided 30 miles of electric only driving which is a significant benefit for regular commute or short trips.
Interior and Tech: Mixed Bag
The spacious inside has good technology but it also has some low-quality plastics that make it clear this isn’t a premium SUV.
- Infotainment: large 13.2 inch screen (optional/high trim) or 8.0 inch touchscreen
- Wireless connectivity both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Audio: 6 speaker standard, 10 speaker B&O upgrade
Cargo space? Pretty solid: 21 carry-ons with the seats down. Just note the PHEV has a slightly smaller trunk due to its battery pack.
Safety First
Standard driver-assist tech includes:
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot monitoring
Want adaptive cruise control or parking assist? You’ll need to pay extra or step up to higher trim.
Coverage Under Warranty
- 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty
- 60,000 miles and five years of powertrain
- 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery
- Free maintenance: Not included
Compared to rival like Toyota this is a slight drawback.
Final Thought
For Ford fans or those looking for a basic hybrid SUV the Ford Escape Hybrid is a dependable and fuel-efficient choice. In example the PHEV has a remarkable electric-only range. Nevertheless, the Escape seems a little out of date given that rivals like Honda, Toyota and Hyundai offer more sophisticated and feature-rich hybrids.
Nevertheless this is your final opportunity to own a piece of hybrid SUV history if you have been holding out.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Ford Escape Hybrid worth buying?
A1: Yes especially the PHEV model if fuel efficiency and Ford familiarity are priorities. But it may feel dated compare to newer hybrid.
Q2: What is the Escape Hybrid speed?
A: It take 7.7 second to accelerate from 0 to 60 mile per hour. It is rather smooth and comfortable driving than sporty.
Q3: What are the different trim and their price?
A: ST Line Select ($35,085), PHEV ($36,895), Platinum ($37,410), ST Line Elite ($38405).
Also Read: 10 Best Electric Cars in the U.S. That Do Everything Well