The New 2026 Ford Escape

A compact SUV still has to do real work. Properly equipped, EcoBoost models can tow up to 3,500 lbs, which covers a small boat or light utility trailer for lake days. Prefer the hybrid? The Hybrid model can be flat-towed behind an RV without overcharging the battery – perfect for road-trippers headed past Dyess Airforce Base and out into West Texas.

On the efficiency front, the numbers speak for themselves: up to 42/36 mpg (city/hwy) for the hybrid AWD and 101 MPGe for the Plug-In Hybrid. Translation: fewer fuel stops, more time doing what you want. The Escape’s compact footprint slips easily into tight parking at the grocery store or downtown cars for sale in Abilene TX lots, yet the chassis feels settled and secure at interstate speed.

• 1.5L EcoBoost® (FWD or AWD): Lively and efficient, rated at 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm. Light on its feet around town, composed on the highway, and paired with Auto Start-Stop Technology to trim fuel use in traffic.

• 2.0L EcoBoost® (AWD): For drivers who want extra punch, this engine steps up to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It’s the one to pick if you’ll tow more often or want the strongest passing power.

• 2.5L Hybrid (FWD or AWD): The escape hybrid blends gas and electric for 192 total system hp and standout economy – EPA-est. 42 city/36 hwy/39 combined MPG with AWD. Regenerative braking recovers energy you’d normally lose, so you save without changing your routine.

• 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid (FWD): The PHEV adds 210 total system hp and an EPA-estimated 37-mile all-electric range, plus 101 MPGe combined. Charge at home with the included Level 1 cord (120V), or drive it like a regular hybrid when you can’t plug in.

Selectable Drive Modes help the Escape adapt on the fly. Normal smooths it all out for daily use, Eco prioritizes efficiency, Sport sharpens responses, and Slippery adds confidence when the weather isn’t cooperating. If you commute in Abilene and weekend in San Angelo, you’ll appreciate how quickly the Escape toggles from relaxed to responsive.

“Right-size” is the Escape’s superpower. There’s generous space for five and up to 65.4 cu ft of cargo room with the second row folded – plenty for sports gear, a big Costco run, or luggage for a family weekend. The cabin is cleanly designed with smart touches: an available 13.2-inch center display, an intuitive rotary gear shift dial that frees up console space, and lots of small-item storage for the things that follow you into the car.

Seat comfort is a highlight. The ST-Line Sport Contour Bucket Seats add support and style with contrast stitching, while higher trims introduce heated seats and a heated steering wheel for winter mornings. Materials feel upscale where your hands fall most often, and road noise stays impressively hushed – one of the reasons many shoppers trade “bigger” for “better.”

The 2026 Escape has the kind of design that reads “modern” without trying too hard. Up front, the available LED light-bar creates a distinctive signature, while the Power Liftgate makes cargo access effortless from the key fob, dash, or hatch button. Wheel designs range up to 19-inch on premium trims, and the paint palette hits classic and contemporary notes:

Exterior colors include Agate Black Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Oxford White, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Space Silver Metallic, Vapor Blue Metallic (premium).

If you like a sportier vibe, the ST-Line family delivers: black mesh grille, red stitching, sport seats, and unique wheel finishes. Prefer premium? The Escape Platinum™ dresses the SUV with chrome beltline trim, LED fog lamps, and 19-inch Ebony-painted machined-face wheels, a clean, elevated look that still feels right at a ford dealer known for helping families and commuters.

The tech story is simple: everything you need is easy to use and front and center. SYNC® 4 runs the available 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Alexa Built-in, and Enhanced Voice Recognition. Add Connected Navigation for live traffic, parking info, Yelp reviews, and charger locations if you’re also eyeing a Ford EV.

Ford Co-Pilot360® stacks on driver assistance. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering eases I-20 traffic, while BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert helps in busy lots. The available 360-Degree Camera handles tight maneuvers, and the 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot connects devices up to 50 feet away. FordPass® ties it all together—check status, find your Escape, and schedule service from your phone.

Six trims mean you can choose your personality: sporty, premium, or ultra-efficient. Below are featured highlights; additional packages and options are available at Arrow Ford.

If most of your day is local, the PHEV’s 37-mile all-electric range can cover a lot without touching gas. With 210 total system hp, it’s quick in traffic, and when the battery’s depleted it behaves like a regular hybrid. Charge at home overnight with the included Level 1 cord; keep fuel for quick road-trip flexibility.

A smart entry point with the 1.5L EcoBoost®, available AWD, BLIS®, and practical touches like a 6-way driver’s seat. The value play for drivers who want the right features and Ford’s reputation for durability– plus easy upgrade paths if you decide you want more later.

The enthusiast’s daily driver look: red stitching, 18-inch Rock Metallic-painted wheels, and a sportier cabin vibe. The 1.5L EcoBoost® keeps it light on its feet; available AWD adds four-season confidence for weekend trails or rainy-day commutes between Sweetwater and Abilene.

Moves up to standard AWD, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a power liftgate, everything you want for busy weeks and cold mornings. Pick the 2.0L EcoBoost® for stronger passing or the hybrid for long-term fuel savings; either way, it’s a sweet spot for feature-to-price.

Performance feel and premium tech converge here with the available 2.0L EcoBoost® or hybrid, standard AWD, and the 13.2-inch display. Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ brings in Adaptive Cruise Control and more – ideal if your “ford near me” search really means a lot of highway time.

Polished and quiet with upscale detailing: chrome beltline molding, LED fog lamps, and premium wheels. Choose hybrid for standout MPG or the 2.0L EcoBoost® for effortless highway power. If you want a compact SUV that still feels luxury-leaning, Platinum’s your lane.

Because this is what we do, we pair people with the right Ford, then support them for the long haul. If you’re browsing used car dealerships Abilene TX or “cars for sale in Abilene TX,” start where the expertise is.

Shopping pre-owned? Our team can compare new Ford SUVs with used Ford SUVs to find your best value. When it’s time for maintenance, our service team can handle everything from routine care to ford AC service; and if life happens, our ford body shop can help get your Escape back to looking new.

Explore inventory and start your plan with Arrow Ford. Check out used Ford options , schedule service or repairs, and more. Begin the conversation with our finance team and keep it simple with ford finance that fits your monthly reality. To learn more about the 2026 Ford Escape, visit our Escape Research Hub. For a broader look at Ford’s lineup, explore Arrow Ford’s homepage.

Can I finance a new Escape or used Ford SUV at Arrow Ford?

Absolutely. The Ford finance team can assist with both new escape and used ford purchases through their finance center.

Is Arrow Ford a good option for used car dealerships in Abilene, TX?

Yes, if you're comparing used car dealerships Abilene TX, Arrow Ford offers used Ford SUVs and other cars for sale in Abilene TX.

Where can I service my Ford Escape near Abilene or San Angelo?

Arrow Ford provides maintenance and Ford AC service at their certified service center convenient to drivers in Abilene, Sweetwater, and San Angelo.

Does Arrow Ford offer repairs or collision work for the Escape?

Yes, the dealership’s Ford bodyshop handles repairs, paintwork, and restoration for the Ford Escape and other models.

Can I explore electric and hybrid Ford vehicles in addition to the Escape?

You can browse Ford electric cars and hybrid options through Arrow Ford’s EV & Hybrid hub, including the 2026 Escape plug-in model.