We've been hearing talk about Ford retiring the Escape for a while, and it finally looks like those reports were spot on. While it managed to stick around for the 2025 model year, 2026 is officially the end of the road. Ford is moving away from this long-running SUV to put more energy into their upcoming electric vehicles. Wondering whether to buy the 2025 Ford Escape or wait for 2026? Here is the lowdown on its last two years of production.
Key Takeaways
- 2026 marks the final production run before an unannounced EV takes over its spot.
- Stricter environmental rules mean you won't find the Escape in six states.
- Ford hasn't rolled out any big updates to the Escape for the past two years.
Emission Standards and the Ford Escape
Because of new emissions standards, the 2026 Escape is not available nationwide. If you're shopping in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, or Washington, you won't see it on the lot. If you live in one of those areas but really want one of these final models, you'll have to look at dealerships elsewhere. However, Ford keeps the 2025 model available with standard emissions gear, so don't expect a specialized 2026 version to show up in those restricted markets.
Changes for the Escape in 2025 vs. 2026
Since Ford is winding down the assembly lines, they aren't spending money on major redesigns or new trim levels. The biggest shift for this year is with the hybrid--you can no longer get it with front-wheel drive, as all hybrids are now strictly all-wheel drive.
It might seem like a small detail, but it's a notable change for a powertrain that's been around since 2019. The hybrid even made it through the big 2023 refresh that added the ST-Line style. Now, as the Escape enters its final months, the hybrid is actually taking up a larger portion of the remaining builds. Since the end was already planned, 2025 was also a carryover year with no real changes.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Escape |
2025 Ford Escape |
| All hybrid models now come standard with all-wheel drive |
Hybrid models still offered with front-wheel drive |
| No major trim or design changes as model nears end of production |
No significant updates; carried over from prior model year |
| Hybrid takes up a larger portion of final production units |
Hybrid availability remained unchanged from previous year |
A Look at the Escape's Engine Lineup
For its final year, the Escape still gives you four ways to go: two gas engines, a standard hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The regular hybrid produces 192 horsepower, comes with all-wheel drive, and can get up to 39 mpg. If you go for the plug-in hybrid, you get 210 horsepower and the ability to handle short trips on battery power alone.
If you prefer a traditional gas engine, there's a 180-hp turbo three-cylinder that uses an 8-speed automatic and offers either front- or all-wheel drive. If you want more speed, the 250-hp turbo four-cylinder is the top choice. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and gives the SUV a much more energetic feel without losing any of its daily comfort.
Your Last Chance to Grab an Escape
The 2026 Escape changes nothing as it heads for retirement, but it still offers the same versatile features that made it popular for so long. This is the final opportunity to get one, and in certain parts of the country, they aren't available at all. As production stops, finding one on the lot is only going to get tougher. If you've been considering an Escape, now is the time to make a move--reach out to Karl Flammer today!