If you're shopping for a compact SUV in Ontario, the 2026 Ford Escape offers four distinct powertrains, six trim levels, and the flexibility to match your commute, towing needs, or fuel goals. Whether navigating Barrie's winter roads or hauling gear to cottage country, the Escape lineup has a version built for how you drive.
The Escape continues with the platform redesigned for 2025, offering two EcoBoost gas engines, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. All trims seat five and include Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features and SYNC 4 infotainment as standard.
The 2026 Escape is available in six trims: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid. Each trim pairs with specific powertrain options, with most offering front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Active is the entry point with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in FWD or AWD. It includes 17-inch alloy wheels, SYNC 4 with 8-inch touchscreen, Blind Spot Information System, and cloth seating.
ST-Line adds sport styling with unique exterior accents, 18-inch wheels, and red interior stitching. Available with 1.5L EcoBoost (FWD or AWD) or 2.0L EcoBoost (AWD only).
ST-Line Select builds on ST-Line with heated front seats, heated sport steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and power driver's seat. AWD-only with 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost.
ST-Line Elite is the top sport trim, featuring 2.0L EcoBoost AWD, digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and available 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen.
Platinum shifts to luxury with leather seating, 19-inch wheels, and premium audio. Available with 2.0L EcoBoost AWD or 2.5L hybrid (FWD or AWD).
Plug-in Hybrid is a dedicated trim with 2.5L Atkinson-cycle PHEV powertrain rated at 210 hp, offering up to 60 km all-electric range. FWD-only with unique 19-inch wheels and PHEV badging.
The Active pairs the 1.5L EcoBoost engine (180 hp, 199 lb-ft torque) with an 8-speed automatic. Fuel economy: 8.0 L/100 km combined FWD (8.9 city, 6.9 highway), 8.4 L/100 km AWD (9.2 city, 7.4 highway). Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
Inside: cloth seating, sliding second row, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and 1,851 litres cargo capacity with seats folded. SYNC 4 includes 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six-speaker audio.
Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard: Blind Spot Information System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, lane-keeping system, and rearview camera.
Built for buyers wanting AWD capability and modern safety tech without premium features.
ST-Line trims feature sport styling, sport-tuned suspension, and red interior stitching.
ST-Line offers 1.5L EcoBoost (FWD or AWD) or 2.0L EcoBoost (AWD). The 2.0L produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft torque, towing up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg) with Class II Trailer Tow Package. Fuel economy: 9.1 L/100 km combined (10.2 city, 7.6 highway).
ST-Line Select (AWD-only) adds heated front seats, heated sport steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and power driver's seat. Available with 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost.
ST-Line Elite pairs 2.0L EcoBoost AWD with digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and available 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen. Includes Connected Navigation, SiriusXM 360L, wireless charging, and available 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control.
All ST-Line trims include 18-inch wheels (19-inch on Elite), LED lighting, and panoramic moonroof. Sport-tuned suspension delivers sharper handling without sacrificing ride comfort.
The 2.0L EcoBoost AWD is ideal for buyers needing towing capability and spirited driving dynamics.
Platinum offers leather seating, 19-inch wheels, and premium materials. Available with 2.0L EcoBoost AWD or 2.5L hybrid (FWD or AWD).
The 2.5L hybrid produces 192 hp with eCVT transmission, returning 6.0 L/100 km combined (5.6 city, 6.5 highway) in both FWD and AWD.
Includes heated front seats, power liftgate, and available 13.2-inch SYNC 4 with Connected Navigation. Available B&O audio, ambient lighting, digital instrument cluster, and wireless charging.
Towing: 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg) with 2.0L EcoBoost AWD; 1,500 lbs (680 kg) with hybrid.
Built for buyers wanting upscale materials with optional hybrid powertrain.
The PHEV pairs a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motor and battery (210 hp total). Rated at 2.3 Le/100 km combined with up to 60 km all-electric range. When battery depletes, operates as hybrid: 5.9 L/100 km combined (5.6 city, 6.3 highway).
Cargo capacity: 1,722 litres with seats folded (battery pack raises load floor slightly). Towing: 1,500 lbs (680 kg). FWD-only.
Includes unique 19-inch wheels, PHEV badging, SYNC 4, and Ford Co-Pilot360.
Best for buyers with short commutes and home charging access willing to trade AWD for maximum electric range.
Active AWD: Best for buyers prioritizing winter traction and cargo flexibility at the lowest price.
ST-Line with 2.0L EcoBoost AWD: Only configuration delivering 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg) towing capacity with Class II Trailer Tow Package. Ideal for towing boats, campers, or trailers.
Platinum Hybrid: Returns 6.0 L/100 km combined (FWD or AWD) with leather seating and premium tech.
Plug-in Hybrid: Up to 60 km all-electric range and 2.3 Le/100 km combined. Best for short commutes with home charging access. Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
ST-Line Elite: Sharpest handling, most advanced tech, and 2.0L EcoBoost AWD for performance-focused buyers.
The 2026 Ford Escape offers strong powertrain and trim flexibility. ST-Line trims deliver sport styling and handling, while Platinum and Plug-in Hybrid focus on refinement.
Visit Bayfield Ford in Barrie to compare the Escape lineup and find the trim and powertrain matching your driving needs.
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