Ford Escape Pricing Revealed for Final Year—Should You Still Buy It?
Ford has confirmed that the Escape will see an abbreviated run for the 2026 model year before production ends completely. This is a significant decision for a compact crossover that was once a key rival to the Toyota RAV4. Now, the question for buyers is: Should you still consider purchasing one, especially since the 2026 model is seeing several price increases with very few corresponding advantages?
2026 Price Hikes and Drops
The 2026 Ford Escape is now generally more expensive than the 2025 version. Well-equipped trims like the Platinum and ST-Line Elite are pricier by over $2,000. This increase is partially due to the ST-Line and Platinum hybrid models being offered exclusively with AWD (All-Wheel Drive) and no longer being available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). However, the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) variant sees a welcome price drop of $2,000, making it the biggest saving in the lineup.
Here is a summary of the pricing changes:
| Trim | 2026 Price | Change from 2025 | Key Change |
| Active | $30,350 | +$835 | Minor Increase |
| ST-Line | $31,195 | +$835 | Minor Increase |
| ST-Line Select | $35,015 | +$1,820 | Significant Increase |
| Platinum | $37,940 | +$2,030 | Significant Increase |
| ST-Line Elite Hybrid | $37,210 | -$900 | Hybrid price drop |
| PHEV | $35,400 | -$2,000 | Biggest Price Drop |
Sales Restrictions and Market Competition
The 2026 Escape faces a major sales limitation: it will not be sold or registered in six states that follow California’s stricter emissions standards (California, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts). This drastically reduces its market availability. This issue, combined with the fact that its age shows in below-par interior quality, makes it a less appealing competitor in a segment filled with newer rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.
Final Verdict for Buyers
The Escape remains an average competitor in a segment brimming with talent. The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) may be the only variant truly worth considering, as few crossovers at its price point offer a decent all-electric range. However, for most buyers, the imminent discontinuation and the higher price on non-PHEV models suggest that better, more modern, and more polished alternatives are available elsewhere.
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