2026 Ford Escape at Performance Ford Bountiful

The Ford Escape has long been a favorite among drivers in Bountiful, Utah, for its perfect blend of capability, efficiency, and size. For the 2026 model year, Ford has significantly updated the Escape, introducing refreshed styling, enhanced technology, and streamlined powertrain options that make it more compelling than ever before. This is far more than a simple refresh; it’s an evolution of a trusted nameplate designed to meet the demands of modern driving, whether you’re navigating the I-15 commute or heading up to the mountains.

At Performance Ford Bountiful, we are excited to showcase how the 2026 Ford Escape builds upon its heritage with a focus on interior refinement and advanced capability. From standard connectivity features to a rationalized powertrain lineup, the 2026 Escape is poised to be the smart, practical, and highly versatile choice in the compact SUV segment.

Driving Dynamics and Comprehensive Powertrain Breakdown

The 2026 Ford Escape offers a strategic mix of gasoline and hybrid powertrains, ensuring there is a compelling option for every driver’s priority—be it fuel economy, spirited performance, or all-electric capability. Ford has focused on making the most capable options more readily available, which is excellent news for Utah drivers.

Gasoline Engine Options

1.5-Liter EcoBoost I-3 Engine

Configuration: Turbocharged 1.5L Inline 3-Cylinder with Auto Start-Stop Technology

Horsepower: 180 HP

Torque: 199 lb-ft

Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic

Performance: This is the standard engine for the entry-level Active and ST-Line trims. It provides a highly efficient and capable performance, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of around 7.7 seconds. Available with both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

2.0-Liter EcoBoost I-4 Engine

Configuration: Turbocharged 2.0L Inline 4-Cylinder

Horsepower: 250 HP

Torque: 280 lb-ft

Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic

Performance: Standard on the higher-end ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum trims. This engine is the choice for drivers who want a more responsive and zippy performance, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds. Crucially, this potent engine comes standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering superior handling and stability, especially relevant for slick winter roads in the Bountiful area.

Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Options

2.5-Liter Hybrid Powertrain

Configuration: 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine paired with an electric motor

Horsepower: 192 HP (Combined System Output)

Drivetrain Update: The popular Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Hybrid option has been deleted for 2026. This means the hybrid model is now heavily weighted toward the more capable Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup, which is standard on the top-tier Platinum Hybrid. This ensures all-weather capability is baked into the most fuel-efficient trims.

2.5-Liter Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

Configuration: 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine paired with a larger battery and electric motor

Range: Approximately 37 miles of all-electric driving range

Benefits: The PHEV is ideal for commuting entirely on electric power while still offering the flexibility of a full gasoline tank for longer road trips out of Utah. The Plug-in Hybrid model has seen a price reduction for 2026, making it an even more attractive option.

Technology, Connectivity, and Interior Refinement

The 2026 Escape elevates its game with significant interior and technological upgrades. Inside the cabin, drivers and passengers will immediately notice the updated materials and a far more intuitive layout.

SYNC 4 Infotainment

The center stack has been redesigned around a new, larger infotainment screen, with many trims now featuring the expansive 13.2-inch center display with Enhanced Voice Recognition.

Seamless Connectivity

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility are now standard or widely available, allowing for effortless smartphone integration.

Digital Instrument Cluster

Available on higher trims is a sophisticated 12.3-inch Digital Productivity Screen that replaces traditional gauges with a customizable, high-definition display.

Refreshed Exterior

The exterior receives refreshed styling with updated front and rear fascias, giving the 2026 Escape a sleeker, more rugged, and modern aesthetic compared to its predecessor.

Comprehensive Safety and Driver Support

Ford’s commitment to safety is evident in the 2026 Escape, which has received enhancements to its core driver-assist systems. The Escape maintains the strong safety ratings of previous models and builds upon them with smarter technology.

Standard Ford Co-Pilot360®

This full suite of features comes standard across all trims, providing a foundation of safety for every driver:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Now features improved sensitivity for quicker response times, adding a crucial layer of protection in urban environments.
• Enhanced Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking: Provides greater coverage and confidence when changing lanes or backing out of parking spots.
• Lane-Keeping System: Includes Lane-Keeping Assist and Driver Alert.
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps and a Digital Rearview Camera.

Available Advanced Features (Co-Pilot360® Assist+)

For the highest level of driver assistance, the available Co-Pilot360® Assist+ includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering: Reduces fatigue during long highway drives.
• Evasive Steering Assist: Provides extra steering support to help avoid a frontal collision if an impact is imminent and braking alone is insufficient.
• Intersection Assist and 360-Degree Camera with Split View (available in Tech Packages).

Trim Level, Series, and Package Breakdown

The 2026 Escape lineup is structured to offer increasing levels of performance and luxury, with specific packages allowing customers to perfectly tailor their vehicle.

1. Active

Standard Powertrain: 1.5L EcoBoost I-3

Key Standard Features: 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, SYNC 4 infotainment, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Power Liftgate.

Available Upgrades (Tech Pack #1): Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Connected Navigation (with 1 year included), Evasive Steering Assist, Rear Parking Sensor, and the 13.2-inch center display.

2. ST-Line

Standard Powertrain: 1.5L EcoBoost I-3

Key Standard Features: Builds on Active with sportier styling cues, including unique 18-inch wheels, black mesh grille, a rear skid plate, and distinctive interior accents.

3. ST-Line Select

Standard Powertrain: Upgraded to the potent 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 with Standard AWD

Key Standard Features: Adds LED fog lights, remote start, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Available Upgrades: Can be configured with the Hybrid Powertrain for a performance-oriented, yet fuel-efficient, AWD setup.

4. Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

Standard Powertrain: 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid

Key Standard Features: Starts with many Active-level features but adds the PHEV powertrain, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Partial Vinyl and Cloth upholstery, and a Navigation System.

5. ST-Line Elite

Standard Powertrain: 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 with Standard AWD

Key Standard Features: Adds premium features including 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps with Light Bar, a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, driver’s seat memory functions, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, a Surround-View Camera System, and an available B&O Sound System.

6. Platinum

Standard Powertrain: 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 with Standard AWD, or the AWD-Only Hybrid

Key Standard Features: The pinnacle of luxury and technology. Includes synthetic leather (ActiveX®) upholstery, rain-sensing front wipers, LED Headlamps with Light Bar, Reverse Brake Assist, and the option for the Premium Technology Package which adds the Head-Up Display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

Key Optional Packages

Package Name	Available On	Key Features
Tech Pack #1 (Order Code 68B)	Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select	Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Connected Navigation (1-year), Evasive Steering Assist, Rear Parking Sensor, 13.2-inch SYNC 4 display.
Cold Weather Package (Order Code 19H)	Wide availability across trims	Heated front row seats, Heated mirrors, Remote start system, Heated steering wheel.
Premium Technology Package	ST-Line Elite, Platinum	Active Park Assist 2.0, Head-Up Display, B&O Sound System, ActiveX® Trimmed Seats with Quilting Design.

The Intelligent Choice at Performance Ford Bountiful

The 2026 Ford Escape represents a significant leap forward in the compact SUV market. With its refreshed design, high-tech interior, and focus on delivering capable AWD with its most popular powertrains, it is the perfect vehicle for families and commuters in the Bountiful area. Its incredible trim diversity ensures that whether you prioritize performance, efficiency, or luxury, there is an Escape built just for you.

Visit Performance Ford Bountiful today to experience the 2026 Ford Escape and explore the full range of trim levels and customizable packages. Let us help you find the ideal Escape that fits your lifestyle.

Visit Performance Ford Bountiful Today

Contact Performance Ford Bountiful today to schedule a test drive and experience the 2026 Ford Escape for yourself!

Explore our entire inventory of new Ford SUVs at our website: https://www.performancefordbountiful.com/new-vehicles/suvs-crossovers/