How much does the Escape Hybrid cost and how does it save money?

The Escape Hybrid is standard on the ST-Line Select, which starts at $33,590. At 39 mpg combined -- 42 city -- the Hybrid saves a meaningful amount on fuel versus the gas-only models, especially in stop-and-go driving around Hopkinsville and Fort Campbell Boulevard. The savings add up quickly for buyers with longer daily commutes.

What is the Plug-In Hybrid and should I consider it?

The PHEV starts at $35,400 and offers 37 miles of all-electric driving before switching to hybrid mode at 40 mpg. For buyers who can charge at home, the PHEV can cover most daily driving in and around Hopkinsville on electricity alone -- then rely on the hybrid powertrain for longer trips to Nashville or land Between the Lakes. It is front-wheel drive only. A federal tax credit may apply -- consult your tax advisor.

Does the 2026 Escape have a sliding second row?

Yes. The Escape features a sliding second-row bench seat that can move forward or back to balance legroom and cargo space. When slid forward, cargo volume behind the rear seat increases to 37.5 cubic feet. This flexibility is one of the Escape's practical advantages in the compact SUV segment.

What infotainment does the 2026 Escape have?

The 2026 Escape comes with an 8-inch touchscreen on base trims. The ST-Line Select and higher get a larger 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The Platinum adds wireless charging standard. Ford's Connectivity Package with an included year of Wi-Fi hotspot is available across the lineup.

Is the 2026 Escape available with all-wheel drive?

Yes, but only with the 2.0L EcoBoost gas engine on the ST-Line and above, or with the Hybrid on select trims. The base 1.5L EcoBoost and the PHEV are front-wheel drive only. The Platinum with Hybrid and the ST-Line Elite both offer AWD. For buyers who want hybrid fuel economy and AWD, the ST-Line Elite Hybrid is the configuration to look at.

Pennyrile Ford -- Hopkinsville, KY

2026 Ford
Escape

Q: What does the 2026 Ford Escape start at?

The 2026 Escape Active starts at $30,050. Six trim levels are available: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, PHEV, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. Call Pennyrile Ford at 270-886-8131 or check our inventory for current pricing and available vehicles.

Gas. Hybrid. Plug-In Hybrid. Four Powertrains. One Right Fit.

$30,050

Starting MSRP

MPG Combined (Hybrid)

Miles EV Range (PHEV)

101

MPGe (PHEV)

View Escape Inventory Call: 270-886-8131

4 PowertrainsGas, Hybrid, PHEV

39 MPGHybrid Combined

37 Mi EV RangePlug-In Hybrid

Sliding 2nd RowFlexible Cargo Space

13.2"SYNC 4 Touchscreen (ST-Line Select+)

The Compact SUV That Actually Does the Math

Efficient Enough to Save You Money. Practical Enough to Be Your Only Vehicle.

The Ford Escape does something most compact SUVs do not -- it gives you a genuine choice of powertrains at every price point. Gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. Each one is a real option for real reasons, not just a single entry-level model and a luxury trim with a hybrid badge added on top.

For daily drivers in Hopkinsville and Fort Campbell, that choice matters. The hybrid at 39 mpg combined changes the math on a round-trip commute in a way the gas-only model does not. The PHEV at 37 miles of all-electric range can cover most daily driving without touching the gas tank -- and when it runs out, it switches to a 40-mpg hybrid. For buyers who can plug in at home, the per-mile cost drops noticeably.

The Escape is also one of the few compact SUVs with a sliding second-row seat -- which sounds like a minor detail until you are loading the cargo area and realize you can move those rear seats forward to double your usable space without folding anyone out of their seat.

Pioneer in hybrid SUV technology: The Ford Escape was the world's first hybrid SUV when it debuted in 2005. The 2026 model continues that legacy with a lineup that puts the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models as the recommended sweet spot of the range -- not as afterthoughts. The ST-Line Select makes the Hybrid standard equipment, which is how Ford thinks you should configure one.

Exterior -- Hero

Exterior -- City

Exterior -- Off-Road

Exterior -- Panoramic Vista Roof

Interior -- Dashboard and Display

Interior -- Driver View

Interior -- Front Seats with Ambient Lighting

Interior -- Front and Rear Seats

Interior -- Cargo Area

Interior -- Gear Selector

Interior -- Navigation Lifestyle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Six Exterior Colors

2026 Escape Exterior Colors

Three no-cost colors on every trim. Three extra-cost options, including Star White Metallic Tri-Coat at $995 -- a premium tri-coat finish available across all trims. Note: Vapor Blue moved from no-cost to $495 for the 2026 model year.

Carbonized Gray Metallic

No Extra Cost -- All Trims -- Code M7

Space Silver Metallic

No Extra Cost -- All Trims -- Code A3

Agate Black Metallic

No Extra Cost -- All Trims -- Code UM

Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

+$495 -- All Trims -- Code RR

Vapor Blue Metallic

+$495 -- All Trims -- Code K1

Star White Metallic Tri-Coat

+$995 -- All Trims -- Code AZ

Swatches are approximate. Oxford White is fleet/Active-only and not shown. Contact Pennyrile Ford at 270-886-8131 to confirm availability on vehicles in stock.

Four Powertrains. One Right Answer for Your Situation.

Gas. Hybrid. Plug-In Hybrid. The Escape Covers All of It.

The base gas engine works. The 2.0L adds real performance. But the hybrid and PHEV are where the Escape truly separates itself from the field. Edmunds averaged 38.4 mpg in real-world hybrid testing -- essentially matching the EPA estimate.

30mpg

1.5L Gas (FWD combined)

39mpg

2.5L Hybrid combined

101MPGe

PHEV combined

37mi

PHEV all-electric range

Standard -- Active, ST-Line

1.5L EcoBoost I3

180

Horsepower

Torque200 lb-ft
DrivetrainFWD standard / AWD available
MPG (FWD)27 city / 34 hwy / 30 combined
MPG (AWD)26 city / 32 hwy / 28 combined

Available -- ST-Line, ST-Line Select+

2.0L EcoBoost I4

250

Horsepower

Torque280 lb-ft
DrivetrainAWD standard
MPG23 city / 31 hwy / 26 combined
Best forPerformance, towing, AWD enthusiasts

Standard on ST-Line Select and above

2.5L Hybrid

192

HP (System Total)

Torque155 lb-ft
DrivetrainFWD or AWD available
MPG (FWD)42 city / 36 hwy / 39 combined
Real-world38.4 mpg (Edmunds tested)

PHEV -- Dedicated Trim

2.5L Plug-In Hybrid

210

HP (System Total)

EV Range37 miles (EPA estimate)
Hybrid MPG40 mpg (after battery)
MPGe101 combined
DrivetrainFWD only

Interior Technology

A Screen That Earns Its Size.

The 2026 Escape moves up to a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen on the ST-Line Select and above -- the same size you find on the Explorer and F-150. On smaller trims an 8-inch screen handles the basics cleanly. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard where the 13.2-inch screen is fitted. The available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade is one of the nicest features in the segment at this price level.

8-inch touchscreen standard on Active and ST-Line
13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen on ST-Line Select and above
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto (13.2-inch trims)
Available wireless charging pad (Platinum)
Ford Connectivity Package with Wi-Fi hotspot available
Available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade (Platinum)
Available 12-inch digital instrument cluster

Interior Space

The Sliding Second Row Changes How You Use the Cargo Area.

The Escape's sliding second-row seat is a practical feature that most compact SUVs skip. Slide the rear seat forward and cargo space behind it jumps to 37.5 cubic feet -- enough to meaningfully change what you can carry without folding the seat. Slide it back and rear passengers get more legroom for a trip out toward Land Between the Lakes. It is simple and genuinely useful.

Sliding second-row bench seat -- adjusts cargo space or legroom
Up to 37.5 cu ft behind rear seat (when slid forward)
Up to 65.4 cu ft with rear seat folded flat
60/40 split-fold rear seat standard
Available power liftgate (ST-Line Select and above)
Seating for five passengers
Available ActiveX stain-resistant seating (Platinum)

Comfort and Refinement

The Upper Trims Deliver Genuine Comfort at a Reasonable Price.

The Escape Platinum and ST-Line Elite offer a level of interior refinement that punches above their price point. Heated front seats are standard from the ST-Line Select up. The Platinum adds ActiveX seat material that handles daily use without looking worn, LED interior ambient lighting, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. For buyers who live in their vehicles during a long Fort Campbell workweek, the comfort difference between base and upper trim is real.

Heated front seats -- standard ST-Line Select and above
Heated rear seats available (Platinum)
ActiveX stain-resistant seat material (Platinum) -- easy to clean
Ambient interior lighting available
Dual-zone automatic climate control available (ST-Line Select+)
Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel available
Remote start standard on ST-Line Select and above

Technology

SYNC 4. Wireless CarPlay. PHEV Charging Modes. Built to Fit Your Day.

The 2026 Escape's technology scales with the trim. The 13.2-inch SYNC 4 system arrives at the ST-Line Select. PHEV buyers get four dedicated EV modes to manage when and how the battery is used.

Infotainment PHEV Modes FordPass and Safety

SYNC 4 -- 13.2 Inches Starting at ST-Line Select

The ST-Line Select and higher trims run a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. A 12-inch digital instrument cluster pairs with it on equipped trims. Lower trims use an 8-inch screen with wired connectivity -- functional but notably different in day-to-day use.

8-inch touchscreen on Active and ST-Line (wired CarPlay/Android Auto)
13.2-inch SYNC 4 on ST-Line Select, PHEV, Elite, Platinum
Wireless Apple CarPlay -- standard on 13.2-inch trims
Wireless Android Auto -- standard on 13.2-inch trims
Available 12-inch digital instrument cluster
Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (connects up to 10 devices)

PHEV: Four EV Modes Let You Control When You Use Electricity

The Escape PHEV gives you four dedicated modes for managing the battery. Auto EV lets the car decide. EV Now forces all-electric operation. EV Later saves the battery for a specific portion of your trip -- say, the last stretch through town near Jennie Stuart Health where stop-and-go traffic makes electricity more efficient. EV Charge uses the gas engine to recharge the battery while driving.

Auto EV -- system decides optimal gas/electric mix
EV Now -- all-electric mode, uses battery first
EV Later -- reserves battery charge for use later in trip
EV Charge -- recharges battery using gas engine while driving
Level 1 (120V) charging included standard -- charges overnight at home
Level 2 (240V) charging compatible -- faster home charging option
37 miles EPA-estimated all-electric range

FordPass and Connected Features

The FordPass app connects your phone to the Escape for remote start, lock/unlock, fuel level monitoring, and vehicle location. The available Ford Connectivity Package adds an unlimited 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with one year included. For PHEV owners, the app also tracks charge status and lets you schedule charging during off-peak hours.

FordPass app: remote start, lock/unlock, fuel/charge monitoring, vehicle location
Available Ford Connectivity Package: unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot, 1 year included
PHEV: schedule charging to off-peak hours via FordPass
Over-the-air SYNC software updates available
Vehicle Health Alerts via FordPass app
Remote start standard on ST-Line Select and above

Safety and Driver Assist

Pre-Collision Assist. BLIS. Lane-Keeping. Standard on Every Escape.

Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard across the 2026 Escape lineup. Every trim includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping system before you add a single option.

Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

Detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead, warns you, and applies brakes automatically. Includes pedestrian detection. Standard on all trims.

Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking

Monitors blind zones and warns when vehicles approach from the side. Rear cross-traffic braking applies the brakes automatically when backing into traffic. Standard across the lineup.

Lane-Keeping System

Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert, and Driver Alert all standard. Warns and gently corrects if the vehicle drifts. Driver Alert monitors for inattention patterns. Standard all trims.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go

Available on ST-Line Select and above. Maintains following distance and handles stop-and-go traffic automatically. Useful on Fort Campbell Boulevard during peak hours.

Evasive Steering Assist

Helps steer around a stopped or slower vehicle when a collision cannot be avoided by braking alone. Available on higher trims as part of the Co-Pilot360 suite.

Available Reverse Camera and Parking Sensors

Standard rear backup camera on all trims. Front and rear parking sensors available on higher trims for tight-space maneuvering in Hopkinsville parking lots.

Find Your Escape

2026 Escape Trim Lineup

Six trims across four powertrains. Every Escape includes Co-Pilot360 safety suite standard. The ST-Line Select is the first trim where the Hybrid is standard and the 13.2-inch screen arrives -- most buyers should start there.

Active

From $30,050 MSRP*

1.5L EcoBoost, FWD standard
8-inch touchscreen
Co-Pilot360 standard

ST-Line

From $30,895 MSRP*

1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost, FWD or AWD
Sport styling, 18-inch wheels
8-inch touchscreen

ST-Line Select Best Value

ST-Line Select

From $33,590 MSRP*

2.5L Hybrid standard -- 39 mpg
13.2" touchscreen, wireless CarPlay
Heated seats, remote start

PHEV 37 Mi EV

Plug-In Hybrid

From $35,400 MSRP*

101 MPGe / 37 miles EV range
40 mpg in hybrid mode
FWD only; tax credit may apply

ST-Line Elite

From ~$38,000 MSRP*

2.5L Hybrid or 2.0L AWD gas
250 HP available
Additional comfort and tech

Platinum

From ~$40,000 MSRP*

AWD standard
ActiveX seats, panoramic Vista Roof
Wireless charging, heated rear seats

*MSRP excludes destination charge. PHEV federal tax credit eligibility varies -- consult your tax advisor. Contact Pennyrile Ford for exact pricing on vehicles in stock.

Browse Escape Inventory

Your Local Ford Dealer

Pennyrile Ford

Serving Hopkinsville, Fort Campbell, and the Pennyroyal Region Since 1953

Phone 270-886-8131

Location Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Website pennyrileford.com

Sales Hours

Monday -- Friday	8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday	Closed

Family-owned since 1953, Pennyrile Ford is the closest Ford dealer to Fort Campbell on the Kentucky side. Easy to reach from Gates 4 and 7 on Fort Campbell Boulevard. We serve buyers from Hopkinsville, Oak Grove, Cadiz, Madisonville, and across western Kentucky.

View Escape Inventory Call Now

What Our Customers Say

Real Reviews from Hopkinsville Drivers

Common Questions

2026 Escape -- Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 2026 Ford Escape start at?

The Active starts at $30,050. Six trims are available: Active ($30,050), ST-Line ($30,895), ST-Line Select ($33,590), PHEV ($35,400), ST-Line Elite (approximately $38,000), and Platinum (approximately $40,000). Call Pennyrile Ford at 270-886-8131 or check our Escape inventory for current pricing.

What are the engine options on the 2026 Escape?

Four powertrains are available. The 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder (180 HP, 30 mpg combined FWD) is the base gas option. The 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder (250 HP, 26 mpg combined) is available with AWD on ST-Line and above. The 2.5L Hybrid (192 HP, 39 mpg combined) is standard on the ST-Line Select. The 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid (210 HP, 101 MPGe, 37 miles EV range) is a dedicated trim. Edmunds tested the Hybrid at 38.4 mpg in real-world driving -- essentially matching the EPA estimate, which is better than most hybrids manage.

How much does the Escape Hybrid save on fuel?

At 39 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the base gas engine, the Hybrid saves roughly 23% on fuel -- about one in four tanks. For someone driving 15,000 miles per year at current Kentucky gas prices, the difference adds up to several hundred dollars annually. The Hybrid starts at the ST-Line Select level ($33,590), which is $3,540 more than the entry ST-Line. The fuel savings typically recover that difference within a few years of normal driving.

What is the Plug-In Hybrid and how does charging work?

The PHEV starts at $35,400 and offers 37 miles of all-electric range before switching to hybrid mode at 40 mpg. For buyers who charge at home, it covers most Hopkinsville daily driving on electricity alone. Charging uses a standard 120V home outlet (included Level 1 cord) for overnight charging, or a Level 2 (240V) charger for faster replenishment. The PHEV is FWD only. A federal tax credit may apply -- consult your tax advisor before purchase. Four dedicated EV modes let you control when and how the battery is used during a trip.

Does the Escape have a sliding second row?

Yes. The second-row bench seat slides forward and back. Slide it forward and the cargo area behind it grows to 37.5 cubic feet -- meaningful extra space for groceries or gear without folding anyone out of their seat. Slide it back and rear passengers get more legroom for a longer drive. Maximum cargo space with the seat folded flat reaches 65.4 cubic feet.

When does the 13.2-inch touchscreen arrive?

The 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen is standard on the ST-Line Select and every trim above it -- including the PHEV, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum. The base Active and ST-Line use an 8-inch touchscreen with wired CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless CarPlay and wireless Android Auto come with the 13.2-inch screen. For most buyers, this is one of the strongest reasons to step up to the ST-Line Select.

Is the Escape available with all-wheel drive?

Yes, but only on specific configurations. The 2.0L EcoBoost gas engine comes with AWD standard. The 2.5L Hybrid is available with AWD on the ST-Line Elite and Platinum trims. The base 1.5L gas engine has AWD as an option on the Active and ST-Line. The PHEV is FWD only. For buyers who want hybrid fuel economy and AWD, the ST-Line Elite Hybrid or Platinum Hybrid are the configurations to look at.

Can I test drive a 2026 Escape near Fort Campbell?

Yes. Pennyrile Ford is the closest Ford dealer to Fort Campbell on the Kentucky side, easy to reach from Gates 4 and 7 on Fort Campbell Boulevard. Call 270-886-8131 or browse our Escape inventory online to schedule a time. We can walk you through all four powertrain options and -- if you are considering the Hybrid -- let you feel the difference between the gas and hybrid driving experience before you decide.

Pennyrile Ford -- Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Gas. Hybrid. Plug-In. Let's Find the Right One.

Browse our current Escape inventory or come in and drive one. We carry multiple configurations and can walk you through the fuel math on the hybrid and PHEV before you commit.

Browse Escape Inventory Call 270-886-8131

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.