Performance and Powertrain

The Escape’s lineup gives Columbia-area drivers flexibility to match their needs and budgets. The standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine focuses on efficiency and smooth city manners, while the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost adds extra punch for merging onto Route 30 or heading west toward the river hills. If you’d rather visit the pump less often, the hybrid option pairs easy drivability with impressive mpg, and the plug-in hybrid delivers the bonus of all-electric commuting for short trips—its maximum EPA-estimated EV range is 37 miles—while still operating as a conventional hybrid on longer drives. Available all-wheel drive bolsters confidence when winter weather sweeps across Lancaster County. The system is tuned to engage seamlessly, helping you pull away cleanly at slick intersections and stay planted on winding back roads.

Trims and Configurations

The 2026 Ford Escape lineup is thoughtfully tiered so you can choose generous value or extra amenities without stepping into a larger vehicle. The Active trim serves as a sensible gateway with the essentials most families want. ST-Line and ST-Line Select layer on a sport-inspired look and added convenience, while ST-Line Elite and Platinum deliver a premium experience with a larger 13.2-inch display and expanded driver assistance. The Plug-In Hybrid sits at the top for shoppers who want electric-only capability for routine drives without giving up the flexibility of a gas engine on road trips.

All-wheel drive is widely available—and standard on upper trims—so you don’t have to compromise style or features to gain winter traction. Inside, a sliding second row and smart cargo floor make it easy to balance passengers and gear, whether you’re packing a cooler for Chickies Rock, a stroller, or a set of DIY supplies from local shops.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Every Escape emphasizes confidence, with a robust suite of standard driver-assist technologies that work quietly in the background. Features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS blind-spot alerts with cross-traffic detection, lane-keeping assistance, a rearview camera, and automatic high beams help ease the mental load in busy traffic and on dim two-lane roads after dusk. Available Co-Pilot360 Assist+ brings Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and lane centering—ideal for longer stretches of Route 30 when the pace ebbs and flows.

Clear, high-resolution displays and natural-language voice recognition make it easy to keep your eyes on the road while adjusting navigation or media. Families will appreciate how these systems reduce distraction on school runs and weekend highway drives alike, making the Escape feel modern without being complicated.