When looking at the 2026 Ford Escapes, you'll find that it is a great model thanks to its reliability and safety. But when taking a closer look, you'll find that not all trims are made alike. We'll take a look at the starting trims so you know which SUV offers the most bang for your buck.
Key Takeaways:
- If you're not trying to save every penny, then the ST-Line is the way to go. This is because it comes with slightly more comfort and better looks.
- If you want something that is the equivalent of a double shot of espresso, then the 2.0L is the way to go on the ST-Line.
- While the Active is technically the cheaper of the two options, they do share some similar features, such as an infotainment system and wireless connectivity.
Yes, there's going to be a 2026 Ford Escape.
Being that this is the last year on the market, if you want to get an Escape, don't wait. While there aren't any new features, that doesn't mean that it won't come with some that will make you happy. As a whole, regardless of trim level, you'll find that it comes with wireless phone connectivity, but the screen size does depend on trim level.
For the two that we'll cover, you'll find that they both come with the 8-inch center display. While not the largest, it does help keep prices low, which we'll touch on in another section.
What's the difference between the Ford Escape Active and the ST-Line?
The biggest difference is price.
When looking at the two trims, the prices do vary from one to the next. The Active, being the base trim, comes in for $30,350, while the ST-Line comes in at $31,195. Of these two trims, the ST-Line is the one that Car and Driver thinks you should go with. This is because it is "the cheapest way to unlock the more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder", calling it a "zippy powerplant".
To easier visualize the differences, we'll break them down in a table so you know which trim is the best for you.
2026 Ford Escape features by trim
| Features |
Active |
ST-Line |
| Driver's seat |
Manual |
Powered |
| Steering Wheel |
Urethane |
Flat Bottom W/ Red Stitching |
| Side rails |
Not available |
Standard as Black |
| Wheels |
17-inch Shadow Silver Aluminum Wheels |
18-inch Rock Metallic Aluminum Wheels |
While the standouts are minimal, that doesn't mean that you can't decide based on that. If you want something with a bit more comfort and flair, then the ST-Line is a clear choice. Being that this isn't a much higher price than the Active, it does make it a bit easier to splurge.
What is the Standard Engine that is found in the 2026 Ford Escape Active?
The two models come with a 1.5L I3 as the standard engine.
While the ST-Line does unlock a new engine option, we'll cover the one that both models share first. This is the 1.5L turbocharged I3, and it makes 181 horsepower. When equipped with FWD options, this engine gets 30 MPG combined, but drops to 28 MPG combined on AWD configurations.
While the standard engine is nice to have, sometimes you just want more power, and that's where the optional engine comes in. This one is the 2.0L turbocharged I4, making 250 horsepower. While it is more powerful, it is less efficient, coming with an EPA-rated 26 MPG combined. It is still better than other competitors. If you want the most efficiency, then you'll want to forego this one.
Which 2026 Ford Escape trim should I get?
We think that the best one is the ST-Line. Much like Car and Driver, we think that it is the better of the two options, but our reasoning is strictly based on extra creature comforts, like the power seat. But if that doesn't really matter to you, then the Active is a solid trim as it is based on a solid product. If you want to see these differences in person, then come see us at Banner Ford of Monroe. We'll show you our stock and how these trims really differ in person.