2026 Ford Escape Performance

The 2026 Ford Escape is available in numerous trim levels and features several capable engine options, allowing drivers in Glendale and the surrounding areas to decide what’s ideal for their daily commutes. If you are interested in learning more about what this popular Ford crossover can do on roads in Milwaukee and beyond, our performance guide is here to help! Learn about the Ford Escape engine options, real-world MPG ratings, towing capabilities, and advanced performance features with Heiser Ford today. Contact our dealership team in Glendale whenever you want to schedule a test drive!

What Engine Does The Ford Escape Have In 2026?

Whether your priority is minimizing your trips to the gas station or ensuring you have plenty of passing power for highway travel, the new Ford Escape lineup delivers plenty of flexibility. There are two main gas-powered Ford Escape engine options available, both paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. In addition, eco-conscious drivers can opt for the 192-hp standard Hybrid powertrain or a Plug-In Hybrid system yielding 210 total system horsepower. Check out the key performance metrics below for the traditional internal combustion configurations:

1.5L EcoBoost® Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology

• Availability: Standard on Escape Active® and ST-Line trim levels
• Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Transmission
• Output: 180 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 199 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm

2.0L EcoBoost® Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology

• Availability: Standard on ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Escape® Platinum™ trims
• Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Transmission with SelectShift®
• Output: 250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
• Torque: 280 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm

2026 Ford Escape Fuel Economy: How Fuel-Efficient Is The Escape?

The highly competitive Ford Escape MPG ratings help you conserve fuel funds while driving in Shorewood or anywhere else. Because the brand provides multiple distinct powertrains, you’ll notice that the Ford Escape fuel economy varies slightly by trim level and drivetrain configuration:

• Active® FWD MPG: 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined*
• Active® AWD MPG: 26 city / 32 highway / 28 combined*
• ST-Line FWD MPG: 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined*
• ST-Line AWD MPG: 26 city / 32 highway / 28 combined*
• ST-Line Select AWD (2.0L Gas) MPG: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined*
• ST-Line Select AWD (2.5L Hybrid) MPG: 42 city / 36 highway / 39 combined*
• ST-Line Elite AWD (2.0L Gas) MPG: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined*
• ST-Line Elite AWD (2.5L Hybrid) MPG: 42 city / 36 highway / 39 combined*
• Platinum™ AWD (2.0L Gas) MPG: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined*
• Platinum™ AWD (2.5L Hybrid) MPG: 42 city / 36 highway / 39 combined*
• Plug-In Hybrid FWD: 101 combined MPGe / Up to 37 miles of all-electric range

To see how much you can save on a fuel-sipping model, remember to look through our latest new vehicle specials before planning your trip to our showroom.

2026 Ford Escape Towing Capacity

How much can the Ford Escape haul? It depends heavily on which engine powers your vehicle. If you want to tow small boats, jet skis, or a teardrop trailer out to Lake Michigan for the weekend, you’ll want to review the specialized pulling capacities across the engine configurations:

• 2.0L EcoBoost® AWD: 3,500 pounds (requires factory-installed Class II Trailer Tow Package)**
• 1.5L EcoBoost® FWD/AWD: 2,000 pounds**
• 2.5L Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): 1,500 pounds**

2026 Ford Escape Performance Features

The Ford Escape MPG ratings and towing capabilities are applause-worthy, but so are this vehicle’s advanced performance and engineering features! Designed to optimize stability through variable Wisconsin winter weather, these standard and available highlights include:

• AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™): Monitors vehicle stability and applies individual braking power to prevent wheel slip.
• Power 4-Wheel Disc Brakes: Comes complete with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) for secure stops.
• Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS): Delivers responsive feedback on tight corners and easy maneuverability during parking.
• Curve Control & Post-Collision Braking: Helps slow down the crossover if you carry too much speed into a turn and mitigates secondary impacts.
• Independent Suspension Setup: Features a MacPherson front suspension with twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks, and a double lateral link rear suspension with progressive-rate springs for a incredibly smooth ride.

Explore The 2026 Ford Escape With Heiser Ford

Are you ready to see how the Ford Escape engine in your preferred trim performs? Do you have any questions about adjusting for the maximum Ford Escape towing capacity? Call 414-424-3012 or contact us online today to schedule a walkthrough at our showroom located right here in Glendale, near Whitefish Bay. Before you head out, you can get ahead of the car-buying process by getting an instant cash offer on your trade-in right from your computer. Stop by Heiser Ford today to discover your next new Ford Escape configuration and find a financing plan tailored to your budget!

*Disclaimer: Actual mileage will vary.

**Disclaimer: Maximum towing capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver and passenger and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content, and number of passengers. For additional information, see your Ford dealer.