If you're looking to buy a new 2026 Ford Escape in the Parma or Cleveland area, you're already aware of just how much a 2026 Ford Escape can offer in terms of style, comfort, and value. But now that you're in the research phase, do you know what each 2026 Ford Escape trim has to offer?
Find everything you need to know to choose the right 2026 Ford Escape trim for you, then visit Ken Ganley Ford Parma to start driving your favorite SUV in Cleveland, Ohio.
Ready to skip ahead and start shopping? Check out our Escape Inventory to see what we currently have in stock.
What's New for the 2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape continues Ford's tradition of value and variety in their subcompact SUV line. From the entry-level, well-equipped Active to the plug-in hybrid, there's an Escape for every possible buyer. Ford has made major improvements to the overall quality of the Escape's interior, tech features, and available hybrid powertrains.
2026 Ford Escape Trim Levels Overview
The 2026 Ford Escape will be offered in six trims:
- Active
- ST-Line
- ST-Line Select
- ST-Line Elite
- Platinum
- Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
Each subsequent trim features more standard equipment and technology over the last, so let's take a closer look at each.
2026 Ford Escape Active
The base-level 2026 Ford Escape Active provides buyers in the Cleveland area with an attractive blend of class-leading fuel economy and modern comforts at an introductory price.
What to expect:
- 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged engine
- Ford Co-Pilot360 suite safety technologies
- SYNC 4 with 8" touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
- Selectable drive modes
- Cloth seating with utilitarian design
- Front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive
Who should buy it: The perfect entry-level option for first-time buyers or those shopping in the Cleveland area on a budget, the 2026 Ford Escape Active blends style, modern technology, and fuel economy into an affordable MSRP. For those shopping on a budget, the Active is a great starting point when working with our Finance Department.
2026 Ford Escape ST-Line
Ford's ST-Line trim builds on the value of the Active with sporty exterior treatments while introducing additional comfort and convenience features. It's all powered by the same efficient 1.5L turbocharged engine, but with sport-tuned suspension.
What to expect over the Active:
- Sport-tuned suspension
- ST-Line exterior styling with dark body accents
- 17" machined aluminum wheels
- Upgraded interior with ST-Line branding
- Available AWD
Who should buy it: If you're shopping in Parma or Cleveland and would like a sportier exterior design with slightly improved handling over the Active, the ST-Line trim is a great value.
2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Select
The ST-Line Select builds on the ST-Line's sporty appearance and comfort-focused upgrades with additional convenience features, putting this popular Ford SUV in an excellent position as a value leader.
What to expect over the ST-Line:
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 12.3" digital instrument cluster
- Wireless smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10.2" SYNC 4 touchscreen, up from 8"
- Power liftgate
- Available panoramic sunroof
Who should buy it: If comfort features such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are important to you, but you'd prefer to avoid the MSRP increase of the top trims, the ST-Line Select is a great value for Parma and Cleveland residents.
2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite
The ST-Line Elite offers buyers in the Parma and Cleveland area a complete set of premium upgrades while retaining the sporty appearance of the ST-Line. This makes the ST-Line Elite a great value below the top trims.
What to expect over the ST-Line Select:
- B&O Sound System
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Leather upholstery
- Advanced ambient lighting
- Advanced driver-assistance suite
Who should buy it: If high-end audio, driver-assistance features, and luxury-style upgrades are important to you, but you're not quite ready to move up to Platinum, the ST-Line Elite is loaded with features to help you stretch your budget.
2026 Ford Escape Platinum
The Platinum trim represents the top of the gas-powered 2026 Ford Escape lineup. It includes the most amenities and technology available for gas-powered Escape models.
What to expect over the ST-Line Elite:
- Platinum-specific interior treatments
- The most comprehensive technology and driver-assistance suite
- Additional luxury treatments
- Distinctive Platinum-specific exterior treatments
Who should buy it: If you're shopping in Cleveland and want the most complete gas-powered 2026 Ford Escape experience possible, the Platinum is the right choice for you.
2026 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
If fuel costs are a concern, the 2026 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is the most economical option available, with incredible fuel-saving potential. This version of the Escape can reach up to 101 combined MPGe and drive up to 37 miles on electric power alone. Additional available technology includes a 13.2" touchscreen, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control.
PHEV specifics:
- 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine plus electric motor
- Up to 37 miles of gas-free driving on a full charge
- 13.2" center touchscreen
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Adaptive cruise control
- Only available with front-wheel drive
Who should buy it: If you're in the Parma area and have a long commute to work that you can charge your Escape PHEV for on the way, you'll save money at the pump with this fuel-sipping powertrain. If you're shopping with our Finance Department, you can also save money with financing and incentives.
2026 Ford Escape Trim Comparison Chart
| Active | ST-Line | ST-Line Select | ST-Line Elite | Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L EcoBoost | 1.5L EcoBoost | 1.5L EcoBoost | 1.5L EcoBoost | 1.5L EcoBoost |
| Touchscreen Size | 8" | 8" | 10.2" | 10.2" | 10.2" |
| Heated Front Seats | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heated Steering Wheel | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Liftgate | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless CarPlay/AA | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| B&O Audio | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Leather Seats | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Sport Suspension | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AWD Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which 2026 Ford Escape Trim Is For You?
- Want the lowest possible price with modern technology and fuel-sipping features? Go with the Active.
- Want the sportiest exterior design? The ST-Line has the upgrades you're looking for.
- Looking for the best value? The ST-Line Select has the most popular features at a great price.
- Want a fully loaded gas-powered Escape? Everything comes standard with the ST-Line Elite.
- Looking for the most complete gas-powered Escape experience? The Platinum has all the features you need.
- Looking to save money on gas? The fuel-sipping Escape PHEV has been engineered to help you save every time you drive.
You Can Find All These Trims at Ken Ganley Ford Parma
Ken Ganley Ford Parma works with buyers from Parma, Cleveland, Strongsville, Middleburg Heights, and the rest of Cuyahoga County. We have one of the largest Ford inventories in the northeast Ohio area, so we can help you find the right trim for your needs and budget.
When you're ready to finalize your trim selection, our Finance Department can work with all types of credit profiles to help you get the best deal possible on your new 2026 Ford Escape.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Ford Escape Trims
What is the base model for the 2026 Ford Escape?
The base model for the 2026 Ford Escape is the Escape Active. It comes with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite safety technologies, SYNC 4 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and an 8" touchscreen.
Does the 2026 Ford Escape come with AWD?
AWD is available on all 2026 Ford Escape gas-powered trims, while the PHEV variant is front-wheel drive only.
What are the differences between the ST-Line and the ST-Line Select?
The ST-Line Select builds on the ST-Line with heated front seats and steering wheel, a larger 10.2" SYNC 4 touchscreen, wireless smartphone compatibility, a power liftgate, and a 12.3" digital instrument cluster.
Is the 2026 Ford Escape available in hybrid?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Escape is available as a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). This variant offers buyers in the Parma and Cleveland area incredible fuel-saving potential and up to 37 miles of gas-free driving on a full charge.
Can I finance the purchase of a 2026 Ford Escape?
Yes, our Finance Department can help you get pre-approved for a loan or lease that fits your financial situation. We work with multiple lenders and can help you maximize your savings with manufacturer incentives.
