2026 Ford Escape Trims Comparison
The 2026 Ford Escape lineup is built in a very smart way. Everything starts with the Escape Plug in Hybrid. From there, each trim adds something extra. More power. More comfort. More style. Around Carleton Place, drivers deal with changing weather, short town drives, and longer trips toward Ottawa or nearby trails. This comparison is shared the same way it would be explained at the dealership, in clear and simple words.
Escape Plug in Hybrid Starts It All
The Escape Plug in Hybrid is the base trim and it is focused on efficiency. A 2.5-litre iVCT Atkinson Cycle plug in hybrid engine is used with standard front wheel drive. Fuel use is very low at a combined 2.3 Le/100 km, which makes it ideal for daily commuting. Power is smooth and quiet. Seating is provided for five people. Cloth seats are used and feel comfortable for everyday use. Cargo space opens up to over 1,800 litres when rear seats are folded, which works well for groceries and weekend plans. A large 13.2-inch centre display is included with wireless phone connectivity. Keyless entry and power door locks come standard. This trim is best for drivers who want maximum fuel savings and mostly drive around town.
Escape Active Adds Gas Power and Flexibility
The Escape Active builds on the Plug in Hybrid by switching to a 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine with Auto Start Stop Technology. Fuel use increases compared to the hybrid, but driving feels more traditional. Available all wheel drive is added, which helps on snowy Carleton Place roads. Seating remains for five, with durable cloth seats. The driver seat gains six way manual adjustment. A touch screen with wireless connectivity remains included. Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert is added, which is not standard on the base trim. This trim is best for drivers who want gas power and available all wheel drive instead of plugging in.
Escape ST Line Brings a Sporty Feel
The Escape ST Line adds style and performance over the base trim. A 1.5-litre EcoBoost or hybrid engine is offered. All wheel drive becomes standard, which is a big step up from the base front wheel drive setup. An eight way power driver seat with red stitching adds a sporty touch inside. Eighteen inch aluminum wheels and a power liftgate are added. Cargo space stays the same, keeping things practical. This trim is best for drivers who want a sportier look and standard all wheel drive compared to the Plug in Hybrid.
Escape ST Line Select Adds Winter Comfort
The ST Line Select builds further on the base trim by offering a stronger 2.0-litre EcoBoost or hybrid engine. All wheel drive stays standard. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are added, which feel very useful during cold winters. A power liftgate is also included. Interior comfort is noticeably better than the base trim. This trim is best for drivers who want more power and winter comfort than the Plug in Hybrid offers.
Escape ST Line Elite Feels Fully Loaded
The ST Line Elite takes things further from the base trim by keeping the 2.0-litre EcoBoost or hybrid engine and standard all wheel drive. The large 13.2-inch centre display returns. More advanced driver assistance features are added through Ford Co Pilot360 Assist Plus. Interior materials feel more refined. This trim is best for drivers who want sporty design with premium features compared to the base hybrid.
Escape Platinum Focuses on Comfort
The Escape Platinum also builds beyond the base Plug in Hybrid with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost or hybrid engine and standard all wheel drive. A 13.2-inch centre display is included, along with Ford Co Pilot360 Assist Plus. The interior is focused on comfort and a calm driving experience. This trim is best for drivers who value comfort and features over sporty styling.
2026 Ford Escape Trim Comparison at a Glance
| Trim | Starting Price* | What’s Different from Plug-in Hybrid |
| Escape Plug-in Hybrid (Base) | $43,994 | 2.5L plug-in hybrid engine, FWD, 13.2-inch display, 2.3 Le/ 100 km combined |
| Escape Active | $35,894 | 1.5L EcoBoost gas engine, available AWD, 6-way manual driver seat, blind spot monitoring |
| Escape ST-Line | $40,494 | Standard AWD, sport design, power driver seat, 18" aluminum wheels, power liftgate |
| Escape ST-Line Select | $42,994 | 2.0L EcoBoost or hybrid engine, heated seats, heated steering wheel, more winter comfort |
| Escape ST-Line Elite | $46,744 | 13.2-inch display returns, advanced driver assist features, premium interior feel |
| Escape Platinum | $45,244 | Comfort focused trim, 13.2-inch display, advanced driver assist features |
Find Your Escape in Carleton Place Ford
Each 2026 Ford Escape trim adds something meaningful over the base Plug in Hybrid. The right choice depends on fuel savings, power needs, and comfort expectations. Visit Carleton Place Ford located in Carleton Place, ON, and experience the Escape lineup for yourself by booking a test drive today. Once the trims are seen side by side, the right one becomes easy to choose.