2026 Ford Escape Sales in Ayden, NC
2026 Ford Escape at Doug Henry Ford of Ayden
Drivers across eastern North Carolina continue to look for compact SUVs that balance everyday comfort with modern technology and efficient power. The 2026 Ford Escape fits that sweet spot, making it a strong choice for commuters, families, and weekend travelers alike. As the final model year for the Escape nameplate, this model year carries forward everything drivers love about this compact SUV while giving shoppers a chance to own a familiar Ford favorite before the lineup changes.
At Doug Henry Ford of Ayden, the 2026 Ford Escape stands out among top cars in its segment thanks to its flexible trim lineup, smart safety and driver technology, and easy-to-live-with design. When compared to similar vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Equinox, and Kia Sportage, the Escape continues to hold its own with a comfortable ride, strong cargo space, and a range of powertrain options.
The Escape also fits naturally within the broader family of Ford SUVs, slotting below the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition while offering a smaller footprint than those larger models. For shoppers who have looked at vehicles like the Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Raptor, Ford Ranger, Ford Maverick, or even the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Escape offers a more traditional compact SUV experience that focuses on daily driving comfort and efficiency.
Trim Levels for the 2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape is offered in a well-rounded range of trims, giving shoppers plenty of choice.
- Active: The active trim serves as the entry point, offering strong standard safety features, a comfortable interior, and modern technology.
- ST-Line: ST-Line models add sport-inspired exterior styling and interior accents for drivers who want a more dynamic look.
- ST-Line Select: This trim builds on the ST-Line with added convenience and comfort features.
2026 Ford Escape Interior Review
Rows: 2
Seats: 5
Max Cargo Capacity:
65.4 cu ft (EcoBoost models)
60.8 cu ft (Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid)
The 2026 Ford Escape offers a modern, thoughtfully designed cabin that blends comfort with functionality across all trims. Seating up to five passengers, the Escape’s interior balances open space and ergonomic refinement, with generous headroom (up to 40.0 inches in front) and legroom (up to 42.4 inches in front), even in compact urban-ready dimensions.
Upholstery materials vary by trim, ranging from durable cloth on base models to more premium finishes and contrast stitching on higher trims like the ST-Line Elite and Platinum. The 8-way power driver's seat available on select trims adds adjustability, while heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on ST-Line Select and above boost cold-weather comfort.
For families, the Escape includes LATCH anchors in the rear outboard seats, along with tether anchors to help secure child safety seats. The flat rear floor and wide door openings also simplify loading and unloading kids or gear.
Climate control options include manual air conditioning in base models, while dual-zone automatic climate control becomes available on higher trims, offering tailored comfort for front-row passengers. Thanks to active noise cancellation and refined insulation, the cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds, enhancing the SUV’s laid-back driving character
Exterior Design and Color Choices
The 2026 Ford Escape brings a clean and modern look to the compact SUV segment. Its exterior design features smooth lines, a confident stance, and thoughtful details that feel right at home in the Ford lineup. Depending on trim, drivers will see unique grille treatments, sport-inspired styling on ST-Line models, and refined touches on the Platinum trim.
Wheel designs vary across trims, giving each model its own personality. Roof options and an available power liftgate add everyday convenience, especially when loading cargo or running errands. The Escape looks right at home, whether parked downtown or heading out on the highway.
Available Exterior Paint Colors Include:
- Agate Black Metallic
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Space Silver Metallic
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Vapor Blue Metallic
Some colors are offered at an extra cost, allowing drivers to personalize their Escape to match their style.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the 2026 Ford Escape offers a range of powertrain choices designed to match different driving needs. Gas engine options provide a balanced mix of power and efficiency, making them a strong fit for daily commuting and longer trips.
Drivers can choose between a 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Automatic transmissions come standard, delivering smooth shifts and easy driving in traffic. Front-wheel drive is standard on most models, while available all-wheel drive adds confidence when road conditions change. The Escape is built for comfort rather than heavy towing, but it handles light hauling duties with ease, making it useful for small trailers or recreational gear.
Compared to other cars and SUVs in its class, the Escape offers a calm and controlled ride that appeals to drivers who value comfort over aggressive performance. It is a very different driving experience from a Ford Mustang, yet it still carries the practical engineering Ford is known for across its Ford models.
Technology Features
Technology plays a big role in the 2026 Ford Escape experience. Designed to keep drivers connected and informed, the Escape includes a user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone compatibility. A central touchscreen makes access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings simple while keeping controls within easy reach of the driver.
Available technology features may include:
- 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display
- Smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Bluetooth® connectivity
- Digital driver information display
- Voice recognition controls
- Multiple USB charging ports
Together, these features help the Escape feel modern and competitive when compared to similar vehicles from Mazda, Honda, and Toyota, making everyday driving more enjoyable and convenient.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety and driver confidence are key priorities in the 2026 Ford Escape. Standard safety features are designed to support drivers in everyday situations, from highway travel to busy parking lots. Available adaptive cruise control helps maintain distance from vehicles ahead, while lane keeping technology adds extra confidence during longer drives.
Available safety and driver assistance features may include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
These safety features help make the Escape a reassuring choice for families and commuters. When compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Chevrolet Equinox, the Escape continues to offer a well-balanced collection of standard safety features designed to support the driver on every trip.
Visit Doug Henry Ford of Ayden Today
The 2026 Ford Escape marks the last model year for this well-known nameplate, making it a great time to explore what it has to offer. With multiple trims, modern safety and driver technology, and a comfortable interior, the Escape continues to be one of the most appealing compact SUVs on the road.
Visit Doug Henry Ford of Ayden in Ayden, NC to explore available models, compare trims, and take a test drive. Our team is ready to help you find the right Escape for your lifestyle and budget.
How the Escape Fits Within the Ford Lineup
The Escape plays an important role within the family of Ford SUVs. It offers a smaller and more maneuverable option than the Ford Explorer or Ford Expedition Max, while delivering more interior space than compact crossovers or sedans. For drivers who have considered Ford trucks or performance models, the Escape provides a practical daily vehicle that still carries Ford DNA.
At Doug Henry Ford of Ayden, the Escape complements a wide selection of Ford inventory, giving shoppers many ways to find the right fit.
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*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.