2026 Ford Escape
Gas, Hybrid, or Plug-In Hybrid. One SUV built to fit every life in Montgomery County.
1.5L EcoBoost
Up to 30 MPG Combined
2.0L EcoBoost
Up to 26 MPG Combined -- 3,500 lb Tow
2.5L Hybrid
Up to 39 MPG Combined
2.5L PHEV
210 System HP -- FWD
The Compact SUV That Does Not Make You Pick a Lane
Most compact SUVs ask you to choose: power or efficiency, practicality or technology, everyday budget or weekend capability. The 2026 Ford Escape skips that question entirely. With four powertrain options -- including a hybrid that earns 39 MPG and a plug-in that drives 37 miles on electricity alone -- it is genuinely one vehicle that fits genuinely different lives.
Whether you are running from Fort Campbell to downtown Clarksville for groceries, hauling a small bass boat down to Kentucky Lake for the weekend, or doing pickup runs between Austin Peay's campus and home, the Escape adapts. The sliding second-row seat -- still rare in this class -- lets you shift space between passenger legroom and cargo room without taking anything out first.
At Jenkins & Wynne Ford, three generations of family ownership means we will tell you straight which trim and powertrain actually makes sense for your driving pattern. If the hybrid is the smarter choice for your commute, we will say so. If the 2.0L EcoBoost suits your towing needs better, we'll say that too.
Inside, Outside, and On the Road
2026 Ford Escape -- Exterior
City-Ready Style
Capable Off the Beaten Path
Up to 3,500 Lbs Towing Capacity
Available Panoramic Vista Roof
Available 13.2-Inch SYNC 4 Display
Ice Blue Ambient Lighting -- Standard
37.5 Cu Ft Cargo -- Seats Up
A Face That Fits Every Errand and Every Weekend
The Escape cuts a clean, modern profile that does not try too hard. ST-Line trims add a black mesh grille, sport-tuned cues, and 18- or 19-inch wheels for a more athletic look. The Platinum goes the other direction with a chrome beltline, LED light bar headlamps, and a polished overall character. Either way, it holds up in a Clarksville parking lot or on the highway north to Nashville.
- LED reflector headlamps with signature lighting -- standard
- Available front LED light bar (Platinum and select ST-Line trims)
- ST-Line: black mesh grille, body-color spoiler, sport exterior trim
- Available Panoramic Vista Roof with power shade
- Available hands-free foot-activated power liftgate
- 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheel options across the lineup
- Selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Slippery
Five Passengers, a Sliding Second Row, and Room to Spare
The Escape's interior is practical without being spartan. Front legroom runs to 42.4 inches; rear passengers get 40.7 inches -- among the better figures in this class. What makes it genuinely clever is the sliding second-row seat: you can shift up to 5.9 inches to favor passenger legroom or cargo space without removing anything from the vehicle.
- Sliding second-row seat -- up to 5.9 inches of adjustment
- 37.5 cu ft cargo behind rear seat; 65.4 cu ft seats folded (EcoBoost)
- 42.4-inch front legroom / 40.7-inch rear legroom
- Standard Ice Blue ambient lighting across all trims
- Rotary gear shift -- frees up center console space
- Available heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Available ActiveX synthetic leather seating (Platinum)
- Available Bang and Olufsen 10-speaker audio with subwoofer
An SUV That Actually Works Like One
The Escape punches above its compact class when it comes to towing. With the right engine and the optional Class II Trailer Tow Package, it handles small trailers, boats, and utility loads with confidence. That matters when you are heading to Lake Barkley or hauling equipment for a weekend project.
AWD Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
Standard on all Hybrid trims. Optional on EcoBoost models (+$1,400). Sends power where it is needed without driver input. Useful on wet Tennessee roads in November or on unpaved paths near the Land Between the Lakes.
Flat-Tow Capable (Hybrid)
The Escape Hybrid can be flat-towed behind an RV without overcharging the battery -- a practical feature for drivers who want to bring their daily vehicle on extended trips.
The Kind of SUV You Look Forward to Driving Every Day
The Escape is not a thrill machine, and it does not pretend to be. What it is is composed, comfortable, and genuinely easy to live with. The hybrid powertrain is particularly smooth -- Edmunds' real-world testing averaged 38.4 MPG, nearly matching the EPA estimate of 39. That is honest efficiency.
The 2.0L EcoBoost is the livelier choice if you want responsiveness, though the 8-speed automatic can feel indecisive under hard acceleration. For most Clarksville commuters and families, the hybrid is the clear sweet spot: more power than the base 3-cylinder, better fuel economy, and AWD standard.
- Hybrid: smooth, quiet powertrain; real-world ~38 MPG confirmed by Edmunds
- Drive mode selector: Eco, Normal, Sport, Slippery
- 8-speed automatic (EcoBoost) or eCVT (Hybrid/PHEV)
- Driver POV: low cowl height and large windows for excellent visibility
- Complimentary Ford Mobile Service and Pickup & Delivery available
Connected, Simple, and Actually Useful
SYNC 4 -- Standard 8-Inch, Available 13.2-Inch
Every 2026 Escape includes Ford SYNC 4 on a standard 8-inch color touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard across all trims -- no cable required. The available 13.2-inch center display adds enhanced voice recognition, a larger navigation view, and a more premium in-cabin feel.
- Standard 8-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen -- all trims
- Available 13.2-inch capacitive touchscreen (Tech Pack or upper trims)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -- standard
- Enhanced voice recognition with conversational commands
- Available 360-degree surround camera (under 6 MPH)
FordPass Connect and Remote Access
FordPass Connect provides built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability -- handy for families on long drives or if you need connectivity while parked. The FordPass app lets you remote-start the Escape, lock and unlock the doors, and check vehicle health from your phone.
- FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- FordPass app: remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle status
- Available wireless charging pad (select trims and packages)
- Two USB ports standard; additional ports available
- PHEV: Level 1 (120V) mobile power cord included for home charging
Available 12.3-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster
Higher Escape trims offer a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that replaces traditional gauges with a crisp, customizable display. Hybrid and PHEV models show energy flow data in real time so you can see exactly how efficiently you are driving.
- Standard analog gauges with driver information display
- Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (Active Premium Tech Pack and upper trims)
- Hybrid/PHEV: real-time energy flow display
- Available heads-up display integration
- Rotary gear selector frees center console for phone tray and storage
Available Bang and Olufsen Premium Audio
The available Bang and Olufsen 10-speaker sound system with subwoofer delivers a genuinely impressive audio experience for this segment. It is part of the ST-Line Select's Tech Pack #2 and the Premium Technology Package on Platinum and ST-Line Elite trims.
- Standard audio system -- base trims
- Available Bang and Olufsen 10-speaker system with subwoofer
- SiriusXM satellite radio capability
- Bluetooth audio streaming standard
- USB-C and USB-A media and charging ports
Ford Co-Pilot360 -- Standard on Every Escape
Ford includes Co-Pilot360 as standard on every 2026 Escape trim. You do not have to step up to get basic safety technology here. Advanced features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering are available via optional Tech Packs on lower trims and standard on upper trims.
Pre-Collision Assist
Monitors the road ahead and applies the brakes automatically if a collision is detected and you have not reacted. Includes Pedestrian Detection -- standard on every trim.
BLIS Blind Spot Monitor
Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert warns you of vehicles in your blind spots and of cross traffic when reversing -- standard across the lineup. Useful backing out anywhere from Clarksville's parking lots to base housing.
Lane-Keeping System
Combines Lane-Keeping Alert (visual/audio warning) and Lane-Keeping Assist (gentle steering correction). Standard on all trims. Available Lane Centering Assist keeps you centered on the highway.
Driver Alert System
Monitors driving patterns for signs of drowsiness or inattention and alerts the driver. Standard on every 2026 Escape.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Stop-and-Go Adaptive Cruise maintains your following distance and can brake to a complete stop in traffic -- available via Tech Pack on lower trims and standard on Platinum and ST-Line Elite. Practical on I-24 toward Nashville.
Available Surround Camera
360-degree camera system shows a bird's-eye view of the Escape at speeds under 6 MPH. Available with Tech Pack #2 on ST-Line Select and included on upper trims. Reverse Automatic Braking also available.
Six Trims. Four Powertrains. One Right Answer for You.
The Escape lineup runs from the practical Active all the way to the sport-luxe ST-Line Elite. Hybrid power enters at the ST-Line Select, making it the value sweet spot for efficiency-focused buyers. Here is the complete picture.
The Smarter Commute -- Without Giving Up Anything
The Escape has offered a hybrid since 2005 -- Ford has been doing this long enough to get it right. The 2026 Hybrid AWD combines a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with an electric motor for 192 combined horsepower and up to 39 MPG. No plugging in required. It just works.
The Plug-In Hybrid adds a larger battery pack with 37 miles of all-electric range. If your daily commute -- say, from Oak Grove to a Clarksville worksite -- is under 37 miles, you may never need to burn gas during the week. Charge on a standard 120V outlet overnight or faster on Level 2. When the battery depletes, it transitions seamlessly to hybrid operation at around 40 MPG.
- Hybrid: 192 HP combined -- 42 city / 36 hwy / 39 combined MPG -- AWD standard
- PHEV: 210 HP combined -- 101 MPGe -- 37-mile electric-only range
- PHEV charges on standard 120V outlet (included cord) or Level 2
- Regenerative braking recharges the battery automatically during driving
- Hybrid flat-tow capable behind an RV without battery overcharge
- Potential federal tax credit on PHEV -- consult your tax advisor
Jenkins & Wynne Ford -- Clarksville, TN
Three Generations. Here for the Long Term.
Jenkins & Wynne has served Clarksville and the greater Montgomery County region since our founding. We are family-owned, third-generation, and we sell and service every vehicle we put on the road. From Ford military incentives for Fort Campbell families to straightforward trade-in evaluations, we keep the process simple and honest.
Hours
| Mon -- Fri | 8:30 AM -- 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM -- 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM -- 5:00 PM |
What Clarksville Says
Your 2026 Escape Questions, Answered
What is the starting price for a 2026 Ford Escape at Jenkins and Wynne Ford?
The Active trim starts at $30,050, making it one of the more affordable compact SUVs with this level of standard safety technology. The ST-Line is just behind at $30,895. If you want the hybrid powertrain, that enters at the ST-Line Select for $33,890. All prices are before destination and any applicable incentives. Call 931-441-8041 for current in-stock pricing.
Does the 2026 Ford Escape come in a hybrid or plug-in hybrid?
Yes -- and not just one. The standard Hybrid pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor for 192 combined horsepower and up to 39 MPG combined with standard AWD. The Plug-In Hybrid adds a larger battery for 37 miles of electric-only range and 101 MPGe. It charges on a standard 120V outlet at home or faster with a Level 2 charger. The hybrid is available on ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims. The PHEV is its own separate trim.
How much can the 2026 Ford Escape tow?
With the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and the available Class II Trailer Tow Package, the 2026 Escape is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds -- enough for a small bass boat, a utility trailer, or a loaded cargo trailer for a move or weekend project. The 1.5L EcoBoost is rated to 2,000 lbs and the Hybrid to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped.
Does Jenkins and Wynne Ford offer military pricing on the Escape for Fort Campbell families?
Yes. Ford's Military Appreciation Program provides special pricing for eligible active duty military, National Guard, Reserve, retired military, veterans, and their household members. Jenkins and Wynne Ford is located directly on Fort Campbell Boulevard and has served the Fort Campbell community for decades. Call 931-441-8041 or speak with any of our team members about current program eligibility and pricing.
Is the 2026 Ford Escape available for purchase in Tennessee?
Absolutely. The 2026 Escape cannot be sold in California, Massachusetts, Oregon, New York, Washington, or Vermont due to those states' emissions certification requirements. Tennessee has no such restriction -- all Escape trims and powertrains are fully available for purchase and registration here.
What safety features are standard on every 2026 Ford Escape?
Ford Co-Pilot360 comes standard on every trim and includes: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection, Lane-Keeping System (Alert and Assist), BLIS Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Driver Alert System, and Automatic High Beams. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering are available via Tech Pack options on lower trims and standard on Platinum and ST-Line Elite.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Ford Escape have?
EcoBoost models offer 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a generous 65.4 cubic feet with it folded flat. Hybrid and PHEV models measure slightly less (the battery pack takes some space) at 60.8 cubic feet maximum. The sliding second-row seat -- up to 5.9 inches of travel -- is a feature you do not find on most compact SUV competitors. It lets you optimize between passenger legroom and cargo room without removing anything.
Can I schedule a test drive of the 2026 Ford Escape at Jenkins and Wynne Ford?
Yes. Visit us at 2921 Fort Campbell Blvd in Clarksville or call 931-441-8041. We stock multiple Escape trims and powertrain configurations and are happy to let you compare the base EcoBoost against the hybrid back-to-back -- they drive differently enough that the side-by-side is worth the time.
Does Jenkins and Wynne Ford service hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles?
Yes. Our Clarksville service center is staffed by factory-trained Ford technicians with experience on hybrid and PHEV powertrains. We handle routine hybrid maintenance, battery system service, and warranty work for all Ford vehicles. Ford also offers complimentary pickup and delivery service -- they will collect your Escape, service it, and return it to you.
Which 2026 Escape trim is the best value?
It depends on your priorities. For pure value and daily efficiency, the ST-Line Select at $33,890 offers the hybrid powertrain with AWD, heated front seats, and remote start at a modest step up from the base. If you want the most complete vehicle without going to the top, the Platinum is hard to argue with -- standard AWD, LED light bar, panoramic roof, and the 13.2-inch display in a refined package. Stop in or call 931-441-8041 and we will walk through the trims with you honestly.
Find Your 2026 Escape Today
Gas, hybrid, or plug-in. From $30,050. Three generations of honest dealing and a team that will help you pick the right one -- not just the most expensive one.
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, and license fees. EPA estimates for comparison only. Actual mileage will vary. Towing requires properly equipped vehicle. See dealer for complete details.