Ford Escape Hybrid

Name: 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid
Brand: Ford

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The popular Ford Escape was fully redesigned for the 2020 model year, and we found that the hybrid model is the most compelling of all the versions available. This small SUV has been massaged and morphed into a curvier model that looks more like a raised hatchback and less than a utilitarian box, as SUVs become alternatives to traditional sedans. The Escape also got new powertrains, more elaborate interior technology and standard advanced safety features. We found the new Escape agile and solid feeling but it also suffers from a few flaws that should give buyers pause.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

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Ford Escape Hybri...

Ford Escape Hybrid

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2020

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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CR MPG

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Predicted Reliability

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Take

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Take

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Take

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2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

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Predicted Reliability

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CR's
Take

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$44,265 - $48,135

52 miles

41 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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Road test

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CR MPG

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2.5-liter 4 hybrid (192 hp)

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 3 years/36,000 miles
Drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/60,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The Escape Hybrid gets an impressive 34 mpg overall in our tests, and doesn't suffer from the persistent--and annoying--engine vibration that we experienced with models equipped with the standard 1.5-liter three-cylinder. It is available in both front and all-wheel drive configurations. There's also a front-wheel-drive only plug-in hybrid model with a 37-mile electric range available. The Escape's ride has an underlying firmness but is steady and composed. Handling is nimble and secure, but the brake pedal is oversensitive. Controls, including the rotary gear selector, are easy to use. The firm front seats are flat and don't provide much support, but the rear seat is quite roomy when set to the rearmost position. All Escape Hybrids come standard with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW. 2026 is the last production year for the Escape Hybrid.

2008-2019

2008 Redesign Year

The Escape has a roomy interior, spacious rear seat, and good cargo space. Fit and finish is unimpressive and the car is noisy. The V6 provides strong acceleration and 19 mpg overall. The four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration and 21 mpg overall. Both engines are loud. Braking performance is improved. The hybrid drivetrain works well but the ride is unsettled and handling is imprecise. It gets impressive fuel economy. 2009 hybrids got a more powerful 177-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. ESC is standard.

2005-2007

2005 Redesign Year

The Escape Hybrid blends the virtues of the conventional Escape with a fuel-saving hybrid drivetrain. This small SUV can crawl along at urban speeds solely on electric power. The gas engine kicks in quickly and can be very noisy when accelerating. Combined, the gas engine and electric motor produce 155 hp. The continuously variable transmission causes the engine to rev high when cruising. The Escape hybrid is relatively agile, but the electric steering is less precise and lacks the feedback of the conventional model. Fuel economy is 26 mpg overall, 8 mpg better than the Escape V6.