The Ford Escape managed to hold its ground in showrooms for an extra year, even after buzz back in 2025 hinted it was done for. Now that we're in '26, this classic crossover SUV is officially taking its final lap so Ford can clear the way for an upcoming EV. Find out what happens when we pit the Ford Escape against the redesigned Chevy Equinox!
Key Takeaways
- This marks the absolute last production cycle for the Escape before Ford switches gears to a new EV.
- Stricter environmental rules mean you can't buy a 2026 Escape in six specific states.
- Ford rolls out an almost identical Escape for its farewell tour, while Chevy coasts on the Equinox's last redesign.
How State Rules Limit Your Chances of Buying an Escape
Tracking down a 2026 Escape comes down to your ZIP code. Due to tight state emissions mandates, Ford won't ship new models to dealerships in California, New York, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, or Vermont. If you live in one of those areas and still have your heart set on a brand-new Escape, you'll have to travel across state lines to get one or hunt down a 2025 version.
Ford doesn't mess with success for the Escape's final year. The only real shake-up is the disappearance of the front-wheel-drive hybrid. If you want a hybrid, it now automatically comes with Ford's Intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
Chevy mostly just tweaks the Equinox. The Convenience II package on the LT trim no longer includes roof rails, though you can still grab them by opting for the Midnight Edition or the sunroof package. The automaker also made a drive mode dial standard on every trim level and added a premium Polar White Tricoat paint option to the rugged Activ and sporty RS models.
Engine Options for the Escape and Equinox Crossovers
The Escape offers one of the most diverse engine menus you'll find in any compact crossover. You can choose from a 181-hp 1.5-liter turbo, a 192-hp hybrid, a 210-hp plug-in hybrid, or a 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. That 2.0-liter EcoBoost brings the muscle, giving the Escape a major performance edge over its crossover rivals. Depending on the setup you pick, power flows through an eight-speed automatic to either the front wheels or all four.
The Equinox takes a much more basic route, sticking to just one engine choice--a 175-hp four-cylinder. Front-wheel-drive models get a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while upgrading to all-wheel drive swaps that out for an eight-speed automatic. It gets the job done just fine, but vehicle shoppers generally like having choices, and that is where the Escape has a clear advantage.
Powertrain Features
| 2026 Ford Escape |
2026 Chevy Equinox |
| Your choice of turbo gas, hybrid, PHEV, 2.0L EcoBoost engines |
Four-cylinder engine |
| 8-speed automatic |
CVT; 8-speed |
| FWD; RWD |
FWD; AWD |
Should You Take Home the 2026 Ford Escape?
It is pretty rare to find a small SUV that gives you this many different ways to configure what's under the hood. This is your absolute last shot to drive a brand-new gas or hybrid version of the Escape off the lot before the transition to electric. Contact our Brighton Ford sales team today to see why this fan-favorite will cross the finish line in style!