As the Ford Escape gets ready for its final curtain call, the 2026 model highlights exactly why this SUV has been a favorite of Ford enthusiasts for years. If you've been on the fence about picking one up, there's no better time to see how its versatile approach stacks up against a major competitor like the Honda CR-V.
Key Takeaways:
- The Escape enters its last year of production to make room for an upcoming EV successor.
- New environmental mandates mean the 2026 Escape won't be available in six specific states.
- Ford sticks with the same design for the Escape's final bow, while the 2026 CR-V brings a few minor updates to the table.
- Not only do you get four engine options with the Escape, but it also has double towing capacity as the CRV.
Which States Won't Allow the 2026 Ford Escape Due to Emissions?
Before we get into these features of these compacts, you should know that due to updated emissions laws, dealerships in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, and Washington won't have the Escape in stock. For fans in those areas who want to grab one of these final units before they vanish, your best bet is to look at inventory in a neighboring state or purchase a 2025 model.
Breaking Down the 2026 Updates in the Escape vs. Honda CR-V
With Ford preparing for an EV future, the 2026 Escape maintains the same styling and features that have defined it in the past few years. The biggest change for this final run is a focus on standardizing performance; the front-wheel-drive hybrid is no more. Every hybrid Escape now leaves the factory equipped with Intelligent AWD as standard.
Over at Honda, the CR-V spent its '26 budget on interior upgrades. The car company bumped the center touchscreen up to 9.0 inches and gave the EX-L trim a larger digital instrument cluster.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Escape |
2026 Honda CR-V |
| Discontinued FWD for hybrid |
Central touchscreen increases to 9.0 inches |
| Hybrids now come standard with Intelligent AWD |
The larger digital gauge cluster is new to the EX-L trim |
| 2026 models aren't available in all states |
No other changes to the CR-V |
How Many Engine Options Are Available for the 2026 Ford Escape?
The Escape provides a level of choice that the CR-V simply doesn't offer. You can pick from four distinct setups: a 181-hp 1.5-liter turbo, a 192-hp standard hybrid getting 39 mpg, or a 210-hp Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). For those who want real muscle, the 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost makes the Escape an athlete on the road, easily out-powering the CR-V's 190-hp turbo-four base engine and 204-hp hybrid.
The Escapes engines pair with an 8-speed automatic and RWD or FWD. The CRV's engines pair with a CVT and FWD or AWD.
Capability is another huge differentiator. The Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly geared, which is more than double the CR-V's 1,500-pound maximum.
Which 2026 SUV Is Better for Driving and Commuting?
The Escape manages to pack greater towing power and a variety of engine options into its final year. This is your last shot to get a brand-new version of this nameplate before the assembly lines switch over to EV, and with all it offers, how can you resist? Give our team a shout today at Jarrett-Gordon Ford in Davenport to find out more!