Photo: Ford Escape by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. It shows the model, not always this exact version.
Ford · model year 2026
2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV
SUV · Front-Wheel Drive · Plug-in hybrid · EPA class: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Where it places
- 04 Plug-in hybrids
Ordered by combined MPG #4 of 73 - 11 Fuel-efficient SUVs
Ordered by combined MPG #11 of 479 - 20 Fuel-efficient small SUVs
Ordered by combined MPG #20 of 521 - 334 2026 cars and trucks
Every car of that year, A to Z #334 of 1,172 - 85 Gas and hybrid cars by fuel cost
Ordered by fuel a year #85 of 2,158 - 27 Ford cars
Every model year, newest first #27 of 3,957
Against plug-in hybrids
The CarCody take
The 2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV is a small SUV with front-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a variable-ratio automatic transmission. Its EPA figures are 101 MPGe combined, 40 MPG on gasoline, and a 37-mile range. A 240-volt connection takes 3.2 hours, while estimated annual fuel cost is $1,700.
Good to know
- 101 MPGe combined EPA rating
- 40 MPG combined on gasoline
- 37-mile EPA range
- Small SUV body with front-wheel drive
- 240-volt charge time of 3.2 hours
Watch for
- 37-mile range limits charge-only trips
- Front-wheel drive is the listed drive layout
- Highway rating is 37 MPG
- EPA annual fuel cost is $1,700
Who it suits. Drivers with regular trips near the 37-mile range Small-SUV buyers who can charge at 240 volts Those comparing plug-in-hybrid running figures
The 2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV makes sense for drivers whose routine can take advantage of its 37-mile EPA range and who want a small SUV rather than a sedan. Its 101 MPGe combined figure rewards plug-in use, while the 40 MPG gasoline rating keeps longer trips understandable. Front-wheel drive is the only drive layout listed, and charging from 240 volts takes 3.2 hours. Compare those limits with your parking, outlet, and trip pattern before choosing it.
What it is
The 2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV is a small sport utility vehicle with front-wheel drive. It uses gasoline and plug-in-hybrid operation, pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission that has variable gear ratios.
Its EPA range is 37 miles. As a plug-in hybrid, it also carries separate MPG and MPGe figures; see other plug-in hybrids when this drivetrain is your starting point.
The numbers
The Escape PHEV posts 101 MPGe combined. On gasoline, it is rated at 40 MPG combined, with 42 MPG in city driving and 37 MPG on the highway.
Its listed energy use is 33 kWh per 100 miles. Those city and highway numbers give you a simple check against your own mix of stop-and-go and faster roads.
What it costs to run
EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $1,700. That figure is tied to the official fuel and energy ratings, not a promise of what every driver will spend.
Charging at 240 volts takes 3.2 hours. Tailpipe emissions are listed at 222 grams of carbon dioxide per mile.
How it compares
Use 101 MPGe, 40 combined MPG, and a 37-mile range as the Escape PHEV's comparison points. A different plug-in hybrid may emphasize a different mix of range, electric efficiency, or gasoline mileage.
For SUV shopping, place these figures beside other fuel-efficient SUVs. For Ford alternatives, compare Ford cars by their EPA numbers.
Who it suits
This Escape suits a buyer who wants a small SUV, needs front-wheel drive, and can make use of plug-in charging. The 37-mile range figure is most relevant when your regular trips fit within it.
It also fits drivers who want one vehicle with both an MPGe figure for plug-in operation and a gasoline MPG figure for longer travel.
Trade-offs
The plug-in system adds a charging step: a 240-volt charge takes 3.2 hours. The range is 37 miles, so longer journeys still need the gasoline rating.
The model is listed with front-wheel drive. Highway economy is 37 MPG, below its 42 MPG city rating.
Verdict
Choose the 2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV if an SUV with front-wheel drive matches your needs and you can regularly plug in. Its 101 MPGe combined rating gives the clearest picture of its plug-in efficiency, while 40 MPG combined describes gasoline use after the charge is used.
The 37-mile range and $1,700 annual fuel-cost estimate make the running numbers easy to weigh against your daily distance and charging access.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 40 MPG
- City MPG
- 42 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 37 MPG
- Combined MPGe
- 101 MPGe
- EPA range
- 37 miles
- Energy use
- 33 kWh per 100 miles
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,700
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 222 g per mile
- Charge time at 240 V
- 3.2 hours
- Model year
- 2026
- Body
- SUV
- EPA size class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 2.5 L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV's EPA range?
Its EPA range figure is 37 miles.
How efficient is the Escape PHEV?
It is rated at 101 MPGe combined, 40 MPG combined on gasoline, 42 MPG city, and 37 MPG highway.
How much does it cost to fuel each year?
The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $1,700.
How long does charging take?
At 240 volts, the listed charge time is 3.2 hours.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission with variable gear ratios.
Is the 2026 Escape PHEV front-wheel drive?
Yes. The model is listed with front-wheel drive and a small sport utility vehicle 2WD class.
What are its energy use and emissions figures?
Energy use is listed at 33 kWh per 100 miles, and tailpipe emissions are 222 grams of carbon dioxide per mile.
Cars around it
2025 Toyota Prius PHEV SE
52 MPG · $1,300 fuel a year 2025 Toyota Prius PHEV
48 MPG · $1,400 fuel a year
2026 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
48 MPG · $1,400 fuel a year
2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV AWD
38 MPG · $1,750 fuel a year
2027 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
36 MPG · $1,850 fuel a year
2025 Lexus NX 450h Plus AWD
36 MPG · $2,300 fuel a year
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
35 MPG · $1,900 fuel a year