Blog > 2026 Ford Escape PHEV: What is Different in Each Trim?

2026 Ford Escape PHEV: What is Different in Each Trim?

The new Ford Escape PHEV represents the Blue Oval commitment to electrification with its versatile plug-in hybrid compact SUV. This Ford hybrid SUV combines the practicality of a traditional compact crossover with the efficiency of an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Escape SUV has been a staple in the Ford lineup for years, and the PHEV version takes this popular Ford Escape SUV to new heights with improved fuel economy and electric-only driving capabilities. 

2026 White Ford Escape PHEV
2026 White Ford Escape PHEV

Powertrain: The Heart of the Ford Escape PHEV

Before diving into the specific trim levels, it’s important to understand what powers every Ford Escape PHEV model:

  • 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine
  • Electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack
  • Combined system output of 221 horsepower
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
  • Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard configuration
  • Up to 60 kilometres of all-electric driving range
  • Total driving range of over 800 kilometres when fully fueled and charged
  • Level 1 and Level 2 charging capability

Unlike some trims of the standard Escape, which will offer hybrid powertrains as standard, the PHEV stands as its own distinct offering in the lineup with enhanced electric capabilities.

SE Trim: The Foundation of Efficiency

The SE trim serves as the entry point to the new Ford Escape PHEV lineup, offering an impressive array of standard features that make this base model anything but basic.

Key Features of the SE Trim:

  • 17-inch aluminum wheels for a balanced blend of efficiency and style
  • LED headlamps with automatic on/off functionality
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • SYNC® 4 infotainment system with 13.2-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Cloth seat upholstery with eco-conscious materials
  • Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats that slide and recline
  • Rotary gear shift dial
  • Four USB ports (two USB-A, two USB-C)
  • Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety suite, including:
    • Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
    • Lane-Keeping System
    • Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
    • Auto High-Beam Headlamps
    • Rear View Camera

The SE trim is perfect for eco-conscious drivers who want the fundamentals of modern vehicle technology along with the advantages of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It offers exceptional value with its comprehensive safety features and modern infotainment system.

SEL Trim: Elevated Comfort and Convenience

Moving up to the SEL trim brings additional comfort and convenience features that enhance the everyday driving experience of this Ford hybrid SUV.

SEL Trim Enhancements:

  • 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
  • Roof rack side rails for additional cargo options
  • Power liftgate for hands-free access to the cargo area
  • LED fog lamps for improved visibility
  • ActiveX™ synthetic leather upholstery for a premium look and feel
  • 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function
  • Heated front seats, cold-weather comfort
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Remote start system
  • SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
  • Intelligent Access with push-button start
  • Connected Navigation with one year of service
  • Additional Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ features:
    • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
    • Lane Centering
    • Evasive Steering Assist
    • Voice-Activated Navigation

The SEL trim strikes an excellent balance between premium features and value, making it a popular choice for drivers who want more comfort without stepping up to the top-tier trim level. The enhanced technology and convenience features make daily driving more enjoyable and less stressful.

Titanium Trim: Premium Appointments

The Titanium trim sits at the top of the Ford Escape PHEV lineup, offering the most luxurious and technologically advanced features available for this compact Ford SUV.

Titanium Trim Premium Features:

  • 19-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark-painted pockets
  • Unique LED signature lighting with LED light bar
  • Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Premium leather-trimmed seats
  • 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Memory settings for driver’s seat, side mirrors, and steering column
  • Ambient interior lighting with multiple colour options
  • B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers
  • Wireless charging pad
  • 360-degree camera system with split-view display
  • Advanced Ford Co-Pilot360™ Active 2.0:
    • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system
    • Active Park Assist 2.0
    • Intersection Assist
    • Reverse Brake Assist
  • Head-Up Display (HUD) projecting key information onto the windshield

The Titanium trim transforms the Ford Escape PHEV from a practical hybrid SUV into a luxury-oriented vehicle with all the bells and whistles. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want the most comfortable and technologically advanced version of this Ford hybrid SUV.

Available Packages Across Trims

Ford offers several packages that can be added to various trim levels to customize your Escape PHEV further:

Cold Weather Package

  • Available on: SE, SEL
  • Features: Heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote start system

Tech Package

  • Available on: SE, SEL
  • Features: B&O® Sound System, wireless charging pad, additional driver-assist features

Premium Package

  • Available on: SEL
  • Features: Panoramic Vista Roof®, hands-free liftgate, 19-inch wheels

Titanium Premium Package

  • Available on: Titanium
  • Features: Panoramic Vista Roof®, Head-Up Display, BlueCruise hands-free driving technology

Interior Space and Practicality

All trim levels of the Ford Escape PHEV offer the same practical interior dimensions:

  • Seating capacity: 5 passengers
  • Front headroom: 1,020 mm
  • Front legroom: 1,077 mm
  • Rear headroom: 998 mm
  • Rear legroom: 985 mm
  • Cargo volume behind second row: 869 litres
  • Maximum cargo volume with rear seats folded: 1,722 litres

The sliding second-row seats allow for flexible configuration between passenger space and cargo room, making the Escape PHEV one of the more versatile options in the compact SUV segment.

Charging and Electric Features

The Ford Escape PHEV includes several features across all trims to enhance the electric driving experience:

  • 3.7 kW onboard charger
  • 120V Level 1 charging cable included
  • Compatible with 240V Level 2 charging stations
  • Full charge in approximately 3.5 hours with Level 2 charger
  • Four EV driving modes:
    • Auto EV: Vehicle decides between electric and gas power
    • EV Now: Uses only electric power until battery is depleted
    • EV Later: Saves battery power for later use
    • EV Charge: Uses the engine to charge the battery while driving

Technology and Connectivity

The Ford Escape hybrid SUV comes equipped with numerous technology features across all trim levels to keep you connected and entertained:

  • FordPass™ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
  • SYNC® 4 with enhanced voice recognition
  • Over-the-air update capability
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • FordPass™ app compatibility for:
    • Remote start
    • Lock/unlock doors
    • Vehicle status checks
    • Charging schedule and monitoring
    • Charging station locator

2026 Ford Escape PHEV: Versatile and Capable

The Ford Escape PHEV continues to be a compelling option in the increasingly competitive hybrid SUV market. With its substantial electric-only range, versatile interior, and comprehensive suite of safety and technology features across all trim levels, this Ford hybrid SUV offers something for everyone.

The SE trim provides an excellent entry point with all the essentials, while the SEL adds meaningful comfort and convenience upgrades. For those wanting the ultimate Escape PHEV experience, the Titanium trim delivers premium appointments and advanced technology.

No matter which trim you select, the new Ford Escape PHEV offers the perfect combination of efficiency, utility, and technology in a stylish and comfortable package. This Ford Escape hybrid represents a thoughtful approach to electrification that doesn’t compromise on the versatility and practicality that SUV buyers expect.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.

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