Compare 2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Ford Explorer
| 2026 Ford Escape | 2026 Ford Explorer |
Engine |
|
| 1.5L Turbocharged I-3 | 2.3L Turbocharged I-4 |
Horsepower |
|
| 180 hp | 300 hp |
MPG (City/Highway) |
|
| 27/34 * | 20/29 * |
Seating Capacity |
|
| 5 Passengers | 7 Passengers |
Max Cargo Space |
|
| 65.4 cubic feet | 85.3 cubic feet |
2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Serving Hudson WI
The compact Ford Escape crossover SUV delivers agility on the road, along with practical features and effortless style. This two-row model sits below the three-row, midsize Explorer in the 2026 lineup. At Hudson Ford, we are committed to your complete satisfaction with your next Ford and eager to help you compare the possibilities.
Performance
The 2026 Ford Escape is available with two powertrains. Lower trim levels have a 181-horsepower, 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbo engine, while the higher trim levels have a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 250 horsepower. Both engines mate with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Escape is available with front-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains.
The 2026 Ford Explorer also has two powertrain options. The entry-level powertrain is a 300-horsepower, turbo 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine. Select trims are offered with a 400-horsepower, turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine. Every Explorer comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. However, all-wheel drive is offered as an upgrade.
Appearance
The aerodynamic Ford Escape has sporty, raked side windows and a curved front end. The tapered roof and smoothly sculpted sides add a sporty touch. Dark molding rolls across the sides and rounds over the wheel wells. On the front end, you will find dramatically angled, LED-topped headlights, deep-set fog light ports, and a hexagon-like grille.
The Explorer has a flat roof with angled pillars and prominent definition angling over the sides. The grille is almost rectangular and has a unique, U-shaped mesh pattern. The sleek headlights are outlined on all sides by an LED ribbon.
Features
The 2026 Escape is available with features like automated parking, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a B&O sound system with 10 speakers, a surround-view camera, heated seats, driver’s memory settings, wireless smartphone app connections, adaptive cruise control, a wireless charging pad, a digital instrument panel, a 13.2-inch infotainment system screen, and others.
The Explorer is available with most of these features as well as more speakers for the sound system, paddle shifters, a heated steering wheel, captain’s chairs in the second row, Blue Cruise, a surround-view camera, and other features.
Test Drive Your Next Ford Today
Hudson Ford is honored to help you compare the Escape and Explorer in full detail during your next visit. Contact us today to learn more or drop by our showroom soon for a test drive.
* EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.