Whether you’re looking to handle daily drives or take on weekend adventures, the 2026 Ford Escape® and 2026 Ford Explorer® are ready to keep up. These SUVs have a lot to offer, from advanced safety features to extensive connectivity, to distinct performance and space capabilities. Learn how they compare by reading through this 2026 Ford Escape vs. 2026 Ford Explorer comparison created for you by the team at Westfield Ford in Countryside, IL.
Find your preferred Ford SUV in our Escape inventory and see our Escape offers, or browse our Explorer inventory and check out our attractive Explorer offers. Get behind the wheel of the trim that catches your attention through a test drive. Should you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us online or over the phone at (866) 306-5556.
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The 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Ford Explorer have commanding, eye-catching exteriors. Find 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels on the Escape or 18-, 20-, 21-inch wheels on the Explorer. Illuminate the road ahead with available automatic high-beam headlamps and LED fog lamps on either vehicle. Access your cargo area with available power liftgates on either vehicle, and make coming back from a shopping run a breeze. The Explorer has additional LED lighting available, including tail lamps, and rain-sensing wipers.
Available shared exterior features include:
Available Escape exterior features include:
Available Explorer exterior features include:
2026 Ford Escape
2026 Ford Explorer
Find comfort on every commute with the exceptional 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Ford Explorer interiors. Premium seat materials await in either SUV, with ActiveX® in the Escape or unique cloth, ActiveX, or leather in the Explorer. Both SUVs have available ten-way power driver’s seats and power front passenger’s seats; six-way in the Escape and eight-way in the Explorer. Adapt to cold mornings and winter months with available heated front seats in either SUV, and take it further with the Explorer, which offers ventilated front seats, as well as heated second-row outboard seats. The Escape and Explorer both have an available Panoramic Vista Roof® for enjoying open-air freedom.
Available shared interior features include:
Available Escape interior features include:
Available Explorer interior features include:
Stay connected with a collection of intuitive technologies in the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Ford Explorer. The Escape is equipped with the SYNC® 4 infotainment system, while the Explorer has the Ford Digital Experience system, both of which have an available 13.2-inch touchscreen. Use the available 12.3-inch driver information display to stay on top of key vehicle information in both SUVs. The Escape and Explorer have an available ten-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, with the Explorer also offering a 14-speaker system.
Available shared technology features include:
Available Escape technology features include:
Available Explorer technology features include:
Handle your travels with the capable engines available to the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Ford Explorer. The Ford Escape offers more engine options, which include two gas, one hybrid, and one plug-in hybrid engine, whereas the Explorer has two gas engines for you to choose from. Overall, the Explorer features more power, including a maximum of 400 horsepower and up to 5,000 pounds of towing, while the Explorer offers up to 250 horsepower and can tow 3,500 pounds. The Explorer is also ready to travel on the trails with the available Terrain Management System™, or handle a range of road conditions with available sport suspension. When it comes to fuel economy, the plug-in hybrid Escape engine achieves an impressive 101 combined MPGe, while the Explorer has up to 20 city and 29 highway MPG.
View engine specifications in the following table.
| Ford Escape | 2026 Model | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Four | Engine Options | Two |
| 180 / 250 HP | Horsepower (Standard/Max) | 300 / 400 HP |
| 199 / 280 lb.-ft. | Torque (Standard/Max) | 310 / 415 lb.-ft. |
| Eight-speed automatic or eCVT | Transmission Options | Ten-speed automatic |
| FWD / AWD | Drivetrain | RWD / AWD |
| 3,500 lbs. | Max. Towing | 5,000 lbs. |
| 101 combined MPGe | Max. MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 |
When it comes to interior space and passenger room, the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Ford Explorer both provide ample accommodations. The Ford Escape has two rows of seating, and can handle up to five passengers, while the Explorer has three rows and seats up to seven. Both SUVs provide a generous amount of space to stretch out, with 42.4 inches of front legroom in the Escape or 43 inches of front legroom in the Explorer. When you need to load up on groceries, or stow adventure gear or travel bags, fold down the rear rows for up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo volume and 85.8 cubic feet in the Explorer.
View specifications in the following table.
| Ford Escape | 2026 Model | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| 180.1 in. | Exterior Length | 198.7 in. |
| Five | Passenger Capacity | Seven |
| 40 / 39.3 in. / N/A | Headroom (Front/Second/Third Row) | 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in. |
| 42.4 / 40.7 in. / N/A | Legroom (Front/Second/Third Row) | 43 / 37.5 / 31.8 in. |
| 37.5 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume Behind Rear Row | 16.3 cu.-ft. |
| 65.4 cu.-ft. | Max. Cargo Volume | 85.8 cu.-ft. |
2026 Ford Escape
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Ford Explorer are packed with advanced safety features, including the expansive Ford Co-Pilot360® or Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suites. Find essential safety systems, including a BLIS® (blind spot information system), a lane keeping system, and a rearview camera standard in either vehicle. Further enhance your driving experience with a 360-degree camera or front and rear parking sensors on either SUV. When it comes to unique features, the Escape has additional assistance for handling traffic, including evasive steering assist and intersection assist. The Ford Explorer is ready to take on road trips with the available BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system.
Available shared safety features include:
Available Escape safety features include:
Available Explorer safety features include:
The 2026 Ford Escape can seat up to five passengers, while the 2026 Ford Explorer can seat up to seven.
The 2026 Ford Escape starts at $30,350 MSRP, and the 2026 Ford Explorer starts at $38,465 MSRP.
When you’ve decided whether the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Ford Explorer is right for you, find it here at Westfield Ford in Countryside, IL. See what exciting models we have available in our inventory below, and get the versatile SUV your family’s busy lifestyle needs. Should you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us online or over the phone at (866) 306-5556.
