New & Used 2026 Ford Escape for Sale nearWilmington, NC

Compare 2026 Ford Escape Trims

The 2026 Ford Escape offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to well-equipped AWD models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $24,761
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Most Popular: Active AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Active FWD — "Who It's For"

The Active FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $25,564 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 1,221 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Active FWD listings

ST-Line FWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish trim with standard features without stepping up to AWD.

• Avg. market price: $24,761 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 1,197 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line FWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

The Active AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive capability without a hefty price tag. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $30,821 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 2,333 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty look and feel with the added benefit of all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $28,804 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 2,322 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line AWD listings

ST-Line Select AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line Select AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier experience with more power and features.

• Avg. market price: $35,730 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 809 listings
• View ST-Line Select AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and a powerful engine in their compact SUV.

• Avg. market price: $43,949 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 874 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST-Line Elite AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line Elite AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded SUV with advanced technology and off-road capability.

• Avg. market price: $38,316 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 181 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line Elite AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Active AWD

With 2,333 active listings, the Active AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Active AWD listings

Best Budget Option — ST-Line FWD

At $24,761 avg market price — below the lineup median of $30,821 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse ST-Line FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active FWD

The Active FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 27/34 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Active FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Is the 2026 Ford Escape a good car?

The 2026 Ford Escape lands in a moderate market position based on CarGurus' proprietary data, so it can make sense if you want a mainstream used SUV with a healthy mix of listings and deal opportunities. 31.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively rather than settling for the first example you see.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Ford Escape?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report on any listing you’re seriously considering, even when the market looks clean overall. Put inspection priority on condition, maintenance records, and any signs of prior bodywork or uneven wear. Focus on the specific vehicle in front of you, not just the average condition of the market.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Ford Escape?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 31.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,117 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 93.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $27,536.07, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Should I buy a 2026 Ford Escape or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 31.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

The bottom line: The 2026 Ford Escape is a reasonable choice if you want to shop a year with solid deal availability and strong clean-inventory coverage. If your priority is getting the lowest possible price, you may want to compare nearby model years and focus on whichever one gives you the best combination of condition, mileage, and asking price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.