2026 Escape ST-Line Select
Quick Answer: 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Select
ST-Line Select is where the Escape lineup splits into two prices for the same trim name: $33,890 MSRP for the AWD hybrid, or $35,015 MSRP for the 2.0L EcoBoost AWD — both before the $1,495 destination charge. Standard all-wheel drive arrives here regardless of engine choice, along with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate with remote release. The counterintuitive part: the hybrid is the cheaper way into this trim, not the pricier one.
Two engines, one trim name, two prices
ST-Line Select is the first trim where Escape shoppers have to make a real powertrain decision rather than a styling one. The standard engine here is the 250-hp 2.0L EcoBoost, EPA-rated 23 city/31 highway with the standard AWD, priced at $35,015. But the available 2.5L hybrid — AWD-only for 2026 — actually starts $1,125 lower at $33,890, and returns dramatically better mileage: 42 city/36 highway/39 combined. Most shoppers assume a hybrid costs more than the gas engine it's replacing; on this trim, it's the opposite, which makes it worth double-checking the build sheet before assuming the EcoBoost is the base price.
Beyond the engine question, both versions of ST-Line Select add the same content over ST-Line: standard all-wheel drive (no longer optional), heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate with remote start, and 18-inch Rock Metallic wheels shared with ST-Line. Two available technology packages sit above this trim's standard equipment for buyers who want more driver-assist coverage.
Cargo space depends on which engine you pick
This is one place where the powertrain choice has a real, physical consequence: the 2.0L EcoBoost version of ST-Line Select carries the same 65.4-cubic-foot max cargo figure as Active and ST-Line, while the hybrid version drops to 60.8 cubic feet because the battery pack takes up underfloor space. It's a genuine tradeoff for the mileage gain, not just a spec-sheet footnote — worth weighing if cargo room is a priority alongside fuel economy.
Who this trim fits
ST-Line Select tends to be the landing spot for buyers who've decided AWD is non-negotiable — a reasonable call given how quickly Central Florida's summer storms can turn a dry commute wet — but haven't decided between maximizing mileage or maximizing towing and power. The hybrid's efficiency plus lower starting price makes it the more common pick for daily Lakeland-area driving; the 2.0L EcoBoost makes more sense for anyone regularly towing near the Class II package's 3,500-lb capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the hybrid cost less than the 2.0L EcoBoost on this trim?
Ford prices ST-Line Select's two engine options independently rather than treating the hybrid as a premium add-on, and for 2026 the hybrid configuration undercuts the gas engine by $1,125. It's not a universal Ford pricing pattern — it applies specifically to ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite.
Is AWD standard on ST-Line Select?
Yes, on both engine options. This is the first trim in the Escape lineup where AWD comes standard rather than as an add-on.
How much cargo space do I lose going hybrid?
4.6 cubic feet — 65.4 cubic feet max on the 2.0L EcoBoost version versus 60.8 on the hybrid, because the hybrid battery pack sits under the cargo floor.
Compare the whole lineup
See how ST-Line Select stacks against Platinum and ST-Line Elite, both of which share the same hybrid-vs-EcoBoost pricing pattern, or check current inventory to see which engine is actually on the lot.
MSRP excludes the $1,495 destination charge plus taxes, title, registration, and dealer-installed options; the dealer sets the actual selling price. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates — real-world results will vary. Package contents and pricing are approximate and subject to change; confirm current specs and pricing with Lakeland Automall.