The Ford Escape, which is expected to cease production by the end of 2025, could continue into the 2026 model year. However, a new report claims that not everyone can buy one. The compact SUV will allegedly not be available for purchase in six states starting next year.
A report from Ford Authority cites anonymous sources familiar with the matter, claiming a 2026 model-year Escape will likely be affected by stricter emissions regulations across select areas of the United States. This means the SUV won’t be eligible for sale in California and states that follow California’s emission standards: Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and New York.
CarBuzz contacted Ford seeking additional information. We will update this post if more details become available.
‘Non-California’ Emissions Likely For 2026 Escape
Rumors abounded late last year, spiked by a report from Automotive News making the same claim in 2023, that Ford would end production of its popular Escape in 2025, ahead of the Blue Oval looking to throw its weight behind the Bronco Sport as Ford’s compact SUV flagship. However, the Escape is still quite popular among buyers, clocking 146,859 sales in 2024. That’s a 4.2% increase from 2023, and sales through the first quarter of 2025 are also up year over year. It adds fuel to the fire that Ford might not end Escape production as initially thought.
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With no major Escape upgrades apparently in the works, the SUV will allegedly continue into 2026 with a ‘non-California’ eligible emission system. Per Ford Authority, that would make it illegal to sell or register in the aforementioned states. It’s important to note, however, that there’s been no official word from Ford thus far regarding the Escape’s future.
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Tellingly, the end of the Ford Escape’s run in 2025 could also explain – albeit very loosely – the Blue Oval’s decision to reduce prices of its current stock earlier this year. In January, it was quietly revealed that MSRP’s for the entry-level Escape would start from $29,645 in the United States, a $1,345 drop over the same period in 2024, while prices for the top-of-the-line Platinum AWD would also drop to $37,040. All in-between trims featured a similar, $1,300-$1,400 price reduction, while even the more expensive plug-in hybrid models received a price drop between $845 and $1,500.
Source: Ford Authority
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