2026 Ford Escape ST-Line: Lakeland Buyers Guide
Quick Answer: 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line
ST-Line sits one step above Active at $31,195 MSRP (plus $1,495 destination) and runs the same 180-hp 1.5L EcoBoost engine, front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available. The roughly $845 jump over Active buys an 8-way power driver's seat with red accent stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, black roof-rack side rails, and 18-inch Rock Metallic-painted wheels — a styling and comfort upgrade, not a mechanical one. Like every 2026 Escape, it still ships with a manual liftgate; power liftgate content starts at ST-Line Select.
The trim built for people who want Active's price with more presence
ST-Line exists for a specific buyer: someone who's already decided the 1.5L EcoBoost is the right engine and the $30,350 Active price point is roughly right, but wants the cabin and exterior to look and feel a notch sportier without paying for a bigger touchscreen or standard all-wheel drive. The red-stitched sport seats and flat-bottom wheel are a real, felt difference every time you get in the car — small things, but the kind that make a compact SUV feel less like an appliance.
Mechanically it's identical to Active: same 1.5L EcoBoost at 180 hp, same EPA-estimated 27 city/34 highway on FWD (26/32 with AWD), same 65.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Ford Co-Pilot360 with blind-spot monitoring is standard here too, same as every other 2026 Escape trim.
Options worth a look
ST-Line shares Tech Pack #1 with Active and ST-Line Select — adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and evasive steering assist for roughly $995. The Cold Weather Package (heated front seats and steering wheel) is also available. Neither is standard, so if either matters to you, ask about it specifically when Lakeland Ford builds a quote — it's easy to assume tech this common is included and be surprised at delivery.
ST-Line or step up to ST-Line Select?
The natural next question is whether the roughly $2,700 jump to ST-Line Select is worth it. Select adds standard all-wheel drive, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power liftgate with remote start, and — critically — the option to swap in the AWD hybrid powertrain at a lower price than the 2.0L EcoBoost version of that same trim. If you're set on the 1.5L engine and don't need AWD standard, ST-Line covers the ground for less. If AWD or a power liftgate are must-haves, Select earns its price premium.
Frequently asked questions
Does ST-Line have a power liftgate?
No — ST-Line keeps the manual liftgate from Active. A power liftgate with remote start becomes standard starting at ST-Line Select.
Can I get ST-Line with all-wheel drive?
Yes, AWD is available (not standard) on ST-Line with the 1.5L EcoBoost, the same setup as Active. Standard AWD across both engine choices doesn't arrive until ST-Line Select.
What color and wheel combinations does ST-Line offer?
ST-Line's signature look pairs 18-inch Rock Metallic-painted aluminum wheels with black roof-rack side rails and red interior accent stitching, available across the 2026 Escape's standard exterior color palette. Confirm current color availability with Lakeland Ford, since paint offerings can shift late in a model's production run.
Check current ST-Line stock
ST-Line inventory moves alongside Active on Lakeland Ford's lot — browse new inventory or reach out to the sales team to confirm what's on the ground before this final model year sells through.
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 Ford.
