Ford Escape Faces State-Level Sales Ban
Ford’s long-running compact crossover may have one more model year left in it, but availability could be limited due to emissions regulations—thanks, California!
Key Points
- The 2026 Ford Escape is expected to continue production but will reportedly be unavailable in California and five other states that follow its stricter emissions standards.
- Despite earlier claims that Escape production would end in 2025, continued strong sales suggest Ford may extend its run, at least in select markets.
- With no major redesign in the pipeline, Ford has reduced pricing across the Escape lineup for 2025, possibly to maintain competitiveness as the model nears its sunset.
According to a report from Ford Authority, the Escape is expected to return for the 2026 model year, despite previous reports suggesting production would end in 2025. However, the rumored final model year won’t be eligible for sale in at least six U.S. states that follow California’s stricter emissions rules.
The outlet cites unnamed sources in claiming the 2026 Ford Escape will be built to meet “non-California” emissions standards. As a result, it won't be compliant with CARB regulations enforced by California, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and New York.
Back in 2023, Automotive News reported that Ford would end Escape production after the 2025 model year, with the Bronco Sport expected to take over as the brand’s primary compact SUV. Yet, strong sales have kept the Escape in play, mostly due to strong name recognition. Ford moved 146,859 Escapes in 2024—compared to 124,701 Bronco Sports—and the Escape's first-quarter 2025 numbers also show year-over-year growth.
Both the Escape and the Bronco Sport share Ford's C2 Platform and gasoline powertrains. The Escape offers hybrid options along with AWD, while the Bronco Sport deals with 4x4 instead. One key difference at play, the Escape is made in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Bronco Sport is imported from Hemosillo Assembly in Mexico. Given the political climate, the optics would be awful if Ford were to kill a U.S.-made product in favor of a Mexican one.
Despite that, Ford has yet to confirm the Escape’s fate. The automaker hasn’t made any official announcements regarding production beyond 2025, and it's unclear whether the company plans to redesign or significantly update the model. The current generation Escape was last refreshed in 2023.
Ford quietly cut prices on the 2025 Escape earlier this year—entry-level trims now start at $29,645, down $1,345 from 2024. Top-spec Platinum AWD models saw similar reductions, and the plug-in hybrid variant dropped by up to $1,500, depending on the configuration.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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The Escape is currently Ford's lowest priced product and, no doubt, capturing sales from buyers who would otherwise probably have bought a Fiesta, Focus or Fusion if Ford still made those products. One more year of production makes economic sense, especially considering the affordability problem with new vehicles. Very disappointing that Ford has chosen to discontinue it.