Ford Escape FWD PHEV
40 MPG The 2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV is EPA-rated at 40 MPG combined (42 city / 37 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 375 gallons, $1200 a year in fuel, or $0.080 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2020–2026 run it averages 40.2 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.063 | $625 | $938 | $1250 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.075 | $750 | $1125 | $1500 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.080 | $800 | $1200 | $1600 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.087 | $875 | $1313 | $1750 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.113 | $1125 | $1688 | $2250 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 40 MPG | 42 | 37 | $1550 | 222 | 1 |
| 2025 | 40 MPG | 42 | 37 | $1550 | 78 | 1 |
| 2023 | 40 MPG | 42 | 37 | $1550 | 52 | 1 |
| 2022 | 40 MPG | 43 | 38 | $1550 | 77 | 1 |
| 2021 | 40 MPG | 43 | 38 | $1550 | 77 | 1 |
| 2020 | 41 MPG | 43 | 38 | $1500 | 77 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Ford Escape FWD PHEV ranks 11 on current figures, against a class average of 34.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Kia Sportage Hybrid FWD (41), Toyota RAV4 (43), Hyundai Nexo (60), Hyundai Nexo Blue (68), BYD e6 (72).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 222 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 3.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Escape FWD PHEV get?
The 2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV is rated at 40 MPG combined by the EPA — 42 city and 37 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 40.2 MPG, ranging from 40 to 41 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Escape FWD PHEV cost in fuel per year?
At 40 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 375 gallons — roughly $1200 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.080 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $1550.
Has the Ford Escape FWD PHEV become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 41 MPG in 2020 to 40 in 2026. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Ford Escape FWD PHEV efficient for its class?
It ranks 11 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.6 MPG. That is 5.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.