“Great vehicle. I am especially appreciative of the driver assist and accident avoidance systems.”
2021 Ford Escape: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Ford Escape is a broader regular-hybrid lineup, with hybrid power added to the SE and SEL trims. Otherwise, this is a light update to the compact SUV introduced for 2020.
About the 2021 Ford Escape
4th generation Escape (2020-2022 before the 2023 refresh), second model year.
Ford positioned the Escape as a compact SUV for everyday family use, with a big emphasis on choice. Buyers could get it as a straightforward gas model, a regular hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid while keeping the same roomy cabin, easy-driving manners, and standard driver-assistance basics. Its core appeal was flexibility: daily-commute comfort, useful cargo space, and the ability to prioritize either familiar gas power or better fuel economy without moving into a larger SUV.
The 2021 Escape ranges from the straightforward S to gas, regular-hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid versions with more comfort and technology. SE models feature an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SEL adds heated front seats and a power liftgate, and Titanium brings a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, premium audio, and more advanced driver assistance.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The regular hybrid powertrain expanded to the SE and SEL trims. The previous SE Sport trim was dropped, while the plug-in hybrid continued in SE, SEL, and Titanium form.
Safety
Traffic sign recognition was added to Ford's upgraded driver-assistance package, which also includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering.
Tech
Titanium models gained a standard driver-seat memory package and hands-free power liftgate.
2021 Ford Escape specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD / AWD | AWD / FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28–44 mpg | 23–44 mpg | 23–44 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34–37 mpg | 31–37 mpg | 31–37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 181–221 hp | 181–250 hp | 221–250 hp |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft | 155–190 lb-ft | 155–280 lb-ft | 155–280 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1500–2000 lb | 1500–3500 lb | 1500–3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 65.4 cu-ft | 60.8–65.4 cu-ft | 60.8–65.4 cu-ft | 60.8–65.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.7 in | 38.9–40.7 in | 38.9–40.7 in | 38.9–40.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 37 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 37 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 37 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |
| MPGe Combined | 105 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 105 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 105 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Ford Escape redesigned?
No. The 2021 Escape is largely the same fourth-generation compact SUV introduced for 2020, with trim, powertrain, and equipment updates rather than a redesign.
Which 2021 Ford Escape trims have the regular hybrid powertrain?
The 2021 Escape regular hybrid comes in SE, SEL, and Titanium forms. Hybrid power expanded to the SE and SEL for this model year, and the previous SE Sport trim was dropped.
Does the 2021 Ford Escape have a plug-in hybrid version?
Yes. The 2021 Escape Plug-In Hybrid is represented in SE, SEL, and Titanium form. It is separate from the regular hybrid, which does not need to be plugged in.
What safety technology changed on the 2021 Ford Escape?
Traffic sign recognition was added to Ford's upgraded driver-assistance package for 2021. That package also includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and navigation.
What changed on the 2021 Ford Escape Titanium?
The 2021 Escape Titanium gained a standard driver-seat memory package and hands-free power liftgate. Its upgraded driver-assistance package also added traffic sign recognition.
2021 Ford Escape Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Ford Escape.
4.2
2021 Ford Escape
(511 reviews)
“Car handles very well, gets great gas mileage. Easy-to-read instrument panel. Seats heat quickly. Wish they would put CD players in as I had favorites. Driver's seat has a lot of adjustments, but some controls are hard to figure out as they are small.”
“The adaptive cruise control is cool, but I don't trust it completely. You have to monitor it closely. The drive is smooth, and the hybrid engine gets good gas mileage.”