Ford Escape Active or ST-Line: which trim fits Southwest Houston drivers?
Choose the Escape Active if the lower starting MSRP decides it, and the Escape ST-Line if its added trim equipment is worth the higher MSRP to you. Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston, at 6445 Southwest Fwy, sells new Escapes in both trims.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Houston. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
Pick the Escape Active for price, the ST-Line for added equipment
Ford publishes a starting MSRP of $30,350 for the 2026 Escape Active and $31,195 for the 2026 Escape ST-Line. Both come with all-wheel drive and the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, so the difference is trim content, not drivetrain. The ST-Line adds 18-inch Rock Metallic-painted aluminum wheels, an 8-way power driver seat with red stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The Active gives you a 6-way manual driver seat and cloth front bucket seats.
Choose the Active if you want the lowest price on an Escape with all-wheel drive. Choose the ST-Line if the power seat and sportier wheels are worth the extra $845 to you. Either way, we sell both trims new.
How much more does the Escape ST-Line cost than the Active?
The ST-Line’s published starting MSRP is $845 above the Active’s, at $31,195 against $30,350. Texas adds a 6.25 percent motor vehicle sales tax to the sales price, minus any trade-in allowance, so the tax on the gap is applied to the price difference.
A trade-in lowers the amount the tax is figured on, so a buyer with a trade should ask for the taxable price after the credit. Our trade-in offer tool gives an online offer from a license plate, a VIN, or the make and model.
What engine and drivetrain does each Escape trim offer?
Both the Active and the ST-Line use the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, rated at 180 horsepower at 6,000 rpm for the 2026 model year. Ford lists the 2.0L EcoBoost at 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The 2.5L Hybrid is rated at 192 total system horsepower, and the 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid at 210 total system horsepower.
If you want more power than the 1.5L engine gives, the 2.0L EcoBoost is the step up in the Escape lineup. That engine is the one to compare against the Active and ST-Line when horsepower is the deciding factor.
What are the EPA fuel economy ratings for the Escape Active and ST-Line?
The EPA certifies the 2026 Escape AWD with the 1.5L engine at 26 city, 32 highway and 28 combined miles per gallon. The all-wheel-drive hybrid is certified at 42 city, 36 highway and 39 combined.
Both the Active and the ST-Line use the 1.5L AWD, so the 26/32/28 rating applies to both trims. Ask us for the window sticker on the exact vehicle you are considering, because the sticker is the rating that goes with that vehicle.
What do you get with the Escape Active and what with the ST-Line?
| Escape trim | Starting MSRP | Engine | Drive | Key trim equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Active | $30,350 | 1.5L EcoBoost, 180 hp | All-wheel drive | 6-way manual driver seat, cloth front bucket seats, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert |
| Escape ST-Line | $31,195 | 1.5L EcoBoost | All-wheel drive | 8-way power driver seat with red stitching, 18″ Rock Metallic aluminum wheels, flat-bottom steering wheel |
Both trims carry the Escape’s basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, and corrosion warranty of 5 years or unlimited miles. Roadside assistance runs five years or 60,000 miles.
When is the Escape Active or the ST-Line the wrong trim for you?
Neither trim is the right pick if you need to tow a heavy trailer. Ford rates the 1.5L EcoBoost, which both trims use, at anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds of towing. The 2.0L EcoBoost goes up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package.
Cargo space matters too. The EcoBoost models carry 65.4 cubic feet behind row 1 and 37.5 cubic feet behind row 2. If you haul bulky loads every week, measure your gear against those numbers before you choose a trim. A bigger trailer or a larger cargo area points to a different Escape configuration, and we can show you those options on the lot.
Can I test drive the Escape Active and ST-Line at home?
Yes. We offer home test drives and deliveries, so you can drive either trim on your own roads before you decide.
Which Escape trims offer all-wheel drive?
Both the Escape Active and the Escape ST-Line come standard with all-wheel drive.
What new-vehicle warranty comes with a Ford Escape?
The 2026 Ford Escape carries a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a corrosion warranty of 5 years or unlimited miles.
Can I lease a Ford Escape at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston?
Yes. We offer Ford leases along with new and pre-owned financing.
What financing is available for a new Escape?
We offer new and pre-owned financing, so you can compare a loan with a lease on the same Escape before you decide.
What hours can I visit the store to see an Escape?
Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston is at 6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074. You can see an Escape on the lot Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM or Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM, and the sales department is closed Sunday.
How do I find Escape Active and ST-Line inventory near Southwest Houston?
We sell new Ford vehicles, including the Escape, and we have an online new-vehicle inventory you can browse before you visit.
Why Southwest Houston drivers buy their Escape at Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston
Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston sits on the US 59 Southwest Freeway at 6445 Southwest Fwy, and we sell new Escapes in both the Active and ST-Line. We offer home test drives and deliveries, leasing, and new and pre-owned financing, so you can test, price, and buy your Escape on your own terms.
Our Google record is 4.3 stars across 4,732 reviews, and 77 in 100 of those reviews are five-star. In an April 2026 5-star Google review, Areen A. wrote: “Mohammad Bara is an excellent salesman at Ford. He was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable throughout the entire process. He answered all my questions with patience and made sure I felt comfortable with my decision. He was honest, helpful, and never pushy, which made the experience stress-free and enjoyable. If you are looking for a trustworthy and hardworking salesman, I highly recommend Mohammad Bara”
Start with the Escape Active or ST-Line you are considering on our online new-vehicle inventory, then call or visit Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston at 6445 Southwest Fwy to book your home test drive.
Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Houston showroom, or call 281-588-5000.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
