It was a rumor in 2025, but the Ford Escape managed to hold on for one more year. Unfortunately, this year the news is very much real—the Escape takes its final bow, and 2026 models serve as a perfect reminder of why it’s been such a hit for so long. If you’re looking to grab a new compact SUV, now is the perfect moment to see how Ford’s do-it-all strategy compares to that of the Honda CR-V. Here's everything you need to know to make that final decision.