The Escape is Ford's affordable SUV, a mainstay budget model in the class for many years now. Its generous feature list and affordable price are two major reasons it has succeeded to date in a class that sees stiff competition. In this 2026 Ford Escape Active vs ST-Line comparison, we'll be going in depth on what each trim does well and how they stack up overall in the class.
Key Takeaways:
- Active focuses on versatile comfort and outdoor style with rugged visual accents and utility features.
- ST-Line adds sport-oriented design cues, enhanced suspension, and interior details for a dynamic driving feel.
- Both trims offer standard tech and safety features, differing mainly in driving personality and styling emphasis.
What does Active mean on a Ford Escape?
The Ford Escape Active is a popular entry-level trim in Ford's compact SUV lineup, offering a strong balance of affordability, efficiency, and everyday technology. Positioned as an accessible starting point, the Escape Active comes standard with a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine, a modern SYNC® 4 infotainment system, and comfortable cloth seating, making it a practical choice for commuters, small families, and first-time SUV buyers. It delivers the core features most drivers want without the higher price tag of upper trims, while still offering available upgrades for added convenience and safety.
For recent model years, the Escape Active includes an 8-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, and sliding second-row seats for added cargo and passenger flexibility. It rides on 17-inch Shadow Silver-painted wheels with subtle black exterior accents and comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for improved traction.
What is special about the Ford Escape ST-Line?
The Ford Escape ST-Line is a sporty trim designed for drivers who want a more aggressive look and dynamic feel without stepping up to a full performance-focused ST model. It builds on the standard Ford Escape with performance-inspired styling, including unique ST-Line badging, black exterior accents, larger wheels, and a bold stance that helps it stand out in the compact SUV segment. This trim is ideal for buyers who value appearance and modern features, offering a stylish alternative to the more comfort-focused Escape trims.
Inside, the Escape ST-Line features sport-contour seats with red stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and distinctive interior details that reinforce its athletic character. Technology highlights include the SYNC® 4 infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist safety features.
Powertrain options range from the efficient 1.5L EcoBoost engine to available hybrid and more powerful EcoBoost upgrades on higher ST-Line variants, with FWD or AWD availability, making the Escape ST-Line a well-equipped, visually striking choice for everyday driving.
Summary
The Active is the price-friendly base trim of the Escape, bringing outdoor-ready styling cues and boasting plenty of utility straight out of the box, making for a great option for a first car. Meanwhile, the ST-Line is the sporty variant of the Escape, bringing its own improvements to the Escape with its suspension tweaks for comfort and performance. It pairs this with a sporty design and an improved interior to make for an all around improved driving experience, albeit at a higher starting price than the Active trim. We have many Escape models at Jarrett-Gordon Ford in Winter Haven. Come by to find yours today.