Does the 2026 Ford Escape need premium gas?
Yes. Premium.
$240extra a year
- Premium listed for the Active FWD.
- Premium: 7 of 11 trims. Regular: 4 of 11 trims.
- Required or only recommended: the data does not say.
- 52% of 138 SUVs (2026) list premium.
12,000 miles a year. Gas $3.20. Premium $0.60 more. Electric miles 50%.
| Trim | Engine | Grade | Mpg | Regular, a year | Premium, a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active FWD | 1.5L | Premium | 30 | $1,280 | $1,520 |
| ST-Line FWD | 1.5L | Premium | 30 | $1,280 | $1,520 |
| Active AWD | 1.5L 3cyl | Premium | 28 | $1,371 | $1,629 |
| ST-Line AWD | 1.5L 3cyl | Premium | 28 | $1,371 | $1,629 |
| ST-Line Select Hybrid AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | Regular | 39 | $985 | $1,169 |
| ST-Line Select AWD | 2.5L | Premium | 26 | $1,477 | $1,754 |
| Plug-in Hybrid FWD | 2.5L 4cyl | Regular | 40 | $480 | $570 |
| Platinum Hybrid AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | Regular | 39 | $985 | $1,169 |
| ST-Line Elite Hybrid AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | Regular | 39 | $985 | $1,169 |
| Platinum AWD | 2.5L | Premium | 26 | $1,477 | $1,754 |
| ST-Line Elite AWD | 2.5L | Premium | 26 | $1,477 | $1,754 |
Rivals
| Car | Cheapest trim | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Escape | Active FWD | Premium |
| 2026 Ford Explorer | Active RWD | Regular |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 | LE FWD | Regular |
| 2026 Nissan Rogue | FWD S | Regular |
| 2026 Ford Bronco Sport | Badlands 4WD | Premium |
| 2026 Honda CR-V | LX 2WD | Regular |
| 2026 Chevrolet Equinox | LT FWD | Regular |
What this cannot tell you
Check the fuel door or manual before you fill.
Gas prices and the premium gap change by state.
- 2 or more sources
- 1 source
- Model-level, rule or estimate
- Sources disagree