2025 vs 2026 Ford: Is It Worth Waiting?

2026 is usually a glow-up, not a total redo—think new packages, colors, and small tech tweaks. 2025 often wins on price and availability. The right answer depends on your must-have features, timeline, and budget.

• Pick 2025 if you want the best deals (clearance incentives/low APR), faster delivery, and a trim you already love.
• Wait for 2026 if you want the newest look/tech, a specific package/color that wasn’t offered in 2025, or you’re ordering anyway and timing’s flexible.

If you’re shopping for a new car, the 2026 Ford lineup brings a fresh range of vehicles packed with updated features and smart technologies. Whether you’re interested in the versatile 2026 Ford Escape or another model, your local Ford dealer is the best source for exploring the latest Ford deals, incentives, and lease options. Ford lease deals can help you secure competitive monthly payments and a manageable down payment, making it easier to drive home a new Ford. When you visit a Ford dealer, you’ll get hands-on experience with the newest trim levels, convenience features, and advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. To find the best car deals and prices, use online tools or contact your local Ford dealer directly—they can walk you through available models, current offers, and help you compare features so you get the right vehicle for your needs.

• Packaging: popular driver-assist or comfort features may become standard on more trims, as determined by the manufacturer.
• Design details: new wheels/paint; special editions rotate in/out.
• Tech polish: infotainment updates, added cameras, small towing/efficiency tweaks.
• Pricing: 2026 MSRPs (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, set by the manufacturer) often nudge up, but the manufacturer may include more standard features or incentives for that bump.

The 2026 Ford Escape stands out with a bold new exterior, featuring redesigned front and rear fascias, a striking grille, and updated headlights and taillights for a modern look. Step inside, and you’ll notice upgraded materials throughout the cabin, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument cluster that brings a premium feel to your daily drive. Convenience features like wireless charging and a hands-free liftgate make life easier for busy customers. The 2026 Ford Explorer also gets a boost, offering a panoramic fixed glass roof on all models and introducing the off-road-ready Tremor trim. With enhanced traction and improved wheel drive options, you can expect better capability and performance across the lineup—no matter which model you choose.

Under the hood, the 2026 Ford Escape offers a range of powertrains to fit your driving style, including a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter EcoBoost, a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost, and a hybrid option for those looking to maximize efficiency. The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers strong performance with its 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engines, giving you plenty of capability for daily driving or weekend adventures. Intelligent four-wheel drive and the Terrain Management System—offering up to six drive modes—let you tailor your control and performance to any road or weather condition. Customers can expect a smooth ride from the eight-speed automatic transmission and improved fuel economy, especially with the hybrid powertrains. Whether you’re looking for power, efficiency, or both, the 2026 Ford lineup has you covered.

Safety is a top priority in the 2026 Ford Escape and Explorer, both of which come standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assist features. This includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and auto high beam headlights. For even more confidence behind the wheel, optional features like adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition are available. Higher trim levels offer assistive technologies such as a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display, giving you extra awareness and control on the road. Customers can expect a secure and comfortable driving experience, thanks to these advanced safety features and assistive technologies designed to help you stay in command.

The 2026 Ford Escape lineup offers six distinct trim levels: ST-Line, Active, PHEV, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and ST-Line Select. Each trim brings its own mix of premium materials, convenience features, and advanced safety technologies, so you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. The 2026 Ford Explorer also provides a variety of trim levels, including the adventure-ready Tremor model, which features a panoramic fixed glass roof and the innovative Automatic Lane Change feature. Whether you’re looking for a well-equipped base model or a top-tier trim with all the extras, your local Ford dealer can help you compare options, review the latest incentives, and secure the best car deals or Ford lease deals available. Expect a wide range of choices and features designed to meet your needs, all backed by Ford’s reputation for quality and value.

• Payment-first shoppers: you want the lowest total cost and strong programs, including cash incentives and financing options for 2025.
• Need-a-truck-now: job start, growing family, or your current ride is done. Lease deals and leasing options are also attractive if you need a vehicle quickly.
• Trim-loyal folks: you already know the exact F-150/Explorer/Maverick spec that fits. These considerations apply to a range of Ford cars, not just trucks and SUVs.

• Feature hunters: you want a new package (e.g., added safety or appearance bundle).
• Order-build people: happy to wait for a custom spec.
• Keep-it-forever owners: you value the later in-service date for long-term ownership.

Be sure to verify all offers and incentives with your local dealer, as details may vary.

1. Ask for the OTD (out-the-door) number on both years, making sure it includes all taxes and dealer fees (these may vary depending on dealership and location).
2. Price lease vs finance for each year—programs can flip the winner.
3. Compare total cost over the time you’ll keep it (not just monthly payment, which is a key factor in evaluating affordability and value).
4. Add your trade-in (two keys + service records = stronger number).

Note: Fees, incentives, and taxes may vary depending on the dealer and location. Always verify all details, including dealer fees and available incentives, directly with the dealer before making a decision.

• Must-haves: For drivers in Antioch, IL, AWD/4×4 or winter tires are essential for local conditions, along with heated seats/steering, remote start, blind-spot + rear cross-traffic, and a 360° camera if you park tight.
• Route vibes: test on IL-173/IL-59/I-94 speeds for wind/road noise and lane-assist comfort.
• Towing life: ask for integrated brake controller, tow mirrors, and hitch/camera views baked into your trim.

• Quick wash/vacuum, fresh wipers, fix dead bulbs.
• Bring both fobs, service records, payoff info.
• Get one written offer; let us try to match/beat it.

1. Neighborhood bumps → rattle/ride check.
2. On-ramp → smooth power/shift feel.
3. 65–70 mph → wind/tire noise; try adaptive cruise/lane keep.
4. Test the sound system → check audio quality and entertainment features.
5. Tight park → camera clarity, turning radius.
6. Brake from ~40 mph → straight, drama-free stop.

Always verify all deal details, incentives, and eligibility with your local dealer.