Ford is shaking things up in the color department for the 2026 Escape. One of the most eye-catching paint options, Vapor Blue Metallic, will now come with an added charge, marking a shift from previous years when the hue was offered at no cost.
Previously free since debuting on the 2023 Escape, Vapor Blue Metallic (paint code K1) maintained its no-charge status through the 2024 and 2025 model years. But for 2026, it joins the ranks of premium paint options. While the exact price hasn’t been released, a similar upcharge on the 2025 Ford Explorer placed the cost at $495, a likely indicator of what Escape buyers can expect.
The color is available across all 2026 Escape trims: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and PHEV, and can be paired with any interior color, maintaining broad availability within the model lineup.
Limited-Time Availability and Powertrain Changes
The 2026 Escape’s return is itself a surprise. Earlier this year, speculation swirled around the model’s potential discontinuation, but Ford confirmed a continuation into the 2026 model year. However, the model’s run may be short-lived. Due to regulatory limitations, it won’t be sold in states that follow California’s CARB emissions standards, including California, New York, Oregon, and others.
Another change: the hybrid powertrain is now exclusively available with all-wheel drive (AWD). The former front-wheel-drive (FWD) hybrid setup has been discontinued.
Final Run Before EV Transition
The Escape’s production at the Louisville Assembly Plant is also coming to an end. The plant is scheduled for shutdown and retooling in late 2025, transitioning to accommodate electric vehicle production. This includes a 52,000-square-foot expansion and new EV-related infrastructure, marking the end of the line for both the Escape and its sibling, the Lincoln Corsair, in their current forms.
For buyers interested in a 2026 Ford Escape, especially in the eye-catching Vapor Blue, now may be the last chance before this crossover shifts into Ford’s history books. Contact us at Gary Crossley Ford to get more information about all color options for the 2026 Ford Escape.
