Is All-Wheel Drive the Right Choice on the 2026 Ford Escape for Colorado Springs, CO?

Alpine Ford – Is All-Wheel Drive the Right Choice on the 2026 Ford Escape for Colorado Springs, CO?

Choosing all-wheel drive is often about confidence in unpredictable weather and peace of mind when the road turns slick. The 2026 Escape gives you that option across multiple trims, and for this model year, the Platinum hybrid configuration is all-wheel-drive only—ideal if you want an electrified SUV with four-season traction around Colorado Springs, CO. Pair that traction with the Escape’s refined ride, user-friendly infotainment, and reassuring driver-assist features like lane centering, and you get a compact SUV that feels composed year-round.

To decide if AWD is right for you, start with your route. If your morning includes hilly neighborhoods or shaded stretches that hold frost, AWD can help the Escape pull away smoothly and track straight with minimal wheel slip. If you head west on weekends, AWD adds reassurance on gravel turnoffs and damp trailheads, and it pairs naturally with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine’s stronger passing power. When properly equipped, that engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, so small trailers and recreational gear are a realistic part of your plans. On the tech side, every model supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and lane centering helps reduce fatigue on I-25—useful when the weather is changing and your attention is on the road ahead.

• Your drive pattern: Frequent early-morning commutes, mountain day trips, or unpaved access roads all tip the scale toward AWD.
• Powertrain pairing: AWD is available with gas and hybrid configurations, while the Platinum hybrid is AWD-only for 2026.
• Tire choice: Winter-rated tires remain the biggest single upgrade for cold-weather traction; AWD plus good tires is a winning combination.
• Efficiency trade-offs: AWD adds components, so there can be a modest efficiency change; your traction gains may outweigh that difference.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is AWD available with the hybrid?

Yes. Availability varies by trim, and for 2026 the Platinum hybrid is all-wheel-drive only. If you want an efficient SUV with enhanced traction, that configuration is a smart place to start.

Does AWD replace the need for winter tires?

No. AWD helps you launch and maintain momentum, but winter-rated tires provide significantly better grip for stopping and turning in cold conditions. The best setup is AWD plus appropriate seasonal tires.

Will AWD change how the driver-assist features work?

Driver-assist features like lane centering operate independently of the drivetrain. AWD doesn’t change how the system steers; it simply adds traction, which can make the vehicle feel more composed as the assists do their work.

How should I test-drive to evaluate AWD benefits?

Choose a route with an incline, a low-speed turn from a stop, and a highway merge. You’ll feel how AWD helps the Escape pull away cleanly and stay settled as speeds rise. If conditions are dry, focus on how composed the SUV feels and how little drama accompanies quick getaways or lane changes.

AWD is worth it if your routine or hobbies put you on variable surfaces or through fast-changing weather. It’s equally valuable for drivers who prefer the calm, settled feel AWD brings to the chassis even on clear days. Visit us to compare an AWD Escape with a front-wheel-drive model on a consistent route—same road, same conditions—and you’ll quickly know which setup fits you best. Alpine Ford is serving Denver, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs with clear answers and an easy test-drive process so you can make an informed, confident decision.

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