2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Ford Escape: Which SUV Is The Best? Find Out 

In recent discussions about the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE vs 2026 Ford Escape Active, there are multiple opinions. On the one hand, some would argue that the new Hyundai Tucson SE is bigger than the Ford Escape Active. In essence this is crucial for families in  Palm Beach looking to carry all of their extra cargo. On the other  hand, some would maintain that the new Ford Escape Active has a slight edge over the Hyundai Tucson SEL whenever it comes down to fuel-economy.  In other words, the new Ford Escape can go further for less. With  this in mind, we believe it all comes down to your priorities and preferences. Keep reading to narrow down your options. 
 Hyundai Tucson SE  Vs Ford Escape  Active 
 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder Engine   1.5L EcoBoost®
187 hpHorsepower  180 hp 
178 lb.-ft. Torque   199 lb.-ft. 
 8-speed AMT  Transmission8-Speed AMT  
25/33/28 EPA Mileage Rating 27/34/30 
 2,750 lbs. Towing   2,000 lbs. 
 17-inch  Wheel Size  17-inch 
Standard   Front Wheel Drive  Standard 
 Available  All-Wheel-Drive Available 
 108.2 cubic-feet Passenger Volume 104 cubic-feet  
80.3 cubic-feet  Cargo Volume Behind The First Row  65.4 cubic-feet 
41.2 cubic-feet  Cargo Volume Behind The Second Row  37.5 cubic-feet  
41.4-inches  Legroom First-Row 42.4-inches  
 41.3-inches   Legroom Second-Row 40.7-inches  
 12.3 Touchscreen  8-inch 
 Speakers  6 
 5Seats  5
 
Return To The Top>>

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Escape Active Interior Space 

One of the biggest differences between the Hyundai Tucson SE and the Ford Escape Active is the interior. To demonstrate, the Hyundai Tucson SE comes standard with 108.2 cubic-feet of passenger volume and the Ford Escape Active comes standard 104 cubic-feet of passenger volume. 

As far as cargo volume goes, the new Hyundai Tucson comes standard with 80.3 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the first row, and 41.2 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the second-row. With the Ford Escape Active you get 65.4 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the first row, and 37.5 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the second row.

When it comes down to legroom, the Hyundai Tucson has more room in the rear than the Ford Escape Active. But for what's it's worth, the Ford Escape Active has more legroom in the front. To demonstrate, in the front row the Hyundai Tucson ahs 41.4-inches of legroom, and the Ford Escape has 42.4-inches of legroom. However, in the rear, the Hyundai Tucson comes standard with 41.3-inches of legroom and the Ford Escape has 40.7-inches of legroom.

Taking this into account, the Hyundai Tucson SE is slightly bigger than the Ford Escape Active. 

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Escape Interior Features 

If you're looking for a new SUV with more premium upscale features, the Hyundai Tucson SE is the upper choice. Inside, the new Hyundai Tucson SE base model comes standard with:

  • 12.3-inch touchscreen display 
  • Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay®
  • Bluelink+
  • Front Dual USB Type-C ports (1 data/charge + 1 charge port (27W))
  • Second-row dual USB charging ports
  • Rear View Monitor
  • Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
  • Dual level cargo floor
  • Remote release folding rear seats
The Ford Escape, on the other hand takes a more straight-forward approach with more practical features. Here's a quick breakdown on the Ford Escape Active's interior features:
  • 8-inch cluster display 
  • AM/FM Stereo with 6 Speakers
  • Wireless Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility
  • FordPass® App with 4G LTE Wi-Fi® Hotspo
All in all, the new Hyundai Tucson comes equipped with more advanced standard features than the Ford Escape.

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Escape Performance

If you're looking for conveniently compact SUV that you can count on  for light-duty towing, carrying supplies for DIY projects, or cruising down I-95, the Hyundai Tucson is the upper choice. On tap, the new Hyundai Tucson SE comes standard with a peppy 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine that can get up to 187 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition to that, the new Hyundai Tucson has a max towing capacity of 2,750 lbs. when properly equipped with a trailer brake. Meanwhile, the 2026 Ford Escape Active comes standard  with 181 horsepower 1.5L EcoBoost® I‑3 Engine  with Auto Start-Stop Technology and can get up to 199 lb.-ft. of torque. And for what it's worth, the new Ford Escape Active has a max towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. 

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Escape Fuel Economy 

Fuel-economy is where the Hyundai Tucson and the Ford Escape shine. The Hyundai Tucson has an EPA mileage rating of  25 mpg in the city , 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined, and the Ford Escape Active FWD has an EPA Mileage rating of 27 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined.

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Escape Warranty 

If you're looking for a reliable SUV that you can count on today and tomorrow, the Hyundai Tucson is a top-pick-favorite. Here's a quick breakdown on the new Hyundai Tucson Warranty:
  • 10 years/100,000 miles Powertrain Limited
  • 5 years/60,000 miles New Vehicle Limited
  • 5 years/unlimited miles 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • 7 years/unlimited miles Anti-perforation
But make no mistake, the Ford Escape Active also comes standard with a decent warranty package: 
  • 5-years/60,000 mile Powertrain Limited
  • 3-years/36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited
  • 5-years/60,000 miles 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • 5-years/unlimited miles Anti-Perforation 

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Escape: Bottom Line

After taking a close look at the Hyundai Tucson SE vs Ford Escape  Active, we can all agree that both SUVs are fantastic vehicles. Therefore it all comes down to your style and preference. For instance, if you're looking for a new SUV in Palm Beach with more style, tech, and capability, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a great place to start. However, if you're looking for a new SUV that takes a more subtle approach, the Ford Escape is also a reliable SUV.  With this in mind, we encourage you to visit us at Napleton North Palm Beach Hyundai and take the new Hyundai Tucson for a spin.