New 2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select AWD, Hybrid & Review – The American compact SUV segment is incredibly crowded, forcing automakers to slice the market into highly specific niches to capture buyers’ attention. The 2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select exists in one of the most popular of those niches: the sporty-looking daily driver. It is the trim for drivers who want the aggressive aesthetics of a performance vehicle but prioritize fuel economy, practicality, and affordability over outright track speed. By blending the sleek exterior of the ST-Line with a healthy dose of premium technology, the 2027 ST-Line Select aims to be the perfect sweet spot in the Escape lineup for style-conscious suburban families.
What’s New for 2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select
Because the Ford Escape received a comprehensive exterior and interior overhaul for the 2025 model year, the 2027 version arrives with targeted, mid-cycle enhancements focused on powertrain efficiency and technology. The most significant upgrade for 2027 is the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system mated to the standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. This system eliminates turbo lag, provides instant electric torque assistance off the line, and pushes real-world fuel economy up by an estimated 15%.
Additionally, Ford has upgraded the infotainment hardware. The 13.2-inch touchscreen now runs on a faster processor running the latest SYNC 5 software, eliminating any lingering lag when switching between wireless Apple CarPlay and native navigation. Ford has also introduced a new “Vapor Blue” metallic exterior color exclusively for the ST-Line trims.
What make this trims special?
The ST-Line Select is special because it masterfully avoids the “all show, no go” trap while remaining highly accessible. In the Ford hierarchy, the base ST-Line looks the part but is somewhat sparse on the inside. The ST-Line Elite offers luxury, but its price tag pushes into premium territory.
The ST-Line Select bridges this gap perfectly. It takes the aggressive, blacked-out exterior styling—complete with a unique grille, flat-bottom steering wheel, and red stitching—and pairs it with sensible, efficient power. It proves that you do not have to spend Elite money to get a cabin that feels premium and a vehicle that turns heads in the school drop-off line.
2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select Redesign
The 2027 Escape ST-Line Select does not undergo a structural redesign, as its sleek, fastback-like profile remains highly effective for aerodynamics and styling. However, Ford has applied a light, sporty polish to the exterior details.
The front fascia features a slightly larger, more three-dimensional mesh grille finished in a deep gloss black. The lower bumper intakes have been reshaped to look wider, drawing the eye downward and emphasizing the vehicle’s stance. For 2027, the ST-Line Select receives a newly designed set of 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with high-gloss black painted pockets, replacing the previous silver-accented wheels to give the SUV a more planted, stealthy look. The rear now features a subtle black spoiler lip on the liftgate.
What Difference This Trim and Others
To understand the ST-Line Select, you have to look at how it contrasts with its siblings:
- Vs. Base, Active, and ST-Line: These lower trims feature smaller wheels, less aggressive front fascias, and cloth interiors. They lack the tech upgrades and interior ambient lighting that define the Select.
- Vs. ST-Line Elite: The Elite is the top-tier sport model, featuring a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, a massive panoramic roof, a B&O audio system, and ventilated leather seats. The Select keeps the price down by utilizing the 1.5L engine and cloth/leatherette seating.
- Vs. ST: The ST is a genuine performance model with 300+ horsepower, paddle shifters, and a sport-tuned exhaust. The ST-Line Select looks similar but is tuned for comfort and efficiency, not corner-carving.
- Vs. PHEV: If your goal is maximum fuel economy and short electric-only commutes, the Plug-in Hybrid is the way to go. The Select is for those who want traditional gas-engine simplicity with a sporty vibe.
2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select Interior, Features & Tech
Step inside the 2027 Escape ST-Line Select, and you are greeted by a driver-focused cockpit that feels far more expensive than its price point suggests. The centerpiece is the flat-bottom steering wheel, wrapped in leather with bold red contrast stitching that continues onto the dashboard and door panels.
The technological focal point is the seamlessly integrated 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen. The true genius of the Escape’s interior, however, is what lies beneath it: a row of physical toggle switches for the climate control. In an era where competitors force you to dig through digital menus just to change the temperature, Ford’s decision to use physical buttons is a massive victory for daily usability. The Select trim also includes a wireless smartphone charging pad, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and ambient interior lighting that pulses red to match the vehicle’s sporty aesthetic.
Safety features & Driver Assistance
Safety technology in the 2027 Escape ST-Line Select is comprehensive. The vehicle comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors.
For the 2027 model year, Ford has made the Co-Pilot360 Assist package standard on the Select trim. This adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and lane-centering assist, taking much of the stress out of bumper-to-bumper highway commuting. Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system remains available as an optional add-on for those who travel on pre-mapped US interstates frequently.
2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select Performance & Specs
The 2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select continues to utilize a highly efficient powertrain, newly enhanced for the model year.
- Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged Inline-3 + 48-Volt Mild-Hybrid Motor
- Horsepower: 190 hp (estimated)
- Torque: 220 lb-ft (estimated, boosted by the mild-hybrid system)
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard; Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available
The addition of the 48-volt motor completely transforms the driving character of the 1.5-liter engine. It fills in the low-end torque hole that three-cylinder engines typically suffer from, making the Escape feel much more responsive when merging onto busy US highways. Fuel economy is excellent, with FWD models estimated to achieve 30 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Towing capacity remains steady at 1,500 pounds—enough for a small utility trailer or a couple of jet skis.
2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Sharp Aesthetics: The blacked-out exterior and red-stitched interior look significantly more expensive than the price tag suggests.
- Physical Climate Controls: A massive ergonomic win over competitors like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson.
- Mild-Hybrid Efficiency: The 48-volt system improves real-world gas mileage and drivability without the complexity of a full plug-in.
- Accessible Price: It offers 90% of the ST-Line Elite’s vibe for thousands of dollars less.
Cons:
- Cargo Space: The swooping, sporty roofline eats into rear cargo capacity compared to boxier rivals like the CR-V or Subaru Forester.
- Engine Noise: Despite the mild-hybrid smoothness, the three-cylinder engine can still sound a bit raspy under hard acceleration.
- Not Actually Fast: It has the look of a hot hatch SUV, but it is tuned for fuel economy, meaning it won’t win any stoplight drag races.
Should You Consider It?
You should absolutely consider the 2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select if you are a style-conscious driver who prioritizes daily comfort, fuel economy, and user-friendly tech. It is an ideal vehicle for young professionals, smaller families, or commuters who want their daily driver to look aggressive but don’t want to pay the premium for the larger 2.0L engine or the ST’s performance suspension.
However, you should look elsewhere if utility is your top priority. If you frequently haul large dogs, bulky strollers, or oversized luggage, the compromised cargo space will frustrate you. Similarly, if you want a vehicle with genuine performance credentials, you need to step up to the Escape ST or look at sport-tuned rivals like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.
2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select Price & Release Date
Price: Because it sits perfectly in the middle of the lineup, the ST-Line Select offers excellent value. The new Escape ST-Line Select is expected to start right around the $34,500 mark. Choosing the intelligent All-Wheel Drive system will add roughly $2,000 to the bottom line. Because Ford packages features intelligently on this trim, most buyers will find a well-equipped model on the lot for around $37,500.
Release Date: Ford traditionally begins producing its next model-year vehicles in late summer. The 2027 Escape ST-Line Select is expected to be officially revealed in the summer of 2026, with vehicles arriving at US dealerships nationwide by September or October of 2026.
The 2027 Ford Escape ST-Line Select successfully carves out a highly desirable niche in the hyper-competitive compact SUV segment. By taking the already stylish ST-Line formula and injecting it with a much-needed 48-volt mild-hybrid system and faster tech, Ford has created a vehicle that feels incredibly modern to drive. Its insistence on retaining physical climate controls proves that Ford actually listens to consumer complaints about overly digital cabins. For American buyers seeking a sleek, efficient, and tech-forward daily driver that doesn’t look like a rental car, the Escape ST-Line Select remains a brilliantly executed choice.
