How Ford’s Active Grille Shutters Improve Efficiency & When They Need Service

Choosing a compact SUV isn't as simple as picking a color anymore. Today's buyers expect a lot and the 2026 Ford Escape® offers plenty of flexibility to meet expectations. With multiple trims and four available powertrains, it's a lineup designed to suit everyone from daily commuters to growing families. If you're shopping for an SUV around Stephenville, TX, here's a closer look at what sets each Escape® model apart. Six Trims, Six Distinct Personalities The Escape lineup begins with the Active®, a well-equipped model that includes SYNC® 4, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, and dual-zone electronic automatic climate control. It's an excellent choice for drivers looking for modern features without stepping into a higher trim. The ST-Line® adds a sportier appearance with a black mesh grille, flat-bottom steering wheel, red interior stitching, and sport contour bucket seats. The ST-Line Select builds on that foundation with additional convenience features and expanded equipment availability. Moving into the ST-Line Elite, buyers receive standard AWD, a 13.2-inch center touchscreen, wireless charging, and Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, creating a premium driving experience with added confidence on busy highways. At the top of the range, the Platinum delivers a more refined atmosphere through ActiveX®-trimmed seating, chrome exterior accents, an LED light bar, and a 10-way power driver's seat. more Four Powertrains Mean More Choice The Escape stands out by offering multiple approaches to performance and efficiency instead of limiting buyers to a single engine. The standard 1.5L EcoBoost® engine produces 180 hp and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It's a practical choice for daily driving and is available with FWD or AWD. Drivers needing additional capability can move to the available 2.0L EcoBoost engine, generating 250 hp and 280 lbs. ft. of torque. Properly equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package, it can tow up to 3,500 lbs., making it well suited for small campers, utility trailers, or personal watercraft. The available full hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 192 hp for drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency, while the plug-in hybrid increases output to 210 combined hp and offers an EPA-estimated 37 miles of all-electric driving. It can recharge using a standard 120-volt household outlet or operate like a conventional hybrid when charging isn't convenient. Technology Designed for Everyday Driving Every 2026 Escape includes SYNC 4 with wireless smartphone integration, giving drivers quick access to navigation, music, and communication features. Available upgrades include a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Connected Navigation, providing live traffic updates, weather information, parking locations, and nearby fuel or charging stations. FordPass® Connect with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot supports up to 10 connected devices, while available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, Evasive Steering Assist, and Intersection Assist to reduce driver workload during longer trips. Flexible Space for Busy Lifestyles The Escape is designed with day-to-day practicality in mind. EcoBoost models offer up to 65.4 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the first row, while the sliding second-row seat provides up to 5.9 inches of additional legroom when passenger comfort takes priority. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat makes it easy to accommodate larger cargo, and thoughtful touches like the rotary gear selector, available power liftgate, and available panoramic Vista Roof® improve everyday usability. Drivers comparing SUVs may also want to explore other new Ford SUVs or learn about available Ford service and maintenance options to help keep their Escape performing at its best. Explore the 2026 Ford Escape at Triple Crown Ford The 2026 Ford Escape offers one of the broadest combinations of trims, powertrains, and technology in the compact SUV segment. From efficient hybrid models to the capable 2.0L EcoBoost, there's an Escape designed for a variety of driving needs. Visit us in Stephenville, TX to browse available 2026 Ford Escape models, compare trim levels, or schedule a test drive online and discover which Escape is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Heading off to college is a big deal, and having the right vehicle can make everything easier — from hauling all your dorm furniture and stuff to road-tripping on breaks. If you're looking for something reliable, practical, and versatile, Ford has a strong lineup of SUVs that hold up well over time, making them smart picks when shopping used cars. And in Stephenville, Texas, you have a wide variety of used models to pick from to start your school year off right. Why a Used Ford SUV Makes Sense for College Life U sed Ford SUVs are great for college students, offer ing cargo space, safety technology, and long-term dependability. When you're managing tuition, rent, and everyday expenses, buying used helps stretch your budget further without sacrificing quality. Ford's reputation for building durable, well-equipped vehicles means you're less likely to face unexpected repair headaches during the school year. Used Ford SUVs can come loaded with features that are important to college students and their families. Many models include Ford Co-Pilot360 ® technology, which bundles driver-assist features that will give you and your family at home some peace of mind. For students commuting to campus or driving home for the holidays, that added layer of confidence matters. And infotainment systems are widely available in used Ford SUVs with features like wireless smartphone compatibility and a Wi-Fi® hotspot to keep you connected. Ford Escape: Compact and Easy to Park The Ford Escape is one of the best used Ford SUVs for college students who need something nimble and fuel-efficient. Its compact size makes it easier to navigate busy campus parking lots and tight city streets. The interior is well-organized with enough cargo room to fit backpacks, groceries, and weekend bags without feeling cramped. With nearly 39" of rear legroom, you can pack the Escape with your friends too. Used Escape models from recent years often include available hotspot connectivity and a user-friendly touchscreen, which are genuinely useful features for students on the go. The Escape's combination of size, tech, and reliability makes it a practical everyday companion throughout your college years. Ford Bronco Sport: Adventure-Ready for Active Students If you spend weekends hiking, camping, or exploring the outdoors around Stephenville, T exas, the Bronco Sport is perfect. Smaller than the standard, off-road-focused Bronco, but still featuring 4WD capability, t his brawny little SUV is built for adventure without sacrificing everyday comfort and functionality. Its standard all-wheel drive and rugged construction give it an edge for students who don't want to be limited by weather or terrain. Used Bronco Sport models offer a comfortable interior and smart storage solutions like MOLLE straps that work well for students hauling gear or splitting time between school and the outdoors. As one of the best used Ford SUVs for college students with an active lifestyle, it brings a unique combination of personality and practicality. Ford Edge: More Space When You Need It For students who need more passenger room or cargo space, the Ford Edge is a strong contender. Its midsize proportions make it comfortable on longer drives while still being manageable in everyday settings. Used Edge models are widely available and often come well-equipped with features like available all-wheel drive and a roomy back seat. The Edge is a solid pick for students who carpool with roommates or regularly move larger items between home and campus. Among the best used Ford SUVs for college students, the Edge stands out when interior space is a priority. What to Look for When Shopping Used Cars When shopping for a used Ford SUV, there are a few things to look for that will give you some reassurance and protection. Ask for a vehicle history report to see things like former accidents and ownership. R eview maintenance records —and if there aren’t any, that may be a bad sign. If you can, have a trusted technician take a look at the vehicle before you commit. Ford's build quality across its SUV lineup means many used models still have plenty of life left, especially when they've been well maintained. Shopping at a local dealership also gives you access to C ertified P re- O wned (CPO) options, which include s additional inspection standards and warranties for buyers who want more reassurance but are working with a tighter budget. Visit Triple Crown Ford in Stephenville, TX Finding the best used Ford SUVs for college students is easier when you have the right team to help you navigate your options. Stop by Triple Crown Ford in Stephenville, TX to explore available used SUV inventory and find a vehicle that fits your life and your budget. The team is ready to help you get behind the wheel of something reliable before the next semester begins.

Summer in Texas changes the way a vehicle works. Temperatures around Stephenville can push past 100 degrees, pavement becomes fiercely hot, and a parked Ford can spend hours absorbing heat before the engine even starts. Add highway miles, weekend towing, dusty roads, and heavy air-conditioning use, and several systems are being asked to work harder. Preparing for that environment doesn't require replacing half the car. It means checking a handful of important systems before summer exposes a weakness that was already developing. Give the Cooling System First Attention The cooling system is the obvious place to begin because controlling engine temperature becomes especially important in extreme heat. Check the coolant level and have its condition inspected according to Ford's maintenance recommendations. Coolant doesn't last indefinitely, and using the correct type and service interval for your particular Ford is important. Hoses, connections, and other cooling-system components should also be inspected for leaks, cracks, or signs of deterioration. A small leak that's easy to address in the service bay becomes considerably less convenient when the temperature gauge begins climbing on a Texas highway. Heat Isn't Kind to Batteries Cold weather gets the reputation for killing batteries because that's often when a weak one finally refuses to start the engine. High temperatures can contribute to battery deterioration, too. Before the hottest part of the year, having the battery and charging system tested can give you a useful indication of their condition. This is particularly sensible with an older battery or if you've noticed slower starting. Inspecting the terminals for corrosion is worthwhile as well. The aim isn't to replace a battery simply because summer has arrived. It's to find one nearing the end of its service life before it chooses the worst possible afternoon to demonstrate the point. Tires Need Pressure, Tread, and a Good Look Texas pavement in August is not a forgiving environment for neglected tires. Check pressures when the tires are cold and set them according to the specification listed for your Ford. Don't use the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall as the target. Tread condition deserves the same attention. Look for uneven wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, or other visible damage. Uneven wear may indicate an alignment or suspension concern worth investigating. Keeping up with recommended tire rotations can also promote more even wear and help you get better use from the set. Your Air Conditioning Has Earned an Inspection Air conditioning in Texas isn't a feature you remember twice a year. By July, it can feel like a member of the family. If the system takes longer than usual to cool the cabin, airflow seems weak, or the air isn't as cold as it once was, have it inspected rather than assuming it simply needs refrigerant. Several different problems can affect A/C performance, and proper diagnosis is the better route. The cabin air filter is worth checking according to the recommended maintenance schedule, particularly for vehicles driven regularly in dusty conditions. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and reduce the system's effectiveness. Check the Fluids Before a Long, Hot Drive Engine oil has an essential role in lubricating and protecting moving components, so summer is a good time to confirm you're current with scheduled oil and filter changes. Other fluids should be inspected according to the maintenance requirements for your Ford. The vehicle's age, model, powertrain, mileage, and operating conditions can all influence what needs attention and when. Rather than relying on a universal summer maintenance schedule, consult the owner's manual or Ford model research and service information for your vehicle. That keeps maintenance tied to the Ford sitting in your driveway instead of generic advice. Look at How You Use Your Ford A vehicle's workload counts. A Ford spending its week on short trips around Stephenville has a different routine from an F-150 towing equipment across Central Texas or an SUV regularly setting off on long family trips. Before summer, think about the driving ahead. If towing, hauling, or substantial highway mileage is on the calendar, a pre-trip inspection gives the service department an opportunity to check tires, fluids, brakes, the battery, and cooling-system components before departure. It is a small bit of planning that can make a very hot journey considerably easier. Get Ready Before Texas Turns Up the Temperature Triple Crown Ford in Stephenville can help prepare your vehicle with seasonal inspections, routine maintenance, and Ford service based on the needs of your specific model. Staying ahead of maintenance also gives you time to address developing problems instead of reacting to them during the hottest week of summer. Visit our service center to discuss your Ford's maintenance schedule. And if summer plans have you considering something newer, explore the current Ford inventory, compare available models, and schedule your Ford test drive online.