Ford Maverick or Escape: which fits Worcester-area drivers in Worcester, MA?
Choose the Ford Maverick if you haul bulky or dirty gear and want an open pickup bed; choose the Ford Escape if you want an enclosed cargo area with an SUV rear seat.
Ira Ford Auburn sells both the Maverick and the Escape new. We are the store to start with for this choice because the Maverick is on our lot and our trade-in, finance and service records cover both sides of the decision.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Auburn. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
Pick the Ford Maverick for an open bed, the Escape for enclosed cargo
The Maverick is the pickup. Its bed gives 33.3 cubic feet of max cargo on the 2026 Lobo, Tremor, 2.0L EcoBoost and 2.5L Hybrid. The Escape is the enclosed SUV, with 65.4 cubic feet behind row 1 on the EcoBoost and 60.8 on the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid. (Ford, 2026)
Hypothetically, a contractor hauling wet drywall and lumber needs the open bed. A family with a stroller and a weekend’s gear needs the enclosed space.
How much cargo space do the Maverick and Escape have?
The Maverick’s 33.3 cubic feet is a bed, open to weather and dirt. The Escape’s space sits inside the cabin, out of the weather. Behind row 2, the Escape EcoBoost keeps 37.5 cubic feet, and the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid keep 34.4.
What EPA mpg do the Maverick and Escape get?
Each model is EPA-rated for city, highway and combined mpg on every engine it offers, hybrid included. The Maverick HEV FWD is rated 42 city, 35 highway and 38 combined. The Escape FWD PHEV is rated 42 city, 37 highway and 40 combined. (Ford, 2026)
The gasoline Maverick AWD is rated 22 city, 30 highway and 25 combined. The gasoline Escape FWD is rated 27 city, 34 highway and 30 combined. Pick the model by how you drive, not by one number.
How much can a Maverick or an Escape tow?
The Maverick 2.0L EcoBoost AWD and 2.5L Hybrid AWD tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped, with the extra-cost 4K Tow Package (53Q). The Maverick FWD and Lobo and Tremor AWD tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Escape 2.0L EcoBoost tows up to 3,500 pounds with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package, and the 1.5L EcoBoost, 2.5L Hybrid and 2.5L Plug-In Hybrid tow anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.
What trims and packages do the Maverick and Escape offer?
Each model comes in a ladder of trims, and the starting price steps up as you move through them. The Maverick starts at $28,145 for the XL and reaches $40,645 for the Tremor. The Escape Active starts at $30,350 and the ST-Line Elite at $38,935. (Ford, 2026)
What do the Maverick and Escape cost, tow and get per gallon?
The Maverick XL is priced from $28,145 and the Escape Active from $30,350. Pair the price with the job. The Maverick pickup tows up to 4,000 pounds on the AWD 2.5L Hybrid with the 4K Tow Package, and the Escape tows up to 3,500 on the 2.0L EcoBoost with the Class II package.
When do rear-seat room and towing rule out the Maverick or Escape?
A Maverick with two rear passengers gives 36.9 inches of legroom in row 2 on the gas model and 35.9 on the hybrid. If you tow more than 2,000 pounds, the Maverick 2.0L EcoBoost AWD or 2.5L Hybrid AWD with the 4K Tow Package is the pickup to test, and the Escape 2.0L EcoBoost is the SUV to check against your trailer.
Frequently asked questions
What does Massachusetts charge in sales tax on a new Ford?
When a registered motor vehicle dealer sells a vehicle in Massachusetts, the buyer owes 6.25% sales tax, payable by the 20th day of the month after the purchase. (Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle and Trailer Sales and Use Tax guide, 2022)
Can I trade in my current vehicle toward a Maverick or Escape at Ira Ford Auburn?
Yes. You can come in to trade in with or without an appointment. The stated trade-in value holds for seven days or up to 250 miles.
How do I book service for my Ford at Ira Ford Auburn?
You can schedule a service appointment online, in person, or by phone. Finding the store in the FordPass App also lets you book service.
What warranty comes with a new Maverick or Escape?
Both models carry a 3 years/36,000 miles basic warranty, a 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain warranty and a 5 years/unlimited miles corrosion warranty. Roadside assistance on both the Maverick and the Escape runs 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Can I order a roof rack or bike mount through the Ira Ford Auburn parts center?
Yes. Accessories such as roof racks, bike mounts, and cargo organizers can be ordered through the parts center. Ordered parts are picked up at the store.
Do I get a loaner vehicle when my Ford is in for service at Ira Ford Auburn?
Loaners are not guaranteed. They are at the dealership’s discretion and subject to availability, to be confirmed at booking.
Why Worcester-area drivers buy a Maverick or Escape at Ira Ford Auburn
Ira Ford Auburn is at 780 Washington St, Auburn, MA 01501, and sells the Maverick new. The trade-in offer is online, and walk-in trade-ins are welcome with or without an appointment. There is a secure online finance application, and service can be booked online, in person, by phone or through the FordPass App.
Our Google record, as of November 2026, is 4.4 stars across 2,583 reviews, with 80 in 100 of them five-star. In an October 2026 Google review, J M. wrote: “Just had a great experience with Ira Ford in Auburn with my trade in for a used car purchase. From sales through finance, their patience and work was top notch. Thanks for your help!”
Start with the online trade-in offer or the finance application, then visit 780 Washington Street in Auburn to choose between the Maverick and the Escape with the numbers in hand.
Ira Ford Auburn answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Auburn showroom, or call 774-321-1107.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Ira Ford Auburn for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
