The 2026 Ford Escape: A Versatile SUV for Shallotte, NC Drivers

If you're getting ready for a late summer road trip and need an SUV that can keep up with your plans, you should consider the 2026 Ford Escape. With six available trims, four powertrain options, and a cabin designed for real life, it checks a lot of boxes for drivers in Shallotte, NC who want comfort, capability, and technology in one package. Powertrain Options for Every Kind of Driver The 2026 Escape gives you flexibility when it comes to engines. Choose from a 1.5L EcoBoost® engine with 180 hp, a 2.0L EcoBoost® engine with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5L hybrid with 192 total system hp, or a plug-in hybrid with 210 total system hp and an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 37 miles. No matter if you want to stretch your fuel budget or tap into extra towing power - up to 3,500 lbs with the 2.0L EcoBoost® and available Class II Trailer Tow Package - the 2026 Ford Escape has a setup for you. Trims Built for Different Lifestyles The lineup starts with the Escape Active, which brings everyday practicality and available all-wheel drive. The ST-Line and ST-Line Select add sport-styled touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel, red accent stitching, and heated front-row seats. Moving up, the ST-Line Elite includes a standard 13.2-in touchscreen, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control, and a wireless charging pad. The Escape Platinum rounds things out with ActiveX-trimmed seats, an LED light bar, chrome beltline molding, and a 10-way power driver seat. Interior Space and Comfort Planning a late summer road trip means thinking carefully about cargo and passenger comfort, and the 2026 Ford Escape delivers on both. With up to 65.4 cu ft of cargo space behind the first row, while the 60/40 split-fold second-row seats slide to add up to 5.9 extra inches of legroom. Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control comes standard across the lineup, so everyone can stay comfortable no matter how long the drive is. An available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade brings in natural light and adds an open, airy feel. Technology That Keeps You Connected The 2026 Ford Escape comes standard with SYNC 4, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to 10 devices. Higher trims step up to a 13.2-in touchscreen with connected navigation, which delivers real-time traffic, parking information, and hazard alerts. An available B&O® Sound System by Bang and Olufsen® with 10 speakers - including a subwoofer - makes every mile more enjoyable. For drivers doing summer road trip prep, the FordPass app also lets you check fuel levels, locate your vehicle, and schedule service remotely. Safety and Driver-Assist Features Every 2026 Ford Escape comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360® Technology, which includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, and BLIS Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking. Upper trims add Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, making long highway stretches much more manageable. An available 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors round out the safety suite for added confidence in tighter situations. Visit Us in Shallotte, NC The 2026 Ford Escape offers something for nearly every type of driver, so, if you're prioritizing fuel efficiency, performance, tech, or interior comfort. Drivers throughout Shallotte, NC can explore the full lineup and find the right trim to fit their lifestyle. Stop by and see the team at Jones Ford, browse available inventory, and let our team help you get behind the wheel of a 2026 Ford Escape before summer gets into full swing.

To keep your Ford running in peak condition in Shallotte, NC, you need to put in a little effort. That starts with basic maintenance. The simplest piece of Ford service is making sure you make time for regular oil changes. Engine oil keeps your moving parts lubricated, helps regulate temperature, and prevents buildup that can lead to costly damage over time. Skipping this simple service can significantly shorten the life of your engine. When Does My Car Need a Routine Oil Change? If you're asking yourself, "when does my car need a routine oil change,” you're already taking a step in the right direction. The answer depends on a few key factors, including your Ford model, the type of oil your vehicle requires, and your driving habits. Most Ford vehicles equipped with full synthetic oil can go between 7,500 and 10,000 miles between oil changes. However, if your vehicle uses conventional oil, you may need to schedule service closer to every 5,000 miles. Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate recommendation for your specific model. Ford Service centers also rely on the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system, which is built into many Ford vehicles. This system tracks your driving patterns and alerts you when it's actually time for a change - rather than relying solely on mileage. It's a smarter way to stay on top of maintenance without overthinking it. Signs Your Ford May Need an Oil Change Sooner Even with a monitoring system, it helps to know the warning signs. If you notice your engine running louder than usual, your oil light appearing on the dashboard, or your oil looking dark and gritty on the dipstick, it's time to bring your vehicle in. Waiting too long can turn a simple oil change into a much more expensive repair. Driving conditions also play a role. Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, towing, or driving in extreme heat can all put extra strain on your engine oil. Drivers who regularly experience these conditions may need service more frequently than the standard recommendation. Ford Mobile Service and Pickup & Delivery Options Ford Service goes beyond what happens in the service bay. With Ford Mobile Service, certified technicians can perform many routine services - including oil and filter changes - right at your home or workplace. If you'd prefer, Ford Pickup & Delivery lets you schedule a time for your vehicle to be picked up, serviced, and returned without disrupting your day. Earn Rewards on Every Service Visit Every time you bring your Ford in for service, you can earn points through Ford Rewards by downloading the Ford app. Those points add up and can be used toward future service, parts, and accessories. It's a simple way to get more value out of the maintenance you're already doing. Keep Your Ford Running Strong Staying on top of Ford service - especially routine oil changes - is one of the easiest ways to protect your vehicle. If you’re trying to figure out when you need to get your oil changed, trust your owner's manual, your vehicle's monitoring system, and the expertise of your local service team. Drivers throughout Shallotte, NC can count on Jones Ford to provide reliable, knowledgeable service every time. Visit us online at jonesfordnc.net to schedule your next service appointment today.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is designed for drivers who want real capability without giving up everyday comfort. No matter if you’re driving on backroads around Shallotte, NC or heading out on a fall road trip, this compact SUV brings off-road DNA to whatever you throw at it. Available at Jones Ford, serving drivers in Shallotte, NC, the Bronco Sport lineup offers something for nearly every type of adventurer. A Trim for Every Kind of Driver The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport comes in four trim levels: Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, and Badlands. Each one builds on a strong foundation of standard features while adding personality and capability at every level. The Big Bend is a great starting point, offering a 1.5L EcoBoost® engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and standard 4x4 capability. Move up to the Heritage and add vintage styling, an Oxford White roof, aluminium wheels and grille, and Navy Pier plaid cloth seats. The Outer Banks and you gain premium-trimmed seating, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, and a Shadow Black roof. The Badlands takes things further with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, Advanced 4x4, HOSS 2.0 Off-Road Suspension, Trail Control with Trail One-Pedal Driving, and a Terrain Management System with seven G.O.A.T. Modes plus a Differential Lock. It also comes standard with a Class II Trailer Tow Package. What's New This model year brings several meaningful updates to the Bronco Sport lineup. A 12.3-in screen is now standard across all series in the instrument panel cluster, giving every driver a clearer, more modern cockpit experience. SYNC 4 with a 13.2-in color LCD touchscreen is also standard on all trims, along with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Two fresh exterior colors - Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Velocity Blue Metallic - join the palette. A new Black Diamond Off-Road Package is available on the Big Bend, bringing steel underbody protection, recovery hooks, a brush guard, and all-terrain tires for those who want serious trail readiness at an accessible trim level. Technology and Safety You Can Count On Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard and includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, BLIS Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Badlands drivers get Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which adds a 360-degree camera with Trail and Split View, front parking sensors, and Reverse Brake Assist. The Outer Banks can also be upgraded to this level with the available Tech Package. FordPass Connect is standard as well, letting you remotely start, lock, unlock, and locate your vehicle through the FordPass app. Ready for Fall Adventures and Beyond If fall road trip prep is on your mind, the Bronco Sport is worth a serious look. With standard 4x4, a well-tuned suspension, and available all-terrain tires, it handles everything from leaf-covered mountain roads to muddy trails with confidence. The interior is equally practical for longer drives. A wireless charging pad, multiple cupholders, MOLLE straps, cargo tie-down hooks, and a flexible second-row 60/40 split-fold-flat seat make packing up and hitting the road straightforward. Add the available Cargo Management System and you have an organized adventure vehicle. Come See the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport at Jones Ford The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is a well-rounded SUV that earns its reputation on and off the road. From the everyday-capable Big Bend to the trail-ready Badlands, there's a trim built for how you actually drive. Stop by Jones Ford in Shallotte, NC, or visit jonesfordnc.net to explore current inventory and find the Bronco Sport that fits your life.