Why the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV Has Lost Nearly 60% of Its Value in Five Years

If you bought a 2021 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid new, the numbers might sting. According to Kelley Blue Book, the base SE trim has shed nearly 59% of its original value over five years. That model, which started at $34,320, now fetches around $14,100 in resale. 7% of its value. Meanwhile, the top-tier Titanium trim retained 42% of its $40,130 starting price, and actually saw a modest uptick in used value between 2025 and 2026.

Trade-in figures paint a similar picture. KBB estimates that a 2021 Escape PHEV in good condition is worth $12,400 for the SE, $11,800 for the SEL, and $13,500 for the Titanium. If you're shopping, the fair purchase price runs from about $15,500 for the SE to $18,600 for the Titanium, though actual dealer listings often vary, a 36,000-mile SEL can cost more than a 30,000-mile Titanium depending on location.

Edmunds offers a slightly wider trade-in range: $11,745 to $18,039, depending on trim and condition. A base SE in outstanding condition trades for $14,305, while a rougher example drops to $12,276. Private-party sales can undercut dealer retail by about $1,500.

But before you rush to buy a used Escape PHEV, consider the competition. CarEdge warns that the Toyota RAV4 Prime depreciates far less, roughly 30% over five years. And the Escape didn't exactly win over critics. 5-liter gas engine kicks in. Its EPA-rated 37 miles of electric range also fell short in real-world testing, with the publication logging just 25 miles.

Still, they noted the EV range is useful for short commutes. For buyers willing to accept those trade-offs, the Escape PHEV offers a lower entry price than many rivals, just don't expect it to hold its value like a Toyota.