Ford Escape SUV Features

The Ford Escape SUV hybrid delivers a leading mileage rating at a great price. Ford Escape Hybrid advances with great standard characteristics and a high safety rating.

By: Andy Hodges
Published: Oct 18, 2009
Updated: Feb 8, 2010

Ford Escape SUV Sets New Hybrid Standard During Road Test

We were thunderstruck by the Ford Escape SUV performance during our road. This Hybrid delivers 34 MPG (miles per gallon) in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The mileage performs far better than any other hybrid sport-utility vehicle we tested.

Ford Escape has a hybrid starting price of $29,645. In fact, as of October 2009, the non-hybrid is priced at $20,550. This is a remarkable price difference. However, the hybrid version does deliver the best mileage.

The vehicle handles great on the road and has a personable balance to it. The model we examined was the all-wheel-drive (AWD) with standard features. The hybrid vehicle is available in two trim levels that include front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Ford Escape Limited edition has a keypad entry, chrome exterior accent, rear parking assist, the Sync system, leather seating, heated front seats, a sunroof, a six-disc CD changer, a retractable cargo cover, and switchable ambient lighting. The AWD models incorporate a third electric motor which sends power to the rear wheels when extra acceleration is needed. While the Escape offers a combined 32 MPG rating, we averaged out 31.3, which was decent, and probably because we were a little abrasive during our test drive.

The vehicle is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, gas engine. It has two electric motors that also execute as generators. The net output is 177 horsepower. Ford Escape comes with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that has no spinning belts. Instead, the motors work in conjunction with the gas engine through a gear-set to provide seamless power and maximum efficiency.

We were surprised by the acceleration. It provides similar power as a V-6, but with a smaller gas engine. Acceleration from 0-60 averaged 10.2 seconds.

On safety tests, the vehicle scored a four-star rating during a government crash test. It also scored five stars for the passengers. This was a frontal crash test with a rating of 0-5 (five being the best).

There are several control buttons and knobs that are embraced by its singular instrument panel. For instance, there are controls for climate and accessories that contain the stereo. It has a modern look and is illuminated by a cool ice-blue lighting during night travels.

Ford Escape Hybrid can also come with the Ford Sync system. This is a voice-command system that offers Bluetooth-compatibility with cell phones. The driver can also scour for gas prices in the local vicinity by using the Sirius Satellite Link.

During our tests, we noticed that the air conditioner compressor turned off. We later found out that the Escape Hybrid is equipped with an automatic shutoff feature when the gas engine is off. We were driving at low speeds that switched on the electric-mode system which then turned off the gas engine. The A/C compressor shuts off so that the electric motor can operate more efficiently.

This Ford Escape was enjoyable to test-drive. It was very comfortable and the price is affordable. We still can't get over the 34 MPG fuel rating. That is the best mileage we've seen for a hybrid of this class.