Ford Escape SUV Hybird Test Drive With Overall Review

By: Mary Smith
Staff Writer
Published: Jun 12, 2009

Ford Escape is a full hybrid SUV that offers great fuel economy at a fair price.

The Ford Escape is the best full hybrid SUV we've tested and delivers excellent fuel economy. The vehicle can drive 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. It is far better than any other hybrid SUV and the base MSRP is $29,645.

The Ford Hybrid feels great on the road and has a nice balance to it. Our SUV was an all-wheel drive (AWD) with standard features. The vehicle is available in two trim levels, both with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Escape Limited edition provides keypad entry, chrome exterior accents, 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 offer a third electric motor which sends power to the rear wheels when extra acceleration is needed. While the SUV offers a combined 32 mpg rating, we averaged 31.3, which was decent, and probably because we were a little rough during our test drive.

The Escape Hybrid power plant is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, which also serve as generators. Their net output is 177 horsepower, and they're what Ford calls a continuously variable transmission, but there's no rotating belt as in a conventional CVT. Instead, the motors work in concert with the gas engine through a gearset to provide seamless power and maximum efficiency.

It is interesting to note that the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV scored four stars for the drive during a government crash test. It also scored five scores for the passengers. This was a frontal crash test with a rating of 0-5 (five being the best).

The hybrid vehicle features unique climate and stereo controls, which contain a simple layout, embraced with a unique instrumentation. It has a modern appearance in comparison to previous Escape SUVs. The night-time appearance is very night unveiling a cool ice-blue illumination.

The Ford Escape Sync system allows voice commands to Bluetooth-compatible cell phones to the audio system and the navigation system. Moreover, the Sirius Satellite Link allows you to find current gas prices in the vicinity at the touch of a button. These are still optional features but good to have.

The Escape Hybrid features an Economy setting for the air-conditioner. This allows the auto-shutoff feature to run even when the gas engine is off. However, it will not run the A/C compressor with the gas engine off.

Overall, the Ford Escape SUV is one of the best full hybrids on the market. The mileage is great and the ride is comfortable. Most of all, the price isn't that bad for a Ford SUV.