Ford Escape Hybrid Review

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV Shown

In the next few years, hybrid SUVs are set to become more popular as automakers hope to offer something for families looking to go green. But even as the market expands, history will note that the Ford Escape Hybrid was there first.

Debuting in 2005, the Escape Hybrid was not only the first mainstream hybrid SUV to be produced but also the first to come from a domestic automaker. Looking essentially identical to its non-hybrid counterpart, the Hybrid effectively offered the power of the V6 model with the fuel economy of the four-cylinder Escape.

Today, the Ford Escape Hybrid benefits from a recent redesign. Much of the sheet metal has changed, but the underlying hybrid components are still the same. As a choice for a new or used hybrid-powered small SUV, the Escape is worth a look.

Current Ford Escape Hybrid

The current Ford Escape Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. A two-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid should be able to deliver close to 30 mpg in real-world city and highway driving. Its powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a pair of electric motors and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that basically works like a regular automatic transmission.

Under full acceleration, both power sources work together to provide maximum oomph, but under lighter load conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic, the Escape Hybrid alternates between the two, oftentimes running purely on battery power alone. A regenerative braking system converts energy normally lost as heat into electricity to recharge the car's batteries. Unfortunately, the air-conditioning compressor cannot run in concert with the all-electric mode, resulting in slightly diminished fuel economy.

Although the cumulative horsepower rating of 177 doesn't sound very impressive, the Ford Escape Hybrid is quicker than the regular four-cylinder Escape. Two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models are offered.

The main difference between driving an Escape Hybrid and driving a regular Escape comes down to handling. The Hybrid feels top-heavy around turns due to its extra 300 pounds of curb weight. And like the gasoline-only Escape, this hybrid ute is best suited for on-road duty, as its unibody construction and all-wheel-drive system limit its off-road abilities.

Used Ford Escape Hybrid Models

The Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced for 2005, although the regular Escape dawned four years earlier. The original powertrain featured a 2.3-liter gasoline engine that, together with its electric motor, produced a total of 155 hp. Although this original iteration is virtually identical in terms of size and driving dynamics to the current model, it featured an unfortunate interior filled with cheap, hard plastic surfaces and outdated controls. The Premium package's navigation system in particular was laughably ancient and should be avoided.

The Escape Hybrid remained mostly unchanged until 2008, when Ford updated the entire Escape line, which included the hybrid. Changes were limited primarily to extensive exterior and interior tweaks. The look of the interior is fresher and more contemporary than the previous Escape's cabin, with more ergonomic and attractive controls. Ford's optional Sync entertainment and communications interface was added to the features list the following year along with standard stability control and the current model's larger gasoline engine.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.