Follow-Up Test: 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid

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By Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor Email | Blog
Date posted: 11-09-2004

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Powered by both a gas and electric motor, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is one of a rare breed. It's an SUV that offers a reasonable degree of fuel economy.

In many respects, hybrids have undergone quite an evolution since they were first introduced to the U.S. market a few years ago. The story began with a quirky-looking little coupe called the Honda Insight. Born in model year 2000, the Insight offered unheard-of fuel economy that topped 60 mpg (it's still far and away the fuel economy champ). But this came at a price. Its 67-horsepower gas engine (supplemented by a 144-volt electric motor with an additional 6 hp) often felt underpowered; additionally, interior
accommodations were cramped, and payload capacity was underwhelming. Toyota joined the fray a year later, with the significantly more practical Prius. That sedan offered more room and cargo capacity than the Insight, and with a net horsepower of 110, it had enough juice to handle most driving situations.

With subsequent models like the Honda Civic Hybrid and second-generation Toyota Prius gaining acceptance as everyday commuter cars, Ford has pushed the evolution one step further. The company has placed hybrid technology beneath the hood of its Escape to produce the first-ever hybrid SUV. The Ford Escape Hybrid is also the first hybrid to come from a domestic manufacturer, and the first to offer all-wheel drive.

That's right, a hybrid SUV. It's an odd pairing, since hybrids have typically been the preferred mode of transportation for the tree-hugger set — the type of people who have often loudly bashed SUVs as being wasteful gas-guzzlers. But it's a pairing that hints at just how far hybrids have come. No longer are they solely the province of fiery environmentalists. With steep gas prices continuing to chomp at the pocketbook — and other "green" machines like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h waiting in the wings — these vehicles are on the verge of adopting a brand-new identity. Though environmentally conscious consumers still represent the core hybrid audience (initially, the new Ford Escape Hybrid will be marketed in "green" magazines such as
Mother Jones and Outside), these vehicles are poised to go roaring into the mainstream.

The Prius and the Insight are unique in that they both come wrapped in futuristic exteriors that all but scream, "Look at me! I'm a hybrid!" Not so with the hybrid Ford Escape. Save for the "Hybrid" badges on the sides and rear of the vehicle — and a discreet battery-pack vent on the left rear window — it looks like any other Ford Escape.

Within the cabin, the layout is similar to that of the conventional Escape, with a few differences. A 4-inch screen on the center console allows you to see a digital rendering of the hybrid technology in action. We loved being able to watch the workings of the powertrain, but we wish the screen were larger, like the one in the Prius, which dominates the cabin for maximum sci-fi effect. We also wish this display were standard; buyers who wish to marvel at what takes place under the hood must purchase this feature as an option (it's standard in the Toyota Prius). There's also a charge/discharge gauge, and a "green zone" on the tachometer that lets you know when you're cruising on electric energy.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is powered by a 2.3-liter, inline four-cylinder gas engine that generates 133 hp, and a 70-kilowatt electric motor that generates 94 hp, for a net hybrid horsepower of 155. For comparison, a regular gas-powered, four-cylinder Escape offers 153 horses; the V6 model offers 200. Ford claims that when it comes to pep and vigor, the hybrid's performance is comparable to that of the V6, thanks to the extra thrust provided by its electric motor. In our track testing, the Ford Escape Hybrid trailed the Escape V6 by more than a second in getting from zero to 60 mph. Still, when driven in real-world driving situations, the Hybrid Escape left us with little about which to complain; when the pedal hits the metal, the 'ute does feel reasonably V6-like, darting forward with pleasing alacrity.

And it does so silently. Its noiseless electric motor does the heavy lifting at very low revs; the 'ute is capable of traveling at up to 25 miles per hour using only the electric motor. Even the vehicle's braking system is environmentally correct; like other gas-electric vehicles, the Ford Escape Hybrid benefits from a regenerative braking system, in which the energy that would normally be lost as heat during braking is recaptured and used to recharge the batteries for the electric motor. No awkward charging stations required with this vehicle — just drive it and it will always have plenty of juice on hand.

When tooling around town, the Ford Escape Hybrid performed with competence in every situation we tossed its way. Steep inclines? No problem. Tricky freeway maneuvers? Piece of cake. And, like the conventional Escape, it offered nimble, carlike handling. But there were some minor gripes worth pointing out. At high revs, the gas engine gets a bit noisy; it's not especially off-putting, but noticeable nonetheless. And any Ford Escape hybrid review will tell you there's a little "burp" that happens when power switches from the electric motor to the gas engine. Again, no biggie — after a few hours in the vehicle, this quirk fades into the background.

During our time in the Escape Hybrid, we averaged 26 mpg — less than the EPA's overall rating of 33.5 mpg (36 city/31 highway). It's worth noting, though, that this figure includes a day of full-tilt track testing, and the bulk of our driving took place on the highway where the benefits of the electric motor go largely unused. The Escape's closest competitor in the SUV fuel economy race is a Toyota RAV4 with an EPA rating of 24 city/30 highway, while a base-model Escape with a four-cylinder and manual transmission is rated at 24 city/29 highway. The bottom line on fuel economy with regard to these and other hybrids? If you're behind the wheel of one of these vehicles, you probably won't be able to match the mileage figures on the window sticker without radically changing the way you drive; most hybrid owners report lower mileage than the EPA ratings. But you'll undoubtedly get better mileage than you would driving a comparable gas-powered vehicle.

At almost $31,000, our test vehicle was pricey; the Ford Escape Hybrid runs over $3 grand more than a comparably equipped V6 model. Is it worth the premium? Well, it depends. Don't expect to make your money back at the pump in a hurry; on average, plan on it taking in the neighborhood of five to eight years for fuel savings to offset the vehicle's padded price. Of course, this payback period is dependent on gas prices and annual mileage. If gas prices were to rise over the next few years, the payback period would diminish. And if you're the type of driver who puts a higher-than-average number of miles on your vehicle each year, the Ford Escape Hybrid becomes even more appealing. There's also a one-time federal income tax deduction — of $2,000, for vehicles purchased in calendar years 2004 and 2005 — to help make up for the added initial cost.

And there are other less tangible benefits associated with hybrid ownership. There's the thrill of being behind the wheel of a vehicle that boasts the latest technology; hybrids are the future, and if you enjoy being on the cutting edge, you'll get a kick out of piloting this very special Escape. Finally, there's the pleasure that you get from knowing that your versatile SUV isn't plundering the environment; the Ford Escape Hybrid is rated an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), and generates less than half the smog-producing emissions of a conventional compact SUV.

If you're the type of owner who likes holding on to his vehicle for more than a year or two, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid becomes a pretty compelling choice. Hybrids have a new face, and it's a face everyone can love.