2011 Ford Escape Hybrid Review
2011 Ford Escape Hybrid Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Most fuel-efficient SUV out there
- peppy performance
- innovative high-tech features
- top marks in crash tests.
Cons
- Steep price tag
- noisy under hard acceleration
- lackluster braking performance.
What’s new
Changes to the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid are relatively minor. The Leather package now includes heated front seats, an available Smokers package and HD radio capability (requires optional navigation system). Ford's MyKey system is now standard on all models.
Edmunds says
Though it's getting a little long in the tooth, the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid's combination of practicality and excellent fuel economy make it worth a look.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$134/mo for Escape Hybrid Base
Escape Hybrid Base
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
The Ford Escape Hybrid has been around for five years now. Somewhat surprisingly, Ford's still got a lock on this market segment; if you're looking for a small hybrid crossover SUV, the Escape is the only game in town. The good news is that there's a lot to like here.
While the Escape Hybrid's numbers -- 66.1 cubic feet of cargo room and EPA fuel economy estimates as high as 32 mpg in combined driving -- might not seem all that impressive, put the two together and you've got a pretty versatile and efficient urban runabout. The Escape is well equipped with some cool technological features, including Ford's Sync voice-activated multimedia system and an automated parallel-parking feature.
The Escape Hybrid is not without its faults, however. For example, the design is a bit dated and the hybrid system's hardware adds weight that adversely affects handling and braking. Paying a premium amounting to roughly $6,000 compared to a comparably equipped Escape XLT is also hard to justify for folks whose primary interest is saving money at the gas pumps. It also appears as though the Escape will receive a redesign for 2012, with more attractive styling and added refinement.
With all that in mind, we suggest buyers consider a few other options before going with the current Escape Hybrid. Traditional gasoline-powered models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are better vehicles overall than the Escape and still get decent fuel economy. You might also check out the diesel-powered Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon, as it's nearly identical in terms of both fuel economy and cargo capacity. But if you're set on a small hybrid crossover, the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid will do you right.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Escape Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine as well as a battery-powered electric motor; combined they produce 177 horsepower. Power is sent through a planetary gearset-based continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides seamless transitions between gas and electric modes. All-wheel-drive (AWD) models come with an additional electric motor to power the rear wheels when additional acceleration or traction is needed.
In the absence of instrumented test results, we expect acceleration to be comparable to the gasoline-powered base Ford Escape XLS, which reaches 60 mph from a standstill in about 9 seconds. EPA estimates for fuel economy put the front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid at the top of the hybrid SUV category with 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 32 mpg in combined driving. The AWD version is rated at 30/27/29 mpg.
Safety
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid comes standard with antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with rollover sensors. Ford's programmable MyKey system allows parents to specify maximum speed limits and stereo volumes for their teenage drivers.
In government crash testing, the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid scored three out of five stars for all occupants in both frontal and side impacts. Likewise, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Escape Hybrid its highest ranking of "Good" for frontal offset and side crash protection. Though we haven't performed instrumented testing on a 2011 Escape Hybrid, we expect braking from 60 mph to be poor and probably a bit longer than the disappointing 138-foot distance of a V6 Limited model we tested recently.
Driving
While some hybrid models have developed a reputation for sluggish performance, the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid actually doesn't feel that different from its V6-powered cousins. The only tip-off that there isn't a six-cylinder engine under the hood is the labored sounds you hear during hard acceleration.
The suspension produces a decent ride quality, but the extra 300 pounds of hybrid hardware makes the vehicle less nimble than the regular Escape. That extra weight also contributes to long stopping distances, though the brake pedal does have a solid feel to it. Some drivers may also find the brakes a bit touchy until they get used to them.
Interior
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid features an attractive interior dressed up with soft-touch materials. Limited models look even more upscale thanks to their chrome and piano-black accents and ambient lighting that allow you to change the color to suit your mood.
While the cabin is relatively roomy, its design is starting to show its age. For example, the front seats are liable to make some folks feel like they're sitting too high up and the lack of a telescoping steering column might make it more difficult for some drivers to get comfortable. The rear seat will hold a couple of average-sized adults, though the lack of reclining seatbacks and fore/aft adjustability make it less comfortable than it could be.
Speaking of those 60/40-split rear seatbacks, there's 28 cubic feet of storage with them up and 66 cubic feet of cargo capacity with them folded down. Folding the seatback down is cumbersome as it requires the headrests to be removed and the bottom cushions to be tumbled forward, a consequence of offering a flat load floor.
One highlight that may well make you forget about these negatives is Ford's voice-operated Sync system that lets you control your cell phone and MP3 player with simple spoken commands. The available navigation system's Sirius Travel Link service is equally handy, with its ability to provide all kinds of useful information including gas prices at nearby stations, live weather radar images, movie theater show times and more.
2011 Ford Escape Hybrid models
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid is available in two trim levels: base and Limited. The base model includes 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, an integrated driver blind-spot mirror, full power accessories, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, the Sync system (includes iPod interface and Bluetooth), a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control and a four-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. Ford's MyKey technology is also now standard across the model lineup.
Upgrading to the Escape Hybrid Limited adds chrome exterior accents, a sunroof, rear parking assist, a rearview camera with a display located in the rearview mirror, piano-black interior treatments, leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors and multicolor ambient lighting.
Options include the sunroof (base model only) and a voice-operated navigation system that includes a hybrid energy flow/fuel-consumption display and a premium seven-speaker audio system that includes digital music storage, Sirius Travel Link and new HD radio capability. The Limited may also be equipped with an automatic parallel-parking system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid.
5 star(77%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
56 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
37 MPG! & Great for Tall Drivers
phatcat73, 06/01/2012
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I purchase mine used in Nov 2010 and it had 32k miles on it.
It was a fleet vehicle which probably means car rental which concerned me a bit, however aside from buying new, used versions are difficult to find.
I'm 6'6"and few cars/trucks fit me.
For being a compact SUV, this one is just right!
At temperatures above 50 deg, I'm averaging around 37mpg in mixed driving.
To get to the … level I learned to maximize the battery when driving under 40mph as the engine can shutoff and drive under all electric power for a short time.
You really have to learn the thresholds as to when the engine will kick in driving under 40 then try to maximize the battery.
This will yield higher MPGs.
5 out of 5 stars
My Millennium Falcon
William Blake, 12/20/2015
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Update at 160,000 miles: The car has been completely reliable with the only issues being the sensors for tire inflation and the hinges for the rear window. I bought a 2016 and gave this one to my son, I miss it.
Very reliable and comfortable with traction in deep snow as good or better than my explorer. Around town, less than 40 mph, the electric motors give smooth, quiet, gas free … acceleration and all braking refills the battery. Room for the skis, snowboards and boots in the vehicle while seating 4, or on top with room for 5. In 118,000 miles the driver's front wheel bearing has failed twice and the lower ball joints have been replaced once. Other than that the engine/motors and "Continuously Variable Transmission" and body and drive train have been flawless.
4.25 out of 5 stars
108K and Still going strong
jas74, 07/13/2012
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I purchased my 2009 escape hybrid from my company fleet department.
It was driven by a colleague of mine for 99K.
I took it to Ford for the 100k service, all it needed was spark plugs, cabin filters and Oil Change!
Are you kidding me?
She said the hybrids have less wear and tear than a normal ICE (Internal Combustion Engine).
Yeah the handling and performance is not of a BMW X5, but how … about that reliability! and 33-35MPG that I get consistently.
Oh and the 100k service $400 bucks at the dealer.
Not bad
5 out of 5 stars
UPDATE: Escape hybrid running solid!
Tishpit, 09/21/2016
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
After some initial hiccups (O2 sensor, sway bar links, and notorious throttle body going kaput), I now have 132,000 miles on her and no other issues. Runs nice, tranny is smooth, mileage up to 30 - 31 MPG in mostly suburban driving (great for an AWD SUV!) and comfort is wonderful. Only thing missing is adj. lumbar support. Roomy to carry my 4 dogs (including two large Greyhounds) and … fabulous visibility. The center console armrest is actually usable to rest your arm. A/C still blows cold and leather seats are in great condition with no cracking or peeling. This is a delightful SUV and sad that Ford discontinued it. We also have a Ford C-Max hybrid and it gets an astonishing 45.6 MPG average, but does not have the room that the Escape does (not even close). Handling is good, except for a WIDE turning radius (even worse on the C-Max)! U-turns are iffy. Otherwise, very happy now with the Escape and hope it remains reliable for years to come as we plan to hold on to it for a long time (hope to get 200,000+ miles from her). But after driving a rental Expedition Limited... we are considering trading the C-Max! That Expy was absolutely incredible!!!
UPDATE: Nearly 140,000 miles and still running dandy! MPG is down though to 28.6; not sure why, but figure it has to do with battery and other components getting older and less efficient. Still starts right up and gets me reliably from point A to point B. Went through some high flood waters this hurricane season without an issue. Comfortable and interior looks great for its age. Electronics work fine. Some creaking noise from rear hatch; no big deal. Got new tires and did oil change... that's it. Nav needs updated, but I'm probably not going to bother due to cost. Just gonna run her until she won't run any more or cost of repair is more than value. Keeping fingers crossed for another few years out of her or about 200,000 miles; then we will look at trading up.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escape Hybrid since its last redesign.
2011 Escape Hybrid Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,570 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $134/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 27.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Escape Hybrid include:
- Back-up camera
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
3 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall3 / 5Driver2 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall3 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall3 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat3 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover23.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestPoor
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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