2021 Ford Escape Hybrid
| MSRP | $33,975 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $33,478 |
2021 Ford Escape Review
- Available hybrid powertrain that gets around 40 mpg
- Roomy and comfortable seating
- Smooth ride
- Easy-to-use controls
- Cargo space falls short of its rivals
- Climate system doesn't make enough airflow on hot days
- Hybrid powertrain now available on SEL trim
- Traffic sign recognition added to models with adaptive cruise control
- Minor shuffling of trim and package features
- Part of the fourth Escape generation introduced for 2020
The 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid is a small SUV that competes against the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Ford brought back the Escape Hybrid from a long hiatus as part of the model's redesign last year. It's pretty much just like the regular Escape but it gets up to an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's right on par with the CR-V and RAV4 hybrids.
On the inside, the Escape offers Ford's newest Sync infotainment interface — it's one of the most user-friendly touchscreen systems in the class. There's also a long list of available safety features. Among these is adaptive cruise control, which can now recognize speed limit signs and adjust the Escape's speed accordingly. There are some downsides to the Escape Hybrid, however. How big a deal are they? Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation on the 2021 Escape Hybrid.
Our verdict | |
Credit to Ford for bringing back the Escape Hybrid. It's one of just a few small SUVs with an available hybrid powertrain. Pleasingly, the Hybrid sacrifices little for its improved fuel economy. It has excellent tech, a roomy cabin, and a smooth and easy-to-drive demeanor. | |
How does the Escape drive? | |
Acceleration, or lack thereof, can be an issue with eco-minded hybrids. But the Escape Hybrid doesn't feel sluggish. Its 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds is unremarkable but expected; the Honda CR-V Hybrid had the same 0-60 mph time. Around town the Escape Hybrid feels peppy. Ford did a good job tuning the brakes; there's no noticeable switch from regenerative braking to the friction brakes. That said, braking force doesn't ramp up quickly, so you may have to hit the pedal harder than expected during the last few mph. The Hybrid's CVT is much smoother than the standard Escape's eight-speed automatic. The only fault is that it doesn't improve engine response in Sport mode as much as we'd like, so you're never really in the right powerband for aggressive driving. The Hybrid has better steering and handling than similar small SUVs. Oddly, we found the Escape Hybrid to be more composed around turns than the regular Escape. | |
How comfortable is the Escape? | |
Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort offered. The front seats are well shaped and comfortable. The rear bench — though a little flat — is also nice, offering good thigh support. Our Titanium trim test vehicle included a height-adjustable passenger seat, which is a rarity in this class. The ride quality is relaxed and never feels floaty or harsh, though midcorner bumps produce noticeably sharp impacts. The Escape Hybrid moves smoothly away from a stoplight with all-electric power. The experience is noticeably more pleasant than non-hybrid Escapes; they have an engine stop-start system that roughly brings the engine to life after you leave a stop. The automatic climate system delivers less airflow than you'd expect on a hot day. Unlike rivals, ventilated front seats and heated rears are not available on any trim. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Escape's cabin is functional and pleasantly laid out. The primary controls are easy to reach, and steering wheel buttons take no time to decipher. The touchscreen interface is snappy and easy to navigate as well. The driver's seat offers a commanding view outward, which is only mildly impeded by the rising beltline toward the rear. The seat itself offers numerous adjustments that make it a cinch to dial in the perfect position. On the downside, the door armrests are a touch too narrow. We're impressed by the Escape's use of space inside. There's plenty of room all around, and deeply sculpted front seatbacks afford lots of knee room to rear passengers. Headroom might run out for very tall rear occupants on models with the panoramic sunroof. Other than the tall doorsills, there are no issues getting into or out of the Escape. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Ford's infotainment system is a highlight. The navigation setup is easy to use, quick to act, and shows you directional info when a point-of-interest search returns multiple locations (e.g., a Starbucks is 1 mile forward, or 0.5 mile to the left). The Titanium's B&O audio system accurately reproduced the few stress-testing tracks that the base system couldn't and sounded clear and punchy. Smartphone integration is lacking, with only two USB ports, though there are a pair of 12-volt outlets if you have adapters. The driving aids work well and almost all are standard. The Titanium's unique lane-centering feature is great on the highway — it doesn't ping-pong between lanes as rivals do. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Escape has a slightly smaller cargo area (30.7 cubic feet) than its direct competitors. We like the low floor and high seatbacks, affording you a lot of vertical storage space before luggage impedes on rear visibility. The rear seats don't fold flat, but the outboard seat belts can be disengaged from their seat holsters so there's no obstruction while loading cargo. Interior storage fares better, with large cubbies in the front and sizable door pockets in the back. All cupholders have anti-tip tabs, which is fairly uncommon in this vehicle class. Easily accessible car seat anchors and tethers, plus the large rear seat, will make loading car seats a breeze. The Escape Hybrid can tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is marginally less than the RAV4 Hybrid but better than the CR-V Hybrid, which isn't rated to tow at all. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The Escape Hybrid AWD is rated at 40 mpg combined (43 city/37 highway), which is on par with the RAV4 Hybrid and a little better all around than the CR-V Hybrid. We averaged 38.4 mpg over 230 miles of mixed highway and city driving. While slightly under EPA estimates, it fared better than both its primary rivals in real-world driving. | |
Is the Escape a good value? | |
The Escape's interior is a big step up from the previous generation. Up front, soft-touch plastics are used liberally, while hard plastics are generally silver, gloss black or otherwise textured in a way that shows effort. Our Titanium tester's leather upholstery is rougher and not as premium-feeling as lower trims' faux leather. The panel gaps are a little inconsistent, and the interior door handles feel inexcusably cheap. Starting under $30,000, the Escape Hybrid costs only slightly more than a comparably equipped non-hybrid. Our Titanium tester was slightly more expensive than a top-trim Honda CR-V Hybrid but less than a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Ford offers basic warranty coverage for three years/36,000 miles, with powertrain coverage and roadside assistance for five years/60,000 miles. Coverage is average for the class. | |
Wildcard | |
Remove the fishy front grille and the redesigned Escape Hybrid would look like any other compact SUV on the market. The interior, too, won't wow you at first glance. But your appreciation of what the Escape offers will likely grow as you put it through the paces of everyday living. It's a perfectly serviceable small crossover, and one that Ford can be proud of. The Escape Hybrid doesn't offer the quick acceleration of the regular Escape's available turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it is more pleasant to drive every day. Its handling and observed fuel economy give it a leg up compared to other hybrid SUVs too. | |
Which Escape does Edmunds recommend?
Ford Escape models
The Ford Escape is a small SUV sold in a variety of trim levels and powertrains. One of the powertrains on offer is a hybrid, which is primarily driven by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The powertrain develops 200 total system horsepower and drives the wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional on all grades. The Ford Escape Hybrid is available in SE, SEL and Titanium trim grades.
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Ford Escape videos
2020 Ford Escape Review and First Drive
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Ford Escape, but since the 2021 Ford Escape is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $29,105
- MPG & Fuel
- 43 City / 37 Hwy / 40 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.3 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: Electrically variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 165 hp @ 6250 rpm
- Torque: 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 181.3 in. / Height: 66.1 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 85.6 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.1 in.
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 30.7 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Escape safety features:
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Provides additional steering effort to avoid a potential collision if it can't be prevented by braking alone.
- Lane Keeping System
- Alerts the driver when the car starts to drift out of its lane by vibrating the steering wheel and adding correctional steering if needed.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
- Illuminates an indicator light in the side mirror when a vehicle enters the blind spot. Also includes integrated rear cross-traffic alert.
Ford Escape vs. the competition
2021 Ford Escape
2021 Honda CR-V
Ford Escape vs. Honda CR-V
The Escape is a strong competitor in the small SUV segment, but the Honda CR-V is our top choice. It offers massive cargo space, punchy acceleration, impressive handling and a comfortable interior. Some shoppers might prefer Ford's Sync infotainment system to Honda's slightly finicky user interface, but as an overall package, the CR-V gets our thumbs-up. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Honda CR-V.
Ford Escape vs. Mazda CX-5
If you're looking for a refined interior and an engaging driving experience — a luxury SUV without the luxury price tag, perhaps — the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice. It can't match the Escape for on-road comfort and it falls a bit behind when it comes to cargo space, but the CX-5's interior design and quality construction are second to none. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda CX-5.
Ford Escape vs. Nissan Rogue
Redesigned for 2021, the Nissan Rogue is comfortable and packed with standard features. It offers a lot of value for the money. The Rogue's updated interior feels much classier than the cabins of previous models and uses premium materials across the lineup. The Rogue isn't as quiet as the Escape and it doesn't have as much rear passenger space, but these two small crossovers are pretty evenly matched.
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FAQ
Is the Ford Escape a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Ford Escape?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Ford Escape:
- Hybrid powertrain now available on SEL trim
- Traffic sign recognition added to models with adaptive cruise control
- Minor shuffling of trim and package features
- Part of the fourth Escape generation introduced for 2020
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
Is the 2021 Ford Escape a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Ford Escape?
The least-expensive 2021 Ford Escape is the 2021 Ford Escape SE Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,605.
Other versions include:
- Titanium Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $33,300
- Titanium Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $34,800
- SE Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $29,105
- SE Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $27,605
- SEL Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $30,200
- SEL Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $31,700