Overview & Reviews

As with the regular gasoline version, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid gets an exterior makeover. Inside, the cabin has been updated to improve its appearance and functionality, and there's extra insulation to quiet the highway ride. Side and head curtain airbags are now standard, as are automatic climate control and an MP3 player input jack. The optional navigation system runs off a DVD instead of CDs this year and has a larger display with a touchscreen interface.

• Surprisingly powerful hybrid drivetrain, gets 30 mpg in the real world, comfortable interior with roomy backseat.

• Noisy four-cylinder engine, mediocre handling for a small SUV, stiff brake pedal, no stability control.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 89.00

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  Looks great and drives even better - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Happy Camper - December 18 - 2:33 am

  So far, I love my new hybrid. It drives like a dream and the gas (in town) is about 34 mpg, pretty good for an AWD SUV. No complaints.

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  Glad to go green - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By thor59 - August 27 - 8:20 am

  Traded in a 2005 Turbo Diesel for the Hybrid. Best decision Ive made in a long time. Actually got 41 miles to the gallon in the city yesterday. Quite a difference from fifteen. Ill never buy anything but a hybrid again. Love the Ford, totally impressed, get one.

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  Well worth the money - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By EHF - May 17 - 4:26 pm

  I now have over 8500 miles on this car since June 07, including several 400+ mile trips. Gas mileage has been better than advertised, averaging over 34 miles per gallon composite city and highway driving (I do drive with economy in mind and have filled my tires with dry nitrogen which also helps economy). The ride remains very smooth, comfortable, and tight. Acceleration when required is good. Handling is quick and nimble (that doesnt make it a sports car though) and there is still no sign of tip-up while cornering. This vehicle continues to be everything I had hoped for and more, thank you Ford for making it available and please build more hybrids for us (e.g., a Ford Fusion Hybrid).

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  2008 Escape My Experience - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Tim Weisert - April 2 - 3:36 pm

  The ride is smoother than I expected. The continously variable transmission is great. Transitions from electric to gas and gas to electric are almost not perceived. If it fits in your budget the luxury package is great especially the display features.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Linda - March 2 - 9:53 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. It gets great gas mileage for an SUV (about the same as my 06 Hyundai Accent, which is a really small car). Its fun to see how much gas you can save. I love the sun roof and how much it brightens up the cabin. I only wish it had the navigation. The exterior is stylish and its a small SUV with a big look. Best car Ive ever purchased. Ill probably get another when this one dies. I hated Ford vehicles before this, now I think Ford is great!

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  Great Vehicle, Stellar MPG - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mikey533 - June 8 - 10:20 pm

  I have been watching the Escape Hybrid since it came out in 2005. I have read a lot of reviews, and knew to wait until after 1000 miles to check MPG. Also, have read enough to know that cold weather drops MPG, but that is the cost of living someplace cold. I set the cruise on my 35 minute highway drive to work at 70 for the first month and averaged 32.5 MPG. Second month I set the cruise at 65 and it jumped to 34.5. Add in the city driving and I get around 35.5. I had to rush home one day, and it really does move like a V-6 when you stomp on it. I rode in a 2006 a few times before, and again after, buying mine, and the 2008 is quiet. Engine rev noise only when it is working real hard

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  Doesnt Get Media Attention It Deserves - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By richjoy - April 7 - 5:16 am

  The utility of this crossover is wonderful. It is not as fuel-efficient as the Prius, but is much larger both inside and outside. Guests find the back seat comfortable with good viewing. I like the blue instrument lighting, the center-stack, the lighter interior colors, and tinted windows. It handles extremely well in the city and is large enough on the highway for a sense of safety). The 2.3 engine sometimes seems a bit underpowered and louder than it should be. The workmanship on my vehicle is excellent. I dont regret that I bought a $300 Garmin Nuvi instead of the $2500 built in GPS. In summary: The Escape Hybrid doesnt get the media attention it deserves.

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  I love my Escape Hybrid! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Becky - January 9 - 3:10 pm

  I am so happy I bought this car! I traded in my BMW X5 and year later I know I made the right decision. I am getting about 35mpg vs the 10mpg in the X5. I highly reccomend this car. I also got a $4000 tax credit from the IRS for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. The dealership doesnt want you to know that because they are trying to sell the non-hybrid versions. If you have to have an SUV this is a great truck!

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  Coolest vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mooline - November 26 - 9:13 pm

  The Escape Hybrid has surpassed my 71 Firebird as the coolest car Ive ever owned. Its great to have the load capacity of an SUV on the same gas mileage as the Camry Hybrid. Driving this vehicle is a fun challenge - to see how efficient you can be! Technique definitely matters - no jackrabbit starts, coast as much as possible, avoid excessive speed and youll see 32-33 mpg without a problem. I live in South FL and so far, no problems with the a/c on economy mode; car stays cool with the fan & recirc. air. I did a lot of research before buying. Settled on this vs. Camry Hybrid (equivalent in style & fuel economy) due to max. tax credit, lower price, better load capacity.

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  Great 08 updates - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By James - October 20 - 9:56 pm

  Mountain driving with 26-27mpg. Smart AWD system works better than my Jeeps system. Comfortable heated leather seats and easy to use dashboard controls. Driver visibility and ride height higher than other SUVs. Could not justify the extra cost for the Toyota. Durability remains to be seen, for my Ford track record is not good. Good crash test results but not the best. Handles great in deep snow. Perfect for a family of 4 and winter gear in the back for a weekend in the mountains.