Overview & Reviews
The Escape Hybrid was not only the first mainstream hybrid SUV to be produced but also the first to come from a domestic automaker. Visually identical to its non-hybrid counterpart, the Escape Hybrid offered acceleration approaching that of the V6 model but with the fuel economy of the four-cylinder Escape.
There were two generations of the Ford Escape Hybrid, with the latter benefitting from a more modern design, easier-to-use controls and the ability to operate its air-conditioner whether the gas engine was running or not, unlike earlier versions. When the Escape was completely redesigned for 2013, a hybrid was not included in the lineup. Those looking for a used compact crossover with a small fuel appetite, however, would be well served by the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Most Recent Ford Escape Hybrid
The second-generation Escape Hybrid was produced from 2008 through 2012. The body adopted Ford's newer styling themes seen in the Edge and Expedition, while the cabin was updated and featured more ergonomic and attractive controls.
Ford's optional Sync voice-controlled interface debuted for 2009, along with standard stability control and a slightly larger (2.5 liter versus 2.3) gasoline engine that boosted combined output to 177 horsepower (up from 155 hp). For 2010 Ford introduced an automated parallel-parking system. That year also saw a new electric compressor for the air-conditioning that allowed A/C use at any time. Previously, the A/C would annoyingly shut off whenever the Escape's gas engine was off (such as when the SUV was stopped at a light or moving at low speeds on just electric power.)
The powertrain consisted of a four-cylinder gasoline engine, a pair of electric motors and an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Under full acceleration, both power sources work together and make the Escape Hybrid quicker than the regular four-cylinder Escape. But under lighter load conditions, such as during stop-and-go traffic, the Escape Hybrid switched between the two, oftentimes running purely on battery power alone.
Fuel efficiency is impressive for a hybrid SUV of this time period, as a front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid typically delivers close to 30 mpg in real-world driving. All-wheel-drive models were also offered.
There were two trim levels for the Escape Hybrid: base and Limited. The base version came with 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, the Sync system, stability control, antilock brakes, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Upgrading to the Limited added a sunroof, rear parking assist, leather upholstery and heated front seats and mirrors. A touchscreen navigation system was optional and came with a premium audio system. The Limited could also be equipped with an automatic parallel-parking system.
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 (and most other compact crossovers, for that matter), this hybrid ute is geared more toward providing sure-footed foul-weather driving than it is to tackling seriously rugged terrain.
Past Ford Escape Hybrid Models
The first-generation Ford Escape Hybrid debuted for 2005 and ran through 2007. 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 similar in terms of size and driving dynamics to the generation that followed, it had a substandard interior filled with cheap, hard plastic surfaces and outdated controls. Additionally, the Premium package's navigation system was rather primitive and should be avoided. Apart from the availability of a moonroof for 2006, the next couple of years saw no changes.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 335.00-
Very Good SUV hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
By vincenc08 - December 19 - 5:50 pm2008 Kiwi green Escape Hybrid has been a very good SUV. Had is for 3 yrs and 71K mi ...reliability is very good only a few minor build issues. Good interior room and surprising storage with 2 nd row folded down. Gas mileage is over 32 mpg on HIway 33 city. Sotck tire have ltos of road noise after 30K mi. Eco seat material stains easily...hard to keep clean. There is a way to get them replaced but you really have to dig on the internet. Overall a very good SUV if you can live with some minor quirks.
-
Ford Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Steven - December 5 - 1:46 pmCar is a little less than advertised. Mileage is only in the 29-30 range. Comfort is the same as Mustang in the earliest years; I owned one. Quality is the same. As the car ages in months, the windows sag, the dealer will not return calls for repairs even within the warranty period. Compared to Toyota, U.S. needs help.
-
SOME DAY ALL CARS WILL BE HYBRIDS - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By BILL S - November 19 - 2:46 amActual mpg is just a little less than EPA estimates,very nice to find a suv with over 30mpg!
-
Quality hybrid, comfortable drive. - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Tom - August 31 - 12:30 pmI originally drove a Ford Explorer that received an amazing 12 miles per gallon. Driving the Escape hybrid Ive been able to achieve 30 miles per gallon. Learning to drive the hybrid for maximum efficiency takes some time but the reward is worth the effort. The interior is clean but has some quirks, the plastics are not as nice as the new Explorer. Overall, it still is very comfortable. An optional Edison AC plug is really cool, and lets you plug in most anything. Beware of some dealerships having a Limited Availability Option...look for family owned dealerships...a lot friendlier and easier to deal with.
-
Perfect Fit - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Keith - August 17 - 12:23 pmI live in mountain terrain, snow, long way to stores/gasoline. I feel safe & secure, and the 32 mpg makes me feel a bit smug.
-
Why get a hybrid? - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By DogFather - August 5 - 9:03 amMy wife and I purchased the hybrid to increase our fuel efficiency. After 15 months, the Aux. Mode Door Actuator ceased to work. It wasnt under warranty so we paid over $500 to replace it. This offset all savings of having a hybrid. Now after 14 months, the same thing has happened again so we might as well have bought a standard Escape and saved in the long run. We found no benefit because of this in owning a hybrid by Ford.
-
04 Expedition to Loaded 07 Escape Hybrid - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
By B. Place - June 13 - 4:46 pmThe Escape Hybrid is fun to drive. It is not as comfortable as our Expedition was, but we are paying for technology and better gas mileage rather than top of the line comfort. We miss the storage place in front of the gear shifter and the covered storage between the seats is too small to hold my wifes purse. We also noticed the air conditioning gets warmer when the vehicle switches from gas engine to electric motor, but if you use AC Max it forces the gas engine to run. The car sounds and feels different from our Expeditions, but it is a smooth comfortable ride with plenty of power to zip around town. We bought it loaded and love it!
-
Great Little SUV, commuter only - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
By bartimus - May 18 - 7:06 amJust a couple 100 miles on it now, getting better than the EPA sticker so far! Due to weight savings, lots of plastic, interior feels a little cheap. Front grille came loose/off the 1st week and needs to go back to dealer. Coming from a Volvo XC90 the Ford ride is lighter, peppier (feels like a V6), way less room. Dont expect to fit 3 child seats in the back seat. We can barely fit a car seat, a booster, and our 6 year old in a seatbelt, its very cramped back there. Zero cargo room. Without NAV system so all hybrid info is on the dash near odo. The 3 hybrid info buttons are in a bad spot to the left of the wheel, (should be on the steering wheel). Stereo/climate buttons are confusing.
-
Hybrids in ... Gas guzzlers out - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Patrick - April 8 - 6:33 amWe took a chance; had only Hondas and Toyotas since 82. The Highlander w/4WD and Navigation system was $12k more. We get 25mpg hwy+city with the A/C on max (ie: the gas engine is always on). Seats are not deep enough for a tall person, but headroom is excellent. Tires are really noisy and wander on grooved pavement. Make copies of the navigation CDs -- we couldnt find a source to buy or update them separately -- a full set is $200! Safety package is a must have. Wish it had an option for steering wheel radio/CD controls. Time will tell if Ford can come close to Toyotas reliability.
-
Real owner comments - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By peaceman57 - March 2 - 8:53 pmBought this feh from auction. Mine has 180k Miles on it now, and Ive seen some on auction with 220k miles. These auction are government Auctions where they drive highway miles and do the regular maintenance. I would say the vehicle is well designed. Though this vehicle has been quite reliable, I would recommend to buy a non hybrid Vehicle. If there is a need for a major repair, expect to pay more if you need to bring it to the Dealer.
