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:

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Wendy - July 1 - 3:46 am

  We did a lot of research before spending the money, and cant say anything negative about the Escape. Feels good to drive a clean car. Comfortable ride, handles well. Plenty of room for one Great Dane in the back seat, plenty of leg room for people too. Feels substantial and solid. Looks gorgeous in black. High crash test ratings or wouldnt have purchased. Plenty of power when you need it. Didnt get the navigation system, so not positive what mileage has been. Nothing like the Explorer it replaced though, this sips gas. Seems to be almost silent at slow speeds, so be careful of pedestrians. A good match for our needs and I have been wholeheartedly recommending it.

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  Great year - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By chucklesva - June 29 - 1:00 am

  Excellent gas mileage. I have averaged 35 mpg since purchase. Very comfortable and quiet. Love the amount of stuff you can carry in it. It has been great.

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  Vehicle surpasses my expectations - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jason in Milw/WI - June 20 - 8:26 am

  I truly enjoy driving this vehicle. Used to drive a four door sedan, which had a decent amount of room and with the traction control, it was a great winter vehicle. This hybrid has greatly surpassed my expectations, and Im only a week into driving it! Comfortable ride on the bumpy/potholed roads in my neighborhood. Weather conditions we experienced with the recent snowstorm and the handling of this vehicle quickly convinced me this was the right purchase. This vehicle feels more in contact with the road and accelerates better than I had anticipated. Overall, Im very pleased with this purchase and whats even better, the wife is fast growing accustomed to riding in it.

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  Great for Atlanta city driving! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By JAL - June 10 - 5:33 pm

  Hybrids are great for the gridlocked, rush-hour driving in a city like Atlanta. Gas mileage is outstanding in these conditions. I bought this car off the lot, and did NOT pay the markup prices they were trying for. At the same time, in these times of high gasoline cost, dont expect the dealer to drop much if any below MSRP; just dont pay for the garbage "features". The Escape Hybrid has adequate roominess, and is surprisingly roomy for a tall guy like myself (64") behind the wheel.

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  Wonderful truck! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By queenfan - April 18 - 7:10 pm

  I have had my FEH for nearly 3 months now. I absolutely love it! I had a 2005 gas Escape but traded in when a job change made a big dent in my fuel economy. I love that I can still drive at highwa speeds and yet the engine just sips gas. Although it has been an adjustment to go from a V6 to a little 4 cylinder, but the electric motor kicks in when needed. Id highly recommend the FEH to anyone looking for a good sized, high ground clearance vehicle that gets great gas mileage. At 4000 miles Im averaging 34.5 MPG!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By wildtexas - March 30 - 6:06 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive and provides superb gas mileage for a small size SUV -- better than even the 1992 Toyota Corolla it replaced in our family. We have a premium, fully-loaded Ford Escape Hybrid with moonroof, leather seats and the GPS Nav, and we couldnt be happier.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By D. Wilson - February 27 - 1:20 pm

  Ive been driving this car for over four months now and it has outperformed my expectations. Gas mileage is at 29.6, and I drive all highway miles. It handles like a foreign car, is incredibly smooth, and looks sharp (appearance package). Acceleration leaves something to be desired, but I find myself driving in a safer, more fuel efficient manner when the ability to peel off the line is no longer an option. All in all this car has performed far better than I anticipated.

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  Escape Hybrid best bet for SUV! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dave B - February 15 - 8:06 pm

  Have found the switching between gas and electric to be seamless. Real fun to drive and with the fuel economy shown I find I am challenging myself to keep it on electric as long as possible. Got it at an average fuel economy of 33.7 MPG after a month and 2000 miles of use.

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  Hip and Green - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Griff - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The Escape Hybrid for 2008 is an extrememly smart buy. I have a 2004 Acura TL that I was using for my commute every day (120mi round trip). Since I bought the Escape I barely drive the TL anymore, and I am saving almost 300 bucks a month! That more than pays for the car payment. There are some very minor annoyances in the design. While the audio is first rate, there are no audio controls on the steering wheel , definitely a design oversight.

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  Good job - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Richard - December 25 - 7:20 am

  This is the first new Ford I purchased in 29 years. I traded in a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In fact the last 5 new SUVs I purchased were Jeep Grand Cherokees. After 2 years of driving the 2005 Jeep I had enough of the poor service and lack of concern by Jeep. I was hesitant to purchase and did quite a bit of research before doing so and glad I did. The Escape Hybrid is fun to drive, has better visibility, and the gas mileage is twice that of the Jeep! We did drive the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the bottom line was about the same but I am tall enough that when getting in and out of the Toyota I scraped my head, this is not the case with the Ford. Also, GM has nothing to offer in hybrids.