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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  Good Enough - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Fyffe7 - July 3 - 1:30 pm

  Wife picked out Escape Hybrid for the gas mileage and the ease of putting a baby seat in the back. Own the Ford for 3 months. Overall the Escape Hybrid is a decent SUV that is fun to drive. We get 30 mpg which is mostly hiway driving. It has become a game to see how much gas mileage we get. Lights are fun to stop at, knowing that you are not using gas. Escape Hybrid accelerates well with the 4 cylinder engine. CVT transmission takes a little bit of driving to get use to. Escape won over the Toyota- did not like the look of spare tire on back. Honda – overprice, overrated and less gas mileage.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Robby K. - June 26 - 5:50 am

  I am so impressed with my new Hybrid. It gets great gas mileage and provides a smooth quiet comfortable ride. I like the eye level informaiton display which makes it easier to focus on the road. I also find the convenience of the mp3 player hook up and power outlet a huge bonus. The Escape is not only a great value, it is fun to drive and saves the environment. I am so glad Ford made this very luxury affordable.

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  BILLS HYBRID ESCAPE - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bill in Georgetown - June 24 - 12:03 am

  While driving my Escape hybrid 4x4 without A/C on, I was getting 27.4 mpg. Not too bad (for a combination highway/city) I think, however, not close to the 33 mpg as indicated on the sticker. The hybrid has a lot of zip off the line, but I must back off on the gas pedal while the cvt tranny moves up to a higher speed (not a big deal though). Its fun to drive. Parallel parking is a breeze.

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  Fun "drives different" SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ivan Alexander - May 20 - 4:50 pm

  I wanted 4WD but with electric hybrid performance, and this is what Ford Escape delivers. A fun vehicle to drive, great pick-up, but must be easy on the revs to get higher mpg; watch the in-dash screen, which becomes a kind of game of "drive different" for best economy. Really like this new SUV, meets all my expectations.

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  Wow! Love the Hybrid! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By george_gloria - March 18 - 5:33 am

  We bought the Escape hybrid when our previous vehicle incurred expensive repairs. We are absolutely amazed with the pep, comfort, and fuel economy of this vehicle! It is an outstanding vehicle that has exceeded our expectations. We are averaging about 28mpg on both hyway and around-town! Our hybrid has satellite nav and a bunch of other options and only lacks memory seats. Not sure if the memory seats are available; but, we bought the only hybrid on the lot. Next time we will look for memory seats (not a big requirement). We recomment this vehicle highly! We will probably replace our Jeep with an Escape Hybrid next year.

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  An SUV that I am not ashamed to drive - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By pjl1 - March 6 - 10:43 pm

  Took delivery of FEH in 6/24/08. The moment I drove it home I knew this was a keeper. It has plenty of power and yet it gets good mileage. I get about 6.7 lt/100 KM in a small town and 7.1 on the highway. It is quiet in electric drive (stealth mode). We bought an upscale model with most of the toys including the AWD. The ease of getting in/out is also a plus. The front leather seats are very comfortable. Interior lighting gives it a classy look at night. The ownership, to date, has been a pleasure. It is a bit disconcerting at first when the engine shuts down in traffic. I dont mind when the ECON switch (on) shuts down the AC in traffic (I can take a litle heat) I just thnk about the gas.

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  06 Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By cfgfhgfv - February 28 - 8:00 pm

  The only problem we have had with the vehicle is that because it is so quiet deer and elk love to run in front of it. It is getting better mileage then expected for driving in the mountains. Very comfortable to drive with plenty of room for the family.

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  Love My Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Richard Devitt - February 26 - 1:50 pm

  We needed the all wheel drive feature since we live in the Sierra Nevada mountains where the roads are rough and the weather unpredictable. Since AWD is considered a premium feature the dealer told us virtually all AWD models were factory built with the full premium package. So we ended up with a car/truck that had a lot more luxuries than we wanted. Though not necessary, they make life more pleasant. As a result of the AWD, and our rough environment, we dont get anywhere near the stated mileage, but thats ok. We get about 24 hwy and 27 city mpg. Its a great car excellently put together. The biggest pleasures are the onboard NAV and the continuous acceleration transmission.

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  Excellent 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jim - February 4 - 2:16 pm

  I have been achieving 90% mpg that the EPA rates for the Escape Hybrid in city driving. The area I live in has many hills and has a variance of speed limits from 20mph to 45mph. I believe that I would achieve or better the EPA rating if there were less hills and speed limits of 30mph or lower. I also drove 1500 miles on a trip and average around 29-30 mpg and that included mountain driving in Tennessee and North Carolina. So far I am really pleased with the Ford Escape Hybrid.

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  Great improvement - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mike - January 20 - 2:36 pm

  I had a 2004 Ford Escape, the new 2008 Hybrid out performs the V6 in my 2004 model. My first week I averaged 29MPG. They reprogramed the computer that operates the Hybrid and this corrects all the the flaws in the older models.