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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fun to drive - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By builderdh - September 17 - 2:30 amThe Escape is fun to drive, easy to get in and out of, and gets great fuel economy. I would recommend to anyone. I can choose to drive with quick performance or drive for maximum fuel economy. I have over 10k miles and usually get 34 mpg on a tank. Range for me has been 28 to 38 mpg.
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My Baby - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Miss Lou - August 27 - 3:43 amI was amazed at the performance the Escape provided. It is a sharp looking small SUV, just right for me to drive all around town, to the grocery, nursery, and any other place I have a need to haul something. My friends like it too; it is very comfortable for passengers. I will probably keep this car for a long time.
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Excellent value for a small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Hybrid Tom - August 14 - 8:00 pmThe Escape Hybrid looks much smaller than it is. Interior space is much more than it appears. With tax credits, the cost equaled a V-6 with 4 cylinder MPG. Overall, no problems, and lots of approval from the tree huggers.
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Well worth the money - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
By EHF - July 23 - 5:36 amQuiet except under heavy acceleration, ecconomical and comfortable. I have put almost 2000 miles on the car and like it very much. I especially like the fuel economy, and the comfort. In addition it is easy to park, and handles well. We bought the vehicle for economy, choosing it over the Toyota Highlander for both price and fuel economy. The Highlander is $5500 more on base price, and has poorer fuel economy. In all everything feels tight, is overall quiet, and compact. I have not experienced any tip-up issues in cornering, but I dont drive it like a car so I probably will not. My longest trip was 8.5 hours, 420 miles. The car was very comfortable for the entire trip and averaged 38 MPG.
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What a thing of beauty and drive! - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Mike - July 21 - 3:53 amI ordered my 09 Escape Hybrid back in June and just recieved it on 11/26. The inside is gorgeous (love the light blue hue) and if I ever get stranded, I can eat my seats! I love Sync and I finally can listen to Howard Stern in the mornings now on Sirrius. I drive back and fourth into Queens (31 miles from home to work and back). Right now, Ive done 200 miles and the gas gauge is just now showing a half a tank..not bad! The car looks bigger; but slightly compared to my 05 EH that I traded in for this one. The hood has been flattened out to make it seem that the car is wider. The acceleration is better and I in fact go electric at 40mph or lower.
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I love my Ford Escape Hybird - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
By rm - July 9 - 2:00 amI purchased the vehicle 3 weeks ago. Its great. We get an average of 32.5 mpg. The reader estimates the mpg on the low side (usually, 30 or 30.5), however, measuring the amount of gas used fuel economy is about 32-33mpg.
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Fuel Efficient - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Debbie - June 13 - 10:10 amI traded in my 2001 XLT explorer for the 05 Escape Hybrid. I was tired of the high gas prices at $2.49 a gallon. I was spending $80.00 a week on gas to commute to work and back home with my Explorer. I bought my Escape Memorial weekend. The Escape doesnt have the power like my Explorer did, but I wanted something that was fuel efficient. So there are trade offs. Other than that, I love my Escape hybrid.
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my new hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By dave - May 19 - 9:10 amReally glad we got it. Good for the environment (eventually we will all have hybrids). Wanted an suv but not the lousy mileage. Getting about 29-30 mpg in the first 1500 miles (pretty much all city stuff). The technology is unbelievable. Could only get $1k off sticker but even that was good comparatively. No hesitation about getting this car.
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Fifteen Months and Still Lovin it - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
By lvass - May 4 - 8:36 pmI bought my Escape Hybrid AWD in March 2007, shortly after they came out. I have averaged 31 MPG with this vehicle, driving 80% city, 20% highway. I couldnt be happier with this SUV. I am impressed by the improvements in ride and road noise (I own a 2001 Escape as well). The fit and finish have been great and it just right for both my 4 11" wife and my 62" self. I live in Colorado, it has done very well in the mountains and the power of the 133 HP 4 cylinder backed up by the electric motor is equivalent to the V6 gas Escape I have. I think this vehicle is well worth looking at if you are considering a hybrid SUV and you have a small family (2 kids) like my self. Ford has done a nice job.
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Sales - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
By Sales - May 2 - 2:03 amAnyone in the outside sales industry should think about getting this vehicle. You get 32 MPG in the city and about 29 MPG on the highway. I lug about 300 pounds of catalogs a day and still get this type of MPG. The price tag is the only problem with it over $25K if you factor that in you might want to think twice.
