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 Car for Tall People - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Steve - September 28 - 12:50 pm

  I love this car. I drove a Ford Explorer 2 door prior to this car and I have more driver room in the Escape. I am 67" and love the room in this car. I loose a slight amount of vision on the side because the seat goes back so far. The gas mileage is great. My only concern is that the materials for the dashboard controls seem a bit fragile and I wonder how they will hold up in the long run.

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  Love it - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jsiudock - September 26 - 5:00 pm

  My first hybrid. We have two Fords and two Nissans and a Mazda. The leather is wonderful and it looks great. The side air bags gives you a feel of safety. Wish Ford would have better map lighting up front. My daughter was cold about the truck as she drives a 2006 Nissan Maxima. Took her five minutes to warm up to the two tone paint and leather. Truck is a little top heavy but my wife loves it. Averaging over 40 miles per gallon. Notice that resale value is in the Honda area. Great storage for a small SUV. Taking it up North for winter break to check long term driving. Fords better idea

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  The perfect vehicle - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By kermit - September 14 - 7:26 pm

  Ive had my Escape Hybrid now for 2 months and I couldnt think of a better vehicle to own. It is a jack of all trades. I can tow my 15 foot fishing boat, haul the kids and, all our gear, all while getting 30 mpg avg. fuel economy. My wife loves the high seating position; she would rather drive the Escape then her Jaguar. She also likes the fact that it handles more like a car then a suv. Build quality is first rate even though some of the materials are second rate (dash plastic is hard). The engine runs smooth, and the hybrid system is almost transparent (better then all the Toyota Prius I have driven), acceleration is strong up to 70mph (it will outrun a 200 hp v6 Escape to 50 mph).

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  New to the World of Hybrids - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Chuckles - September 14 - 12:16 pm

  Just passed one month and 1000 miles. Averaging 33mpg in mostly small town driving. Previously had a 05 Escape XLT and the FEH is a marked improvement in ride and amenities.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By egiardie - August 22 - 7:06 pm

  Two weeks ago, I traded in my 2003 Mazda Tribute and purchased a 2006 Ford Escape AWD Hybrid. Ive never posted a review of anything Ive purchased before, but I just had to do so this time around because I LOVE THIS CAR! It handles great, is very comfortable and is averaging 25-28 mph in the rural country driving I do - where my Mazda Tribute had averaged about 20 mpg (city driving would provide even higher mpg for this vehicle). I feel great knowing that Ive purchased a car with the new hybrid technology that will allow us to decrease our dependency on an ever dissipating oil supply.

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  Excellent, fuel saving vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BKmonkey - August 11 - 9:23 am

  What an excellent vehicle - great response when driving and nice fuel savings. For folks wanting the space and feel of a SUV - with superb fuel economy - this is your car.

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  Too Many Issues - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jlcomstock - August 11 - 3:49 am

  Ive had too many issues: 1. Steering locking up while driving, had entire column replaced under warranty 2. Rear window leak 3. Missing wiring for heated mirror 4. Busted A/C blend actuator within a year 5. Brakes and rotors needed at 30k, even though the car uses regenerative braking that doesnt even use the pads and rotors above 5mph. 6. Jerky transition to mechanical brakes in rainy weather. Too loose a transition to mechanical brakes in hot/dry weather. 7. Grinding / Rubbing noise when turning sharp left that no one has been able to fix. Just too many issues.

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  Nice size and economy too - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BKS - August 3 - 12:26 pm

  Car gets decent mileage, about 27 to 29 mpg in realistic driving. Could use some repositioning of buttons, e.g., seat warmers not on center console but on side of seat. Beware of the "tax credit" - it deflates on a ratio to income. My $2600 ended up being $159; the economy is still there but caution on the credit sliding scale. Overall, a great car!

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  After 5000 miles - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rdinatal - July 26 - 7:36 pm

  I decided upon this as it met my needs for room, mileage and price. Ive had others say that Toyota makes 3 hybrids and that they are better. In all honesty 20 years ago that was true, but not now. I did my research and could not justify the extra $$ difference. So far I have not regretted my decision.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Matt - June 27 - 10:06 pm

  Ive owned the FEH for about 4 months now and driven over 7000 miles. The FEH has been a dream come true! My only complaint is the extreme drop in mileage during a cold Wisconsin winter - which is to be expected (and Ive seen) with any vehicle. But overall the excitement of driving the 09 FEH is something unmatched. The AWD kicks in without any change in how the ride feels. Great handling overall for the vehicle. My wife who has a Civic loves to drive it and feels that the car is a decent size.