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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  New to Ford! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By GreenFarmer - October 20 - 7:20 pm

  First Ford that I have ever owned, but so far, loving it! It was the perfect car for commuting and fits our family perfectly. If we were all large framed it might not work as well. It is a fun car to drive, and makes my commute much more bearable.

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  Hybrid Escape Rocks - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By furman - October 16 - 8:00 am

  By far the best driving vehicle I have owned. Its CVT transmission is seamless, and unless you are watching the tach, you would never even notice when it switches between gas and electric operation. I dont understand the criticism that a hybrid owner wont save gas money. It was costing us $80 every five days to fill my 23 gallon van to go 300 miles. Now I fill my 15 gallon tank to go 450 miles. By a conservative estimate, I am saving $200 every month in gas.

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  why is my gas mileage so poor? - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By sladams - October 11 - 5:53 pm

  I recently purchased a used 2009 escape hybrid 2wd with 42000 miles on it. I think it was probably a fleet car. Its in good shape but Im only getting 25 miles to the gallon with combined city/hwy driving. And, the gas tank only seems to take 11 gallons when I believe it has a 15 gallon tank. I know its hot and the aircon has to be on but isnt that still pretty low mileage? Kind of wishing I had bought a new non-hybrid for the same money now. Any info/suggestions would be helpful in making me feel like I made a decent purchase. thanks

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  GREAT BUT... - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By RickeyBee - October 10 - 10:13 pm

  I love the way the Hybrid drives; the 2 wheel drive gets super mileage (30+ city and highway). The visibility, acceleration, and handling are good. The quality of materials, particularly in the interior, is not. The rear storage area carpet is constantly coming loose. It covers the batteries and must be moved for maintenance. Unfortunately, it is not attached down by anything...not even Velcro. So whenever I slide a box into the back the carpet pulls up. The quality of the carpet is also not good; it is already looking shabby after only 9 months. I wore a hole in the floor mat within 30 days (not covered by warranty). The speedometer has very poor lighting and is hard to read at night.

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  Wish I had my TAHOE Z71 back - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Sandra Kemp - October 1 - 8:13 pm

  I purchased the hybrid solely because of the price of gas; approaching $5/gal. I was driving a Tahoe Z71 that had a 25 gal. tank that I had to fillup every 5-6 days. I came from a Cadillac to a geo. When I accelerate up a hill it sounds like a cheap sewing machine; unbearable. The interior carpet and leatherette seats are cheaply made. I had to brake quickly the other evening and slid sideways. No traction.

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  Good Suburban Vehicle - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By JFHGFF - September 28 - 6:26 am

  This is a great urban suburban vehicle, with decent acceleration and excellent mileage. It is both quiet and comfortable, and has great cargo capacity.

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  fun to drive - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By builderdh - September 17 - 2:30 am

  The 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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  SUV But Still Impressive - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Laura - September 5 - 5:06 pm

  Did really well for an suv-gas mileage wise. It only dropped about 1 and a half mpg when a/c was on continuous which is impressive considering the shape of the vehicle. You can only get so good of mileage in a suv.

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  My Baby - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Miss Lou - August 27 - 3:43 am

  I 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 pm

  The 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.