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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  traded my honda fit for this :) - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rob - April 20 - 9:36 am

  I had my honda fit 2008 for mpg savings after my toyota highlander. However, the gas savings on the fit werent there. I started to investigate the ford escape hybird and I was impressed. FORD is back ! I had soooo many more features with the hybird. I bought a 20009 escape hybird (pre-owned) with about 6k miles on it. Its been really good to drive the car and the gas savings are great.

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  Ford nailed it - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By nanonevol - February 6 - 8:51 am

  I love this Ford. I think it has the right size motor and electric combination unlike some hybrids. I get at least 33 mpg. The computer must take some many factors into account so the car knows when to go electric and when gas. Brilliant. I love when Im coasting or driving along on battery or when the motor shuts off in traffic or at a light. All cars should be hybrid. It just makes sense to get the most out of a gallon. Regenerative braking also just a common sense solution to wasted heat energy in normal brakes.

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  Only a bit shy of perfect! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Gary - October 21 - 12:20 am

  Ive driven Explorers and 1 Mountaineer since 94, about 600,000 miles altogether, you might say I liked them. This is definitey the next thing. Ill admit to driving around 70-75 mph far more than the cops would like, and am getting 28.3 - 29.7 mpg. Its very comfortable, and I love driving a hybrid and still have awd, 4 seats and doors, some cargo space, an actual suv, yknow! -I think (hope) that Fordll notch things up a bit in the next couple model years. Mine will kill the engine and then restart it 10 sec later (or even less!) regularly. You/it must start the engine to use the car. In this century all cars need locking fuel doors (actually they always should have had them)

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  Update after 33,000 miles - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ken - October 20 - 12:40 am

  I like my Escape less now than when I first purchased it. I dont know if my problems are isolated or if other vehicles have the same issues. The heated seats stay warm only minutes after being turned on. The seats warm quickly but then fade to cool within about 5 minutes. The air conditioning system is a joke. When both driver and passenger sides are set to the same temperature, the passenger side, will blow 8 degrees warmer than the drivers side...but only sometimes. Also, the system can be set at 72 degrees and blow hot but can also blow cold when set to 76. Its frustrating. I think the a/c system may be bipolar. The dealer says the technology is in the motor...hes right.

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  Beware: "Intelligent 4WD" in Hybrids - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dan Mackey - September 26 - 11:16 am

  I bought this model for its advertised capability of the Intelligent 4wd system, and was surprised to find out that I was unable to back up over a 6 inch rock. It turns out that the electric engine alone is engaged in reverse - severely limiting power and acceleration in. I highly discourage you from buying this vehicle if reverse is important to you (i.e. driving off-road at all or parking on a sloped driveway). I complained to Ford, and was told that nothing could be done. Aside from this issue, the mileage was as advertised, and I had no other problems. However, I bought the 4wd model to be confident in modest off-road conditions.

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  2007 Escape after 6 months - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Al - September 11 - 10:33 pm

  I received my new 2007 Escape in June as it was one of the first 2007s manufactured. It replaced my 2000 Explorer XLT with 170K miles. My first impressions of the Escape were very good and Im still happy after 6 months and 14K miles. Gas mileage is steady at 22 mpg, about 7 mpg better than my 00 Explorer. Weak areas are the rear brakes, which are drum rather than disc as my Escape is equipped with a 4 cylinder engine. There is also driveline vibration at times, plus noticeable rattles and general mechanical noise. I would recommend the Escape but ONLY if it has front and rear disc brakes. The rear brake fade is noticeable and dangerous at times.

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  09 AWD Escape Hybrid Base Review - 167K Miles - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By acd72 - June 16 - 8:27 pm

  All in all it has been a solid vehicle. No major repairs. Bought used from a dealer 2.5yrs ago w/ 40K. I drive 50K miles/yr for work. In the summer I avg 28-31MPG. In the winter 26-27mpg. Not sure how much cold weather affects mileage, because I let the car warm up in the driveway regulary. Recently my wife started driving and avgs 23-25MPG. Thought something wrong, so I reset the mpg. It went up to 30. I believe the driver has the most impact on MPG.

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  Love it but it rattles. - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Redwoodmeg - May 30 - 10:46 am

  I love the idea of a hybrid SUV and I am happy to "buy American" I have had my new Ice Blue Escape (I call her Sky) for about a month and I am getting about 35.5 MPG! I am a high mileage driver and was driving a 2002 Explorer and getting about 15 MPG. That was my 2nd Explorer. I am dissapointed at the hardness of the center console and the arm rests. The leather is a little stiff and I have a rattle in the center console where it meets the dash. My biggest concern is a rather loud noise in the back hatch that appeared after I drove on a slightly rough road in the 2nd week. It seems to be coming from inside the door near the Ford emblem. I dont want to "accept" this or get used to it.

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  Satisfied with the hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By stormpeakco - May 7 - 7:36 am

  We purchased this vehicle primarily to become more carbon neutral. This vehicle has far exceeded our expectations for us and our two large dogs. We have achieved an average of 29.75 miles for the life of the car (22K) and that includes residing at 7000, winters in the snow country with soft snow tires and CO winter gasoline. A recent trip to the west coast yielded 31.5mpg. Sure it is gutless but it is supposed to be with only a four banger and runs on regular, not jet fuel. Thus far it is the ideal primary vehicle

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  Bad fuel economy - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By wayne - November 13 - 1:56 am

  My Ford Escape gets poor gas mileage for a hybrid. Were now down to 25 mpg. Our Ford dealership wont help. Ford Motor Companys help line did not work. I guess Ford is going to lose more market share.