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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  I Love it! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Loved It - May 29 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this car, kinda unexpected. I was walking around the cars while having my 06 Focus worked on. And I ran across the car. I test drove it.. and have been in love since! We have the leather interior.. I have never had that in any car.. and love it. The car rides perfectly! I am avg about 34mpg in the city.. and Dont do a lot of hwy driving, but when I went one state up, it was roughly 26mpg. Hybrids arent made for hwy driving! I dont have a lot of the extras, But I love it just the way it is! I was always a Mustang person, But now I will never not own a Escape!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jax.FL - May 22 - 9:26 pm

  I have only had this car for a month, and I am COMPLETELY SATISFIED! The dealers were not fun to deal with, and the one in Orange Park was rude and tried to tell me that this car was trash and a rip off. I love my new car, every time the motor shuts off and goes to battery, it makes a huge difference. It also tells me how good my gas economy is going, and also what mpg Im getting. Right now I am averaging 28.7, and thats only because I have been avoiding traffic and hitting a lot of highway miles. I love this car. I highly recommend it.

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  Impressed so far - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Impressed so far - May 12 - 6:50 pm

  Fuel prices made me give up my Nissan Titan (I cried) but I felt better after fueling up the first time. First tank I got 32.34mpg (AWD). This is a combination of highway/city. The digital readout for mpg does read low as another reviewer mentioned. It is very quiet in town and reasonable at highway speed. It is no tire burner but acceleration is acceptable. Stock sound system is good, climate control works well. It also makes me feel I am doing my part to reduce greenhouse emmissions.

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  Dont get the navigation system - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By larrybrac - April 14 - 12:43 pm

  I love my Escape Hybrid with one major exception. The navigation system is the worst piece of electronic equipment I have ever owned. It will not allow the user to input anything except at an absolute stop. The processor is so slow that the map is unable to move when the vehicle is in motion. Instead, the arrow on the map jumps for a few seconds, then the map jumps to catch up. The user interface is so bad that it is very difficult to even get a destination into the system. The screen is so small that you need a magnifying glass to see it. So much for Fords motto about "Innovation". The best thing they could do is fire the electronics engineers and buy an aftermarket Alpine system.

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  Loving it. - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By TM - April 13 - 11:06 am

  I have never been a Ford fan until now. Sold my VW Golf TDI, bought this vehicle 4 weeks ago and totally love it. We took it on a 4800 mile road trip for 2 weeks and it performed beautifully. We drove through many 11,000ft+ mountain passes, passed trucks and had plenty of power to spare. The low gear was a huge benefit on the mountain descents. The handling is responsive and it feels solid on the road. Ride is smooth and it absorbs the road better than I expected. For our trip we averaged 31mpg. Not bad at all. I do find my "in town" driving milage a little lower since most roads in my area arent flat. I average 28mpg in town. The pop up back glass is very helpful when traveling with a dog.

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  I LOVE IT - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Nancy Smith - March 18 - 1:46 am

  This is the most awesome vehicle I have ever owned. It is a practical size not some oversize behemoth. It handles really great, and you cannot knock the great fuel economy. It has plenty of power and the air conditioning is the best especially in Las Vegas during the summer. I love driving it everywhere

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  Great Ford SUV - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Tom - March 6 - 7:13 pm

  Leather Interior needs to be more comfortable, but overall this is a great vehicle and will buy another one. Very reliable and gas mileage is great even with my lead foot. Finally the US automakers have something to be really proud of. Over 21,000 miles of hard driving and no problems! Highly recommended!

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  2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Penny - March 6 - 6:20 pm

  I have only had my Ford Escape Hybrid for two weeks but so far I absolutely love it. Incredibly fun to drive; excellent mileage; very good-looking SUV; not too big; Options are just great. I got Limited version with all upgrades. First SUV, first Ford, first Hybrid and I am very happy so far. Proud to own an American car that was clearly designed to provide great quality across the board.

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  2011 Escape Hybrid - 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By slynch56 - March 6 - 10:32 am

  I purchased a new 2011 Escape Hybrid AWD Limited in early 2011. It currently has 50,000 miles on it and I have had 0 issues. I live in Colorado and the hybrid handles the snow, curvy and sometimes steep grades, dirt roads and carrying four people with gear to fly fishing destinations throughout the state with ease. I have followed the dealer recommended maintenance schedule of change the oil every 10K miles, the brakes are at 50% and I average 33 miles to the gallon with a 60 mile round trip highway drive to work each day. The four cylinder is a bit loud at speed but this easily masked by turning up the exceptional sound system.

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  Great Value - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By HLS - February 20 - 6:26 am

  Fun to drive. Handles well. Quick steering response. Adequate acceleration from a stop. Excellent acceleration for passing. Driving a lot of highway miles and still averaging 29. Have seen 33 in city driving. They could have done a better job on front seat creature comforts, i.e. cup holders, change holders and sun glass holder. Safety features were a consideration in buying. Road noise is a little loud but not terrible. Overall a great buy.