The Ford Escape Hybrid was the very first SUV hybrid released to the market. Since its initial launching in 2004, the Escape has continued to make waves for optimum fuel efficiency in addition to a variety of features. Drivers can now enjoy luxury and cost-effectiveness at the same time. Here is a quick review of the vehicle.
Description And Development
The Ford Escape Hybrid is the gas-electric hybrid counterpart of the Ford Escape SUV built by Ford Motor Company. It is considered a full hybrid with a system that can quickly switch between pure gasoline engine and pure electric power or a combination of both at varying loads and speeds. Like other hybrids, the vehicle can be identified via a hybrid badge on the doors.
The Escape features regenerative braking wherein the electric drive motor doubles as a generator that converts kinetic energy during momentum into electric power for battery storage when idling, coasting or slowing down. 17,000 units were built during the second half of 2004 and plans for making the Hybrid Escape E85 which is said to be capable of running on 85% ethanol flexible fuel is currently underway.
The Features
The Ford Escape Hybrid has a 133 hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and 94 hp electric motor which together are able to perform as well as the 200 hp V6 that the conventional model has. The hybrid is about 75% more efficient with gas mileage of 33 to 36 mpg in the city and 29 to 31 on the highway. A single 62.4-liter tank can go as far as 400 to 500 miles. Driving in the city is very convenient and efficient due to energy-conserving features like regenerative braking.
Acceleration on pure electric power is good at around 39 mph. When running on pure electric power, the Escape can cover a range of about 1.5 to 1.8 miles. The gasoline engine kicks in after the maximum range has been covered. The engine also automatically shuts down when the vehicle is coasting and the brake is tapped when running under 40 mph. Coasting will resume without any gas consumption. Top speed of the hybrid is at 102 mph.
Tailpipe emissions of the Ford Escape Hybrid faired well and are reported to be 90% cleaner compared than the average. The exterior has a square-jawed body reminiscent of its gasoline-powered counterpart providing a tough and rugged appearance.
The instrumentation also looks more modern with ice-blue lighting, the DVD player touch-screen display and well-placed controls. The interior of the 2008 model is very comfortable and functional. The hybrid goes greener by using 100% recyclable material as upholstery.
Space is generous and can accommodate people of all sizes. The rear seats have adequate headroom and legroom as well. Cargo space measures 28 cubic feet behind the 60-40-split rear seats foldable to maximize space up to 65 cubic feet.
The Ford Escape Hybrid has several safety features like antilock disc brakes, side airbags and head curtain airbags with rollover sensors. Impact tests faired really well in the 2007 model and experts expect the latest version to do just as good or better. The hybrid also has 300 extra pounds of curb weight than the conventional Escape with decent body roll.
The Good And The Bad
The Ford Escape Hybrid has a powerful drive train providing real-world gas mileage of around 30 mph. It is also very easy to handle and maneuver with considerable body roll around turns. Space is not a problem when it comes to headroom, legroom, cabins and cargo.
The design is also aesthetic and tough at the same time. The Escape is one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs on the market with regenerative braking and automatic engine shutdown. People get to save more with a tax credit and the special 8-year, 100-000 mile warranty. It is also one of the cleanest SUVs available.
The Escape hybrid does have a lot of engine noise. The stiff brake pedal makes it hard to coast aside from the brakes not being linear. Safety features are satisfactory but lack stability control. Compared to other conventional SUVs, the Ford Escape feels less agile as well.
Drivers may set the air-conditioner on maximum to avoid the engine from automatically shutting off when coasting. The air-conditioner simply shuts off when the gasoline engine stops running. The electric mode tends to perform poorly in cold weather.
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