2.3L 4V14 Atkinson Cycle Engine & Electric Motor
36 city/31 hwy
MSRP $25,600
As tested $29,705
More info: www.ford.com
|
|
|
|
Fuel-sucking SUVs have dominated the U.S. auto market for the last 10 years, so it's encouraging to see Ford introduce a utility vehicle that won't break the bank or the gas pump. The hybrid Escape is a twin to its gas-powered counterpart, resembling a mini-Explorer. While many imports in the SUV class adapt a low-slung modern shell, the Escape stays true to the domestic squared sheet metal. New accent trim dresses it up, and smaller proportions make it seem taller than it actually is.
|
|
|
|
|
There's nothing hybrid about the Escape's interior -- it's uniformly bland. That said, everything from seating position to command dials is intuitively located. The Escape comes with a navigation system, but the screen is so small you almost need a second navigation system to find it. Interior space is limited, so the Escape isn't ideal as a cargo hauler.
|
|
|
|
|
We always take hybrid fuel economy claims skeptically, and the Escape's 31 highway and 36 city claims were no exception. We didn't hit either mark in our testing, hovering around the 28 miles-per-gallon range in all driving conditions (our model was the front-wheel drive; the four-wheel drive version would likely hit lower numbers). That sounds good, but the hybrid also carries a $6K price jump from the standard Escape. The hybrid offers a reasonable and smooth power delivery. We only noticed the hybrid engine when starting the car, during the momentary lag when the gasoline motor quietly kicks in. In city driving with the windows open, we caught the electric motor whine when charging or discharging.
|
|
|
|
|
Hey, if saving the earth makes Clark Kent attractive, it'll do wonders for you.
-- Chad Doering |
|
|
