Hybrid Vehicles Guide

Overview: The Escape hybrid is every bit as refined and capable as its gasoline powered clone. There is no performance loss, and achieving up to 40 mpg is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. The Escape hybrid can operate completely independent of its gasoline engine, meaning that this really is one green SUV.

Detail: Utilizing technology from Toyota, Ford has really hit the nail on the head with the Escape hybrid. The performance and utility of the SUV of which it based remains unchanged, and in our opinion, is actually improved. The Escape’ 2.3L duratec four cylinder engine and 94 horsepower electric motor create a vehicle with the performance of the V6, yet it uses substantially less fuel.

Driving the Escape Hybrid

Acceleration of the hybrid is bang on with the V6. Though certainly not neck snapping, it is peppy enough that you’ll never have that little voice in the back of your head reminding you that you’re driving a hybrid. When you press the gas, both the gasoline and the electric motor can spring into action simultaneously (depending on how hard you mashed the throttle).

When the Escape hybrid is just puttering around town the gasoline motor will likely remain dormant. The electric motor has a range of about 30 miles or so, and it operates without any fuel or emissions. It’s also dead quiet, leaving to a ride that’s almost eerie the first time you experience it. You’ll know what I mean when you drive it for the first time.

The electric motor is recharged whenever the gasoline engine is running. It is also recharged whenever you decelerate or brake. Because of this, you’ll never have to worry about whether or not the battery is charged- the car handles all of the micromanagement for you!

The interior of the hybrid model is no different than the standard Escape, and the batteries are stowed in the back and take up no additional space. The interior is comfortable, well upholstered, and well laid out. As well, it is “kid-proof” in all the areas that it needs to be.

Conclusion

Ford’s decision to produce a hybrid version of the Escape is a terrific one, and the increase in both range and fuel efficiency is a testament to just how effective this technology can be for a vehicle of this nature.

I would love to see vehicles like the Escape hybrid show that a hybrid doesn’t have to be a funny shaped care that performs poorly while achieving fantastic economy. This hybrid performs well, and it gets almost twice the mileage of the non-hybrid model.