NOTE: Pricing based on data collected May 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Ford introduced the Escape Hybrid in model year 2005, making it both the first American-made hybrid and the first hybrid SUV. It seats five people and the four-wheel-drive model (4WD) gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon (mpg)—3 mpg lower than the two-wheel-drive (2WD) model. It is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
The Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD achieves a 24 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional 4WD Escape. Although this is a sizable reduction, Ford does even better with the 2WD version of the Escape, and Toyota manages a 32 percent reduction on its Highlander Hybrid 4WD (which is larger than the Escape). The fuel economy of the Escape Hybrid 4WD actually increased from the 2009 model (from 28 to 29 mpg), but its Environmental Improvement Score did not jump, as the conventional Escape 4WD also boosted its fuel economy from 21 to 22 mpg. The Escape Hybrid 4WD earns an EPA air pollution score of 9 out of 10 for smog-forming emissions, the highest of all SUVs. This overall performance earns the Escape Hybrid 4WD an Environmental Improvement Score of 6.5.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
The Escape Hybrid 4WD carries the same hybrid technology cost ($5,505) as the Escape Hybrid 2WD but hangs on to a Hybrid Value rating of “Good” despite delivering less global warming pollution reductions. Ford has shown with the Fusion Hybrid, which earned a Hybrid Value rating of “Very Good,” that it can do better. As the hybrid market becomes more crowded, Ford needs to show it can provide the maximum benefits of its impressive hybrid technology at a competitive price across the board.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
Ford offers the Escape Hybrid 4WD with standard features similar to the conventional mid-level Escape, rather than the base model. As a result, Escape Hybrid 4WD buyers must spend more than $2,500 on features they may not want. This gives the Escape Hybrid 4WD a Forced Features rating of “$$.” Ford could make the Escape Hybrid 4WD more accessible by making these forced features optional. Sample forced features include SIRIUS Satellite Radio with a six-month subscription; SYNC® communications and entertainment system; fog lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls; electrochromic rearview mirror; power six-way driver seat; and SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad. Click to see full list of forced features. . Click to see full list of Forced Features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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