NOTE: Pricing based on data collected September 2009. 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 front-wheel-drive model (FWD) gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 32 mpg. It and its sister models, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD and Mazda Tribute Hybrid FWD, remain the highest-mpg SUVs on the market. 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 FWD achieves a 28 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional FWD Escape. This matches the performance of its sister vehicles, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD and Mazda Tribute Hybrid FWD, and is significantly better than the other compact SUV on the market that carries a hybrid label, the Saturn Vue Hybrid, which gets only a 21 percent reduction. The Vue Hybrid earns an EPA air pollution score of just 6 out of 10 for smog-forming emissions, whereas the Escape Hybrid FWD merits an impressive score of 9.5. This solid overall performance earns the Escape Hybrid FWD an Environmental Score of 7.4.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Despite a good environmental performance, the price premium of nearly $6,000 added to the Ford Escape Hybrid FWD gives it a Hybrid Value rating of “Medium”—and it rates at the lower-end of the “Medium” spectrum. Ford has shown with the “High Value”-rated Fusion Hybrid that it can do far 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 FWD with standard features similar to the conventional mid-level Escape, rather than the base model. As a result, Escape Hybrid FWD buyers must spend more than $2,000 on features they may not want. This gives the Escape Hybrid FWD a Forced Features rating of “$$.” Ford could make the Escape Hybrid FWD more accessible by making these forced features optional. Sample forced features include: SIRIUS Satellite Radio with a 6-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 premium cloth front seats with trim. 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.
Visit the Reviews page to see what popular automotive websites think of this hybrid.
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