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 front-wheel-drive model (FWD) gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon (mpg), making it the most fuel-efficient SUV 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 reduction is lower than the 32 percent reduction of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but is enough to make the Ford Escape Hybrid FWD the most efficient compact SUV on the market. In 2008 the Escape Hybrid FWD was able to increase its fuel efficiency from 29 mpg to 32 mpg, but has been static since then. The Escape line is currently being redesigned for release in 2012. The Escape Hybrid FWD merits an impressive EPA smog score of 9, the highest of all SUVs. This solid overall performance earns the Escape Hybrid FWD an Environmental Improvement Score of 7.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Despite a good environmental performance, the hybridization
cost of $5,505 (a small drop from the nearly $5,800 on last year’s model) added
to the Ford Escape Hybrid FWD gives it a Hybrid Value rating in the lower end of
the “Good” range. Ford has shown with
the Fusion Hybrid, which got a “Very Good” Hybrid Value score 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 $2,500 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. Instead, Ford has actually added more forced features since last year’s model. 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.
|
