Under the hood
Physically, the 2008 Escape is a brand new specimen. However, you won't find anything new under the hood. It's the same 133-hp, 2.3L, 4-cylinder engine that powered the old generation. Providing assistance and helping reduce fuel consumption is a 94-hp electric motor (also the same as last year).
Combined output for this powertrain amounts to 155 horsepower, which may not seem like much for this type of vehicle. Fortunately, the electric motor significantly increases the available torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is also a carry-over. Thusly equipped, the Escape Hybrid is far from being explosive, but that's okay since the primary focus of this Ford is to save fuel and protect Mother Earth. Honestly, what did you expect? Blistering performances? Forget about it.
Behind the wheel, I caught myself trying to drive as slowly as possible, hoping to take advantage of the electric motor for longer periods of time. With this hybrid system, similar to Toyota's, the Escape Hybrid can run solely on electricity under 30 mi/h (48 km/h). And while accelerations are snail-like, you can always reach your goal. I myself was able to reach 42 km/h... albeit with a lot of patience.
On the road, the new Escape fares much better than the old one. Handling is sharper, the steering is more precise and the overall driving experience is much more pleasant. You can even choose between a front-wheel drive model and a confidence-inspiring, all-wheel drive model.
I was disappointed by the CVT, which does not seem to vary engine speed. Furthermore, when you hammer the throttle, it lets out a painful moan. I know, this is normal: it's the only way the transmission can maximize fuel economy. But from a pure driving standpoint, this haunting noise becomes quite irritating and takes away a bit of fun behind the wheel.
When all is said and done, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is by far better than ever. This is not a revolution, but a well-calculated evolution.
Interior room
More assertive styling
Fuel economy
Overly present plastics
Driving requires some getting used to
Price (hybrid model)
CVT
photo:Ford
Physically, the 2008 Escape is a brand new specimen. However, you won't find anything new under the hood. It's the same 133-hp, 2.3L, 4-cylinder engine that powered the old generation. Providing assistance and helping reduce fuel consumption is a 94-hp electric motor (also the same as last year).
Combined output for this powertrain amounts to 155 horsepower, which may not seem like much for this type of vehicle. Fortunately, the electric motor significantly increases the available torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is also a carry-over. Thusly equipped, the Escape Hybrid is far from being explosive, but that's okay since the primary focus of this Ford is to save fuel and protect Mother Earth. Honestly, what did you expect? Blistering performances? Forget about it.
 |
| The hybrid powertrain might be fuel-efficient, but it takes some getting used to before you can maximize its potential. |
Behind the wheel, I caught myself trying to drive as slowly as possible, hoping to take advantage of the electric motor for longer periods of time. With this hybrid system, similar to Toyota's, the Escape Hybrid can run solely on electricity under 30 mi/h (48 km/h). And while accelerations are snail-like, you can always reach your goal. I myself was able to reach 42 km/h... albeit with a lot of patience.
On the road, the new Escape fares much better than the old one. Handling is sharper, the steering is more precise and the overall driving experience is much more pleasant. You can even choose between a front-wheel drive model and a confidence-inspiring, all-wheel drive model.
I was disappointed by the CVT, which does not seem to vary engine speed. Furthermore, when you hammer the throttle, it lets out a painful moan. I know, this is normal: it's the only way the transmission can maximize fuel economy. But from a pure driving standpoint, this haunting noise becomes quite irritating and takes away a bit of fun behind the wheel.
When all is said and done, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is by far better than ever. This is not a revolution, but a well-calculated evolution.
 |
More assertive styling
Fuel economy
 |
Overly present plastics
Driving requires some getting used to
 |
Price (hybrid model)
CVT
photo:Ford
Article Gallery