Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD Road Test

Get the best interest rate
Justin Pritchard
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)
You can get into the Escape Hybrid FWD for under $34,000. If you want all-wheel drive, the price will approach $38,000. At that level, you'll likely get into the Escape and find the interior a little barren. There is no leather, no heated seats, and no sunroof. These things are optional, as are side-impact airbags and stereo upgrades. Start adding options, and your Escape could easily approach $45,000, with leather, sunroof, and the safety package.

There is a fantastic Audiophile stereo system with a subwoofer and 6-disc changer available. You'll need it--because the engine is loud, especially while passing on the highway when it spends extended periods at the redline. Remember, this Escape has no gears--meaning that the revs are into the red for as long as you hold down your foot to pass other traffic. The engine does have a surprisingly pleasant, almost reedy exhaust note.

The handling is surprisingly well done for a vehicle of this type. It feels sure-footed and confident, with minimal effort from the steering combined with adequate feedback for a sense of control in any situation. The ride is firm but well isolated from imperfections in the road. It's also well isolated from wind noise, making the highway driving experience a quiet and relaxing one.

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)
If you are relaxed and not in a rush, you will start seeing savings at the pumps. Do the speed limit and not a tick more on a long trip and you may find, as I did, that the fuel consumption is exceptional. A friend and I drove four hours straight at exactly 90 kilometers per hour (a torturous task) though we both had mile-wide-grins at the gas station after calculating 7 liters per 100 kilometers average consumption.

Part of the reason for that mileage is due to the "Green" tires installed for the Hybrid model. Made by Continental, the tires are designed to reduce fuel consumption by way of their low friction design. They work reasonably well and are quiet, however I found in the worst winter nastiness that they preferred to float over slush and snow as opposed to digging in. The same problem occurred when I took the Escape down a mild off-road trail. When trying to back up, it seems that the Escape only uses battery power, which in some cases is not enough to pull it free. I required a push to get free of my Christmas day photo session. Without more aggressive tires, Escape Hybrid drivers would be best advised to stay on the roads.

Summing up this machine is a bit of a tricky task. It is a disruptive technology--a new take on how to do an old job. It's fresh and young, meaning it's a little bit difficult to judge on traditional bases. Being an expensive truck means that for the money, you could get into something further into the premium range with ease. But it would be thirsty by comparison, and likely lack the cutting edge appeal that hooks hybrid buyers.

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)
Whatever your reason for choosing a hybrid, look at it this way: A Prius isn't going to tow a small boat or snow machine to the cottage for the weekend. If you want to take your family for a ride in the Insight, you have to bring them one at a time. A Civic Hybrid would be hard pressed to make it over all but the smallest snowplow piles at the end of your driveway in winter. Point is, if you don't stop playing outside when the weather gets nasty, and you want a cutting edge and economical machine capable of tackling winter, your family and your busy life, the Escape Hybrid makes complete sense.
2006 Ford Escape AWD
ford escape 2006
2006 Ford Escape AWD
Review this Vehicle
Styling
Accessories
Space and Access
Comfort
Performance
Driving Dynamics
Safety
General Appreciation
Name
Email
Comment
Password
Forgot your password? Click here
Cancel
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
None