The four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle 2.3-litre gasoline engine produces 133 horsepower while the vehicle's electric motor tag-teams to achieve a combined output of 155 horsepower. Ford claims that the performance capability of this hybrid setup is similar to that of a 200 horsepower V6 engine. The Escape's blended ponies flow through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to either the front wheels or all four wheels if the optional Intelligent 4WD drive system is in place.
Steering is powered electrically while braking is of the regenerative sort, converting kinetic energy into electricity that is directed back to the 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Interesting to note here, that Ford includes the battery pack and the Hybrid's unique components in its 8-year 160,000-kilometer limited warranty. The historical "hybrid fear" of deficient battery life has become non-issue in today's units.
Day-to-day driveability
I could happily live with the 2008 Escape Hybrid as my daily driver and weekend warrior vehicle. Ford has vastly improved its operational refinement over the previous generation, which wasn't bad to begin with. Engine noise and vibration have been noticeably reduced; the outcome of which elevates the Escape Hybrid from "low rent" to "middle class" or better in terms of mechanical polish.
One of the more surprising aspects of life behind its wheel is the amount of gusto the dual modes of power production can supply. I loaded the Escape Hybrid with four occupants and enough ski and snowboarding equipment to fill a freight train, and made my weekly sojourn up the mountain. One might think that I'd be last into the parking lot given the common perception that hybrid vehicles are just slightly more powerful than Skodas, but that assumption couldn't be more incorrect.
The Escape Hybrid may lag momentarily off-the-line however once rolling, it pulls evenly and strongly without encountering flat spots or wheezing as I do when opting for the stairs in place of the elevator. Passing power, even on a mountain ascent, is more than satisfactory, especially when one considers the vehicle's aversion to egregious fuel consumption.
Ride quality in the Escape Hybrid is pleasant but not car-like as in some softer sprung crossover vehicles, the advantage of which becomes apparent off road. Worthy of mention is the Escape's structural rigidity, which keeps squeaks and rattles at bay and suspension noise to a minimum. Road and wind noises are also well managed in this nimble five-passenger SUV.
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| The four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle 2.3-litre gasoline engine produces 133 horsepower. |
Steering is powered electrically while braking is of the regenerative sort, converting kinetic energy into electricity that is directed back to the 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Interesting to note here, that Ford includes the battery pack and the Hybrid's unique components in its 8-year 160,000-kilometer limited warranty. The historical "hybrid fear" of deficient battery life has become non-issue in today's units.
Day-to-day driveability
I could happily live with the 2008 Escape Hybrid as my daily driver and weekend warrior vehicle. Ford has vastly improved its operational refinement over the previous generation, which wasn't bad to begin with. Engine noise and vibration have been noticeably reduced; the outcome of which elevates the Escape Hybrid from "low rent" to "middle class" or better in terms of mechanical polish.
One of the more surprising aspects of life behind its wheel is the amount of gusto the dual modes of power production can supply. I loaded the Escape Hybrid with four occupants and enough ski and snowboarding equipment to fill a freight train, and made my weekly sojourn up the mountain. One might think that I'd be last into the parking lot given the common perception that hybrid vehicles are just slightly more powerful than Skodas, but that assumption couldn't be more incorrect.
The Escape Hybrid may lag momentarily off-the-line however once rolling, it pulls evenly and strongly without encountering flat spots or wheezing as I do when opting for the stairs in place of the elevator. Passing power, even on a mountain ascent, is more than satisfactory, especially when one considers the vehicle's aversion to egregious fuel consumption.
Ride quality in the Escape Hybrid is pleasant but not car-like as in some softer sprung crossover vehicles, the advantage of which becomes apparent off road. Worthy of mention is the Escape's structural rigidity, which keeps squeaks and rattles at bay and suspension noise to a minimum. Road and wind noises are also well managed in this nimble five-passenger SUV.
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| Ford has vastly improved its operational refinement over the previous generation. |