Fuel economy inversion
The 2009 four-wheel-drive (4WD) Escape Hybrid is rated at 7.0 and 7.4L/100km city and highway driving respectively. And yes, you read that correctly. This is a 4WD SUV that achieves greater fuel economy in town than on the open road.
Given that the preponderance of 4WD SUVs primarily embark upon city excursions, the inverse efficiencies are a huge benefit to the typical owner of these otherwise wasteful creations. Underpinning this success is the stop-and-go nature of city driving, which enables rapid charging of the battery pack resulting in plenty of electric power payback.
Improved operational refinement
When hybrid vehicles first emerged, the shudder of their gas engine shutting down often sent a chill through the driver wondering if it was going to restart. When the throttle was again depressed, a similar startup shudder was confirmation that all was operating properly.
Through reprogramming of the engine processor and other means, Ford has pretty well eliminated any unpleasant feedback during engine startup and shutdown phases.
This transition is now much smoother than ever before, such that most occupants won’t notice a thing other than the quiet, refined operation of the gas 4-banger. The improvement has really enhanced the hybrid driving experience.
Boxy design has its benefits
The Escape is a “right sized” SUV, at least for many of us.
Its conventional boxy shape may not look as sleek and sexy as some of its crossover competitors but the utilitarian shape serves several very useful purposes. First of all, visibility is remarkably good thanks to the square’ish body shape, plenty of glass and a high seating position.
Secondly, a square roofline and tailgate maximize the cargo capacity in this compact unit, enabling it to accommodate larger items than many vehicles in this segment sporting sleeker rooflines. So from a practicality perspective, boxy wins.
The 2009 four-wheel-drive (4WD) Escape Hybrid is rated at 7.0 and 7.4L/100km city and highway driving respectively. And yes, you read that correctly. This is a 4WD SUV that achieves greater fuel economy in town than on the open road.
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| The 2009 four-wheel-drive (4WD) Escape Hybrid is rated at 7.0 and 7.4L/100km city and highway driving respectively. |
Given that the preponderance of 4WD SUVs primarily embark upon city excursions, the inverse efficiencies are a huge benefit to the typical owner of these otherwise wasteful creations. Underpinning this success is the stop-and-go nature of city driving, which enables rapid charging of the battery pack resulting in plenty of electric power payback.
Improved operational refinement
When hybrid vehicles first emerged, the shudder of their gas engine shutting down often sent a chill through the driver wondering if it was going to restart. When the throttle was again depressed, a similar startup shudder was confirmation that all was operating properly.
Through reprogramming of the engine processor and other means, Ford has pretty well eliminated any unpleasant feedback during engine startup and shutdown phases.
This transition is now much smoother than ever before, such that most occupants won’t notice a thing other than the quiet, refined operation of the gas 4-banger. The improvement has really enhanced the hybrid driving experience.
Boxy design has its benefits
The Escape is a “right sized” SUV, at least for many of us.
Its conventional boxy shape may not look as sleek and sexy as some of its crossover competitors but the utilitarian shape serves several very useful purposes. First of all, visibility is remarkably good thanks to the square’ish body shape, plenty of glass and a high seating position.
Secondly, a square roofline and tailgate maximize the cargo capacity in this compact unit, enabling it to accommodate larger items than many vehicles in this segment sporting sleeker rooflines. So from a practicality perspective, boxy wins.
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| Roofline and tailgate maximize the cargo capacity in this compact unit. |