Behind the wheel
I found driving the 2009 Escape Hybrid to be a most pleasant experience. The vehicle is easy to navigate through heavy traffic, feeling more car-like in its responses than a truck. A smooth, quiet ride contributes to this characteristic along with electrical power steering that makes parking a cinch.
Power underfoot is rather surprising. The Escape Hybrid is no slouch when the need to pass arises. The CVT kicks down quickly and the hybrid system hums a refined tune as the vehicle firmly gathers speed without the interruption of gear changes.
Bringing the Escape Hybrid to a rapid halt requires a little more braking finesse than with a conventional Escape.
A quick hit of the brake pedal in my tester seemed to provoke an over-response that grabbed the wheels with unintended force, causing an abrupt nosedive. Once this idiosyncrasy was appreciated, braking the vehicle was a piece of “hybrid” cake.
2009 Escape Hybrid wrap
The Escape Hybrid has matured into a tremendously desirable SUV that combines all the benefits of light duty 4WD capability with attributes complementary to frugality and the ecology. For the city-bound SUV-intended, the Escape Hybrid is a strong performer that makes good sense.
Those whose usage will be predominantly highway oriented or those needing serious off-road capability may be better served by a conventionally-powered rig.
In addition to the aspects already discussed, the Escape Hybrid is stocked with the latest in control, safety and occupant protection technology as standard equipment. This comprehensive array of content elevates the value quotient given the modest base price of $34,799 for the 4WD 2009 Escape Hybrid.
photo:Rob Rothwell
I found driving the 2009 Escape Hybrid to be a most pleasant experience. The vehicle is easy to navigate through heavy traffic, feeling more car-like in its responses than a truck. A smooth, quiet ride contributes to this characteristic along with electrical power steering that makes parking a cinch.
Power underfoot is rather surprising. The Escape Hybrid is no slouch when the need to pass arises. The CVT kicks down quickly and the hybrid system hums a refined tune as the vehicle firmly gathers speed without the interruption of gear changes.
Bringing the Escape Hybrid to a rapid halt requires a little more braking finesse than with a conventional Escape.
A quick hit of the brake pedal in my tester seemed to provoke an over-response that grabbed the wheels with unintended force, causing an abrupt nosedive. Once this idiosyncrasy was appreciated, braking the vehicle was a piece of “hybrid” cake.
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| This comprehensive array of content elevates the value quotient given the modest base price of $34,799 for the 4WD 2009 Escape Hybrid. |
2009 Escape Hybrid wrap
The Escape Hybrid has matured into a tremendously desirable SUV that combines all the benefits of light duty 4WD capability with attributes complementary to frugality and the ecology. For the city-bound SUV-intended, the Escape Hybrid is a strong performer that makes good sense.
Those whose usage will be predominantly highway oriented or those needing serious off-road capability may be better served by a conventionally-powered rig.
In addition to the aspects already discussed, the Escape Hybrid is stocked with the latest in control, safety and occupant protection technology as standard equipment. This comprehensive array of content elevates the value quotient given the modest base price of $34,799 for the 4WD 2009 Escape Hybrid.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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