For those with the need for greater traction Ford will offer the Escape Hybrid with "Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive", for a starting MSRP of $35,925 ($28,005 US).
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| The Hybrid Escape will be about $5,000 ($3,300 to $3,425 US) more than the normal version, even before considering dealer rebates offered on the traditional model. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
To put this price in perspective, you'll be paying about $5000 ($3,300 to $3,425 US) more for the Escape Hybrid than the MSRPs of comparably equipped 2005 V6 powered Ford Escape XLT models. Such a premium is about average in the HEV segment of the market, but it's also important to factor in potential buyers will most likely not be able to get anywhere near the discount from retail or incentive package on the hybrid model that they can on the conventional gasoline powered Escape, and therefore the HEV's actual price may be quite a bit higher to take advantage of any fuel "savings."
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| Ford is confident the market has been eagerly awaiting a very fuel efficient hybrid with all the functionality and utility of an SUV. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
"Interest in the Escape Hybrid has been very encouraging - it is generating a great deal of excitement," commented Alain Batty, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. "Canadians tell us they have been waiting for a vehicle that provides them with space, utility, is very fuel efficient, and offers low emissions, in short, a vehicle that offers no compromises."
Unlike Honda, which uses a mild-hybrid powertrain for its Civic Hybrid, Insight and upcoming Accord Hybrid, the Escape makes use of a full hybrid system. For comparison, a mild-hybrid system incorporates a battery powered electric motor to assist the primary power source, in Honda's case gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE), to drive the wheels. A full hybrid system is capable of driving the wheels via the ICE or the electric motor, or as most often is the case, both simultaneously. Currently the only automaker to incorporate a full hybrid system in its HEV is Toyota, incidentally one of Ford's strategic partners in developing the Escape Hybrid.