Car Reviews 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid
A hybrid sport utility vehicle? About six years ago, the idea still seemed outrageous. But then the Ford Escape hybrid debuted. Skeptics sneered. But now SUV hybrids are plentiful from several manufacturers. In other words, there’s competition for the Ford Escape, even if some of the competition remains from Ford via the very similar Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. The Escape hybrid is a “full” hybrid electric system, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together. That means maximum performance and efficiency. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Inclement weather or and off-road treks are always good ways test an SUV. I didn’t do either in my week with the Escape. But a solid week of mixed city and freeway driving also gives a good idea of a vehicle’s versatility. In parking lots, vision is fine for what seems to be all-took-tight conditions modern-day malls. On the freeway, the Escape handled itself with confidence. In the SUV segment, the Escape is quiet on the open road. Ford Escape Hybrid Interior There’s ample comfort for front and rear-seat passengers and everything is designed cleanly, if conservatively. The look is square, not curved. Functionality rules over any semblance of plushness. Still, the look is handsome considering the segment. Black plastic dominates the console, and it’s attractive. It’s also likely prone to easy scratching. Dials, knobs, door handles, the glovebox and cupholders are easy to use, with the illuminated cupholders a clever idea not found in many luxury vehicles. Leather seats are optional and the beige seats matched against the black console works like a pair of saddle shoes. Ford Escape Hybrid Exterior Manufacturers are keen on trying different color shades. Green was once the most popular color choice for cars, but it was long ago replaced by white. The exterior paint color of my weekly test drive Escape was Kiwi Green Metallic. It’s not a neutral color choice by any definition. It’s an all-or-none color. I thought the color looked classy; Plenty of friends disliked the color. The boxy body style has remained unchanged since 2008. Ford Escape Hybrid Performance When braking or decelerating, the Escape’s hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle’s momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. With 155 hp (116 kW), the Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11