Should I buy the Ford Escape Hybrid or wait for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Waiting for the Highlander is a feasible option, as it will have three-row seating and be the beneficiary of Toyota's complete Hybrid Synergy Drive setup. After driving the Lexus RX 400h, it's clearly more refined and powerful than the previous Toyota hybrid drive system. Initial impressions, compared to the Escape Hybrid, were of an increase in torque and better performance overall. What kind of gas mileage can I expect from the Ford Escape Hybrid?
It depends on the way you drive and the characteristics of your commute, but most people report that real-world hybrid gas mileage is not as good as the EPA's estimates. In this case, the government contends that you will get 36 mpg in the city, and 31 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel drive model. The all-wheel-drive version comes in at 33 and 29 mpg. We found our average fuel economy to be closer to around 28 miles, through a week of hard driving and some off-road exercises. Other than fuel economy, why buy a hybrid?
To save a tree or two, and decrease the number of times you have to fill up. The powertrain is ideal for city driving and gridlock commuting - which is where most of its fuel savings occur. Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid
MSRP Price Range: $26,380 - $28,005
Engine Size and Type: 2.3-liter four-cylinder; Permanent Magnet Electric Motor Engine Horsepower: 155 combined
Engine Torque: 124 combined
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): FWD: 36 city / 31 hwy; 4WD: 33 city / 29 hwy
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic/powertrain/roadside
Competitors: BMW X3 2.5i, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Freelancer, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Aztek, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, Toyota RAV4
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
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About Brian Chee
Prior to joining Autobytel in the Spring of 2000, Brian Chee spent 15 years as a writer and editor in his native southern California, his work appearing in a wide variety of regional newspapers and online publications. As an editor at Autobytel, Brian has been quoted in numerous regional and national publications, including the Wall St. Journal and InStyle Magazine. He is responsible for writing, editing and planning content for three of the company’s consumer websites: autobytel.com, autoweb.com and carsmart.com. His “beat” includes vehicle reviews, features, news and Auto Show coverage. Brian considers himself a “SoCal” car enthusiast: the kind who grades a car on how it handles today’s urban and suburban reality of daily traffic gridlock, rising fuel prices and fast-paced lifestyles. Brian is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Automotive Press Association, the Motor Press Guild, and the California State University Advisory Board for Internet Writing. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism.
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