The Ford Escape hybrid is the United States most efficient SUV. To be this environmentally friendly does come at a price though. The hybrid Escape is expensive compared to other vehicles in its class and around $9000 dearer than a non hybrid Escape.
Ford's hybrid Escape has a 153 horsepower 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine and a 94 horsepower electric motor. Compared to other hybrids, electric power is substantial, vastly improving the Escape's gas mileage over its non hybrid sibling. The economical Ford also runs on continuously variable transmission for greater fuel efficiency.
The Escape is available in either front wheel or all wheel drive configurations. The front wheel drive version has a fuel economy of 34 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway while the heavier four wheel drive registers 30 in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
Unlike some hybrids, especially older ones, the most efficient SUV you can buy is also a great car to drive. The Escape can power itself on electricity alone at speeds up to 40mph, after which there is a seamless transition to the gas engine. The car accelerates well, reaching 60 mph in under 10 seconds, and handles well. Its a comfortable and refined vehicle. The only negative in terms of the car's performance are the slightly underpowered brakes giving longer than average braking distances for the class. Another point to make is while Ford's efficient SUV does have basic off road functionality if you opt for the all wheel drive version you need to be aware that its by no means a Land Cruiser and reaches its limitations on the dirt very quickly.
The cabin of Ford's fuel efficient SUV is a comfortable place to be. One great thing about this hybrid car is it has an air conditioning unit that does not require power from the gasoline engine, meaning that it can still be used when the SUV is in all electric mode. Not many hybrids offer this functionality.
The Ford Escape hybrid SUV scored well in most government crash tests however it didn't do so well in rollover testing and there are also question marks over its roof strength.
Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are anti lock brakes and AdvanceTrac stability control. An innovative safety feature is the MyKey system, allowing parents to set speed limits and a stereo volume limit for their sons and daughters.
The Ford Escape hybrid is a good family SUV let down only by its fairly high price tag. If you were only thinking of your bank balance you'd buy the standard Escape as it would take many years to make up the $9,000 in fuel savings if you bought the hybrid. But the hybrid is the most efficient SUV which means its good for the environment. In fact it won the Most Environmentally Friendly Truck of the Year award at the 2009 Earth, Wind and Power Awards. So its a great option if you want an economical and green SUV.
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