• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD Road Test

Some people make their statement by wearing revealing clothes, using profane

Want to go green without standing out like a sore thumb? Try an Escape Hybrid. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

language and or some other highly erratic behavior. Others make their mark by donating their time to charitable causes, raising awareness for socially pressing issues or getting involved in community-sponsored activities. Ford, while heavily involved in activities of the latter ilk, also makes its statement through the vehicles it builds. In the case of the best-selling Escape, they not only improved its overall quality in a recent redesign, they continued forward with the world's greenest SUV, the Escape Hybrid, and made it better than ever too.

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid comes complete with a bolder exterior design mainly inspired by the Ford truck lineup, but more specifically by the Explorer and Expedition SUVs. In my opinion, the beefier exterior has a much more commanding road presence than the last generation. Furthermore, the refined curves intermingled with sharp angles, enhanced by the optional chrome appearance package ($195) offer a classy yet rugged appearance. Kudos to the engineers and designers on this generation of Escape, who also managed to keep the features that so many buyers love, such as the split-opening tailgate and the integrated running boards for easy step-in.

On the inside, the all-new interior sports a Ford-first set of features

A slightly tougher look does the Escape good. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

including the top-of-dash information display, ice-blue lighting and redesigned radio and climate controls. This much needed upgrade definitely ups the ante from a quality and appearance level. Speaking of 'firsts,' Ford has an industry first with its upholstered cloth interior made of 100-percent recycled material. Neat, huh? This feature is not only offered on the 'green' Hybrid model but also with both the I-4 and V6 gasoline-powered trim levels, so all can benefit from it. Unfortunately, I didn't get to experience this great new feature since my Escape Hybrid came with the optional leather seating package for the tune of an extra $695. Included in the $1,195 premium package is one of my favorite features, seat warmers. Yes, I know it's technically still summer, but towards the end of August it can get chilly at night. Furthermore, a leather-wrapped steering wheel (former package) and power heated mirrors (latter package) are included, both of which are welcome additions.

Other optional equipment that came with the Hybrid was the

A completely different interior for the new Escape, and it's for the better too. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

DVD-based navigation system for an additional $2,695. In all honesty, I prefer maps. Only in rare cases do I ever consult the GPS to tell me where to go, literally. I did however play around with it a little and found it straight forward and relatively simple to operate, and when I wasn't pushing the buttons, the boyfriend was. Funny how that works. The touch-screen is pretty handy, especially when it comes to operating the stereo system, which, for some of my CD's, even displayed the artist and title of the song. That added touch made the stereo system that much better. Furthermore, Sirius satellite radio was an optional feature as part of the satellite radio/moonroof package for an additional $995. While I am not a huge radio fan, I really do like a steady flow of music, minus the banter here and there.

After being on the market for quite some time, the Escape Hybrid is still the only compact SUV on sale that's a “full hybrid”. No, that doesn't have anything to do with plugging it in or anything, it charges its own batteries using regenerative braking and by powering up via the gasoline engine turning over the electrical

New DVD-based navigation system is head and shoulders better than before. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

generator. On a more technical level, the “full hybrid” system means that both the engine and electric motor drive the wheels, rather than hybrids that merely assist the engine which in-turn, via the drivetrain, rotates the wheels. Also, each engine alone or together can power the vehicle. It is estimated that a full hybrid can get up to 50-85 percent better fuel economy in bumper-to-bumper traffic. I put this to the test and well, you'll have to read on to find out my results.

Powerplant-wise, the Escape Hybrid still uses the 133 hp, 2.3L, 16-valve, Atkinson Cycle I-4 engine and provides 124 lb-ft of torque linked to a CVT transmission. The electric motor consists of a 94 hp, 70 kW AC Permanent Magnet system. Because the electric motor and the gasoline engine don't make their peak power at the exact same time, the net horsepower and torque (the total peak power) isn't as simple as adding 133 and 94; the Hybrid as a whole is rated at 155 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. The two engines work symbiotically and their transitions are quite smooth. I was impressed as to how smooth it was especially

Not nearly as powerful as the V6, but the hybrid drivetrain is much, much, much more efficient. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

when accelerating from an idle position. With the exception of a couple of minor changes to smoothen the transition between the gas and electric engines, the Escape Hybrid's powertrain is essentially the same as before.

If performance is what tickles your fancy, you won't find it in the Escape Hybrid. Even though Ford claims that it's got the kind of performance to rival the V6 model, the 133 horsepower Atkinson engine seems sluggish and unmotivated to get up and go. Then again, most hybrids aren't known for their ability to scoot to 60 mph quickly. Nevertheless, I also had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the '08 Escape V6 Limited that provided ample get-up-and-go from its 3.0L, 24-valve, DOHC engine, which produces 200 hp. It isn't exactly what I'd describe as quick either (quicker than the Hybrid), but its four-speed automatic didn't have the buzzy drone that the CVT-equipped Hybrid model made me endure. Still, I enjoyed my time in it as it was a well put-together vehicle, and came with more than a few bells and whistles. Fuel economy-wise, there is no comparison. The Hybrid won hands down. I bet you didn't see that one coming.

Lots of cargo space as hybrid battery doesn't impede much. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

And since I'm on the topic of fuel economy, here are my fun findings about the Hybrid's consumption ...

Whenever I mention "I have a hybrid" the first question most people ask me is, “How's the fuel economy?” While some remain skeptical about claimed performance levels being that much better, especially with an SUV, to that I refute. To prove this I kept a 'gas log' just to make sure it wasn't too good to be true. After 140 miles on the clock, I still had just over ½ a tank left, which isn't at all bad given that compact SUVs, despite their smaller size, are normally rather thirsty. The results were even better on the way back, when I managed to nearly double that figure resulting in 240 miles for the half tank. Taking into consideration there were three adults, our personal items, personal items acquired on our trip, and that's darn good. I couldn't believe how great even the highway fuel economy was considering the Escape is estimated to perform better on city streets: in 4WD trim, it has an estimated 29 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway

Escape Hybrid is a solid buy. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

. I was super excited that not only can a long day trip (long meaning 7 am Saturday to 1 am Sunday) could not only be extremely comfortable, fun and environmentally friendly, but it was great for the wallet too.

During my long road trip I felt little to no discomfort being behind the wheel. The seats are supportive and the leather surfaces were oh-so-cozy to snuggle up in. Not to mention in the evening when it started to rain, the seat warmers were just divine. Overall, I was impressed with the firm ride and deft handling quality.

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid not only looks good, drives well and promotes 'green' behavior, but it has all the amenities of a midsize SUV without the midsize SUV gas bills. And as much as I sound like an infomercial when I say this, I'm not just reading a prompt car. The Escape Hybrid's amazing fuel results ARE typical! If you don't believe me, test it for yourself.

Specifications (Escape Hybrid):

Page:  1

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo