One very
economical SUV is the Ford Escape hybrid, delivering
outstanding fuel mileage whether as a front wheel or all wheel drive variant.
The
Ford Escape hybrid is powered by a 153 horsepower 2.5
liter gas engine and a large 94 horsepower electric motor. The electric
motor alone is powerful enough to drive the car at speeds up to 40 miles
per hour and to operate the air conditioning unit, setting new standards
for hybrid vehicles.
The front wheel drive hybrid Escape has
fuel economy figures
of 34/31 for the EPA's city/highway cycles and the all wheel drive version
recorded 30/27 mpg.
The hybrid Ford Escape is a good car to drive and feels like a normal SUV such is the smooth transition from electric motor to gas engine and the plentiful power available. Ford have worked hard to ensure that the hybrid Escape is as practical, comfortable and refined as the non hybrid version.
Both the exterior and interior of Ford's economical SUV are pleasing to the eye. The environmental theme continues inside with the incorporation of recycled seats however the rear seats aren't as versatile as some competitor SUV's. The cabin is well laid out and comfortable however.
The
fuel efficient Ford scored very well in most government
crash tests however it was found that rollovers occurred during crashes
more often than many rival SUV's. The fact that the Insurance Institute
found that roof strength could be better makes the rollover result a worry.
The Ford Escape hybrid does boast many safety features as standard though including front, side and curtain airbags, anti lock brakes and stability control. Ford's clever MyKey system allows parents to program different speed limits and stereo volume levels for different keys.
Overall the
economical hybrid SUV from Ford is a very good
car. It is expensive however - around a third more than the standard Escape.
Financially its better to go for the standard Escape because its doubtful
you'd ever make up the 9 or 10 thousand dollars in fuel savings. But if
you want a green vehicle as well as an economy SUV then this one could fit
the bill. The Escape was named Most Environmentally Friendly Truck of the
Year award at the 2009 Earth, Wind and Power Awards.
The Ford Escape hybrid is available from $30,000 and in two trims - Base and Limited. It comes with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.