My-Dream-Cars reviews Ford Escape Hybrid

GREEN FEATURES
No-Compromised Hybrid
Escape Hybrid was the first vehicle to combine SUV capability with the outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact of a full hybrid. It features comfortable seating for five, a versatile cargo area and a number of standard and optional amenities. And you can add capabilities such an available Intelligent 4WD System that provides enhanced traction whether the road is covered with gravel or ice or soaked by rain.

Federal Tax Credit
If you meet the requirements, you may qualify for a federal income tax credit of $3,000 on the purchase of a new Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, and $1,950 on a Hybrid 4WD. That’s a credit, not a deduction. Your tax obligation may be reduced by the award given. Complete information is available at www.fueleconomy.gov. In addition, many states and companies offer special incentives, allowances and exemptions for hybrid buyers. Be sure to check with your local government agency and company human resources department for more information.

Reduced Emissions
Not only does Escape Hybrid thrive in city driving, it’s easy on the environment, meeting strict Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.

Eco-Friendly Seats

Earth-friendly cloth seat fabric is made from post-industrial materials – polyester fibers that would have ended up in landfills otherwise. And the cushions use a bio-based polyurethane foam derived from the oils of various plant seeds such as soybeans. More than simply “green,” the durable, comfortable and stylish nature of the material also makes it a perfect fit for Escape Hybrid.

Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) Battery

The innovative Escape Hybrid nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery is completely sealed and securely encased, and stored neatly under the flat rear cargo area load floor. What’s more, the Regenerative Braking System recharges the NiMH battery each time you apply the brakes. A unique Hybrid component, it’s covered under the 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty in non-California emissions states and under the 10-year/150,000-mile limited Hybrid battery warranty in CA, ME, MA, NY and VT. See your dealer for details.

Regeneratve Braking
In a conventional vehicle when you brake, the energy is lost as heat. During braking in the Escape Hybrid, the electric motor captures this energy that is normally lost and sends it back to the battery pack to be stored for later use. Whenever you apply the brakes, you are recharging the battery pack.

34 MPG City

Here’s another reason to love city life. Escape Hybrid actually uses no fuel when you’re stopped in traffic or driving at low speeds up to 40 mph when running in pure electric mode. When the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine kicks in, it delivers an impressive 34 mpg in stop-and-go driving situations.*
*EPA estimated 34 city/31 hwy mpg, front-wheel drive.

TECHNOLOGY
Voice-Activated Ford SYNC
The Ford SYNC® Communications and Entertainment System* comes standard on 2009 Escape Hybrid and the new Hybrid Limited model. This state-of-the-art, voice-activated system fully integrates many Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones and digital media players. Here’s a sampling: Connects with a Bluetooth®-enabled phone. Allows you to control the entire library of your connected MP3 player by voice. Offers complete hands-free control of your cell phone. Want to know more? Go to syncmyride.com.

*Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are trademarks of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Voice Activated Navigation System

The optional voice-activated Navigation System provides many navigational features including detailed freeway exit, turn and ramp transition lane guidance; street name announcement; “Where am I?” current location display. The system comes with a 10GB hard drive for storing photos, ripping CDs, and managing music with the Jukebox function. And there’s the greater wealth of travel information the SIRIUS® Travel Link™ service provides,* such as real-time traffic and weather conditions plus lowest fuel prices. Watching a DVD when the vehicle is in Park position is also among the system’s features. What’s more, the Hybrid Energy Flow Display lets you to track the powertrain’s three main modes of operation (Hybrid Drive, Electric Drive, and Idle Charging) and overall fuel economy.

*Real-time traffic monitoring available in select markets. Some features are unavailable while driving. Service not available in Alaska or Hawaii. See your dealer for details.  SIRIUS and Travel Link are trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Inc.

SIRIUS Satelite Radio
Not only do Escape Hybrid models come with the standard Ford SYNC™ Communications and Entertainment System, but SIRIUS® Satellite Radio as well. SIRIUS delivers more than 130 channels of music, news, sports and entertainment.

*SIRIUS service not available in Alaska and Hawaii. See your dealer for details. SIRIUS is a registered trademark of SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

AdvanceTrac with Roll stability Control (RSC)
Escape Hybrid now joins its conventional gas-powered Escape sibling in providing AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®) as standard equipment. It’s the only stability control system with gyroscopic sensors measuring both vehicle yaw and roll motion. Corner too quickly or swerve to avoid an object and RSC® selectively applies brake pressure and adjusts engine power to help keep you under control. Remember that even advanced technology cannot overcome the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions.

V6-Like Acceleration

The electric motor is capable of propelling Escape Hybrid up to 40 mph on its own. When extra power is needed – such as passing or merging situations – it combines with the gasoline engine to deliver V6-like acceleration. The new 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine features late intake valve closing (LIVC), as well as advancements in processor technology for smooth transition from gas to electric mode.

4WD Capability
Although Escape Hybrid gives you plenty of reason to enjoy urban landscapes, you can also head off-road with confidence. The available Intelligent 4WD System lets you take on rough roads and rugged terrain, no problem.

Hybrid Component Warranty
In addition to the standard 3-year/36,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper plan, Escape Hybrid comes with an extended 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty covering Hybrid components. Unique Hybrid components covered under the 8-year/100,000 mile limited warranty are the high-voltage battery (non-California emissions states) eCVT and DC/DC Converter. 10-year/150,000-mile limited Hybrid battery warranty in CA, ME, MA, NY and VT. See your dealer for complete details.

safety Features

Escape Hybrid is designed to create a safe interior environment with a strong body structure that includes front crumple zone and side-door intrusion beams. Dual-stage front airbags* included in the Personal Safety System® help enhance protection for the driver and front passenger. Six standard airbags also include front seat-mounted side airbags and the Safety Canopy® System with side curtain airbags. *Always wear your safety belt and secure children in the rear seat.

VERSATILITY
Cargo Space

Don’t let the “small SUV” category fool you. There’s plenty of space inside. Escape Hybrid offers roomy, comfortable seating for five, plus a versatile cargo area. You can access storage space behind the rear seat by simply flipping up the rear liftgate glass, or you can raise the liftgate. Behind the standard 60/40 split-folding second row seats is 27.8 cu. ft. of cargo space. Use the tip-fold-flat latches to fold rear seats down and load up 66.1 cu. ft. cargo.

Easy Fuel Capless Fueling

No need to twist a gas cap on and off with the Easy Fuel™ capless fueling feature that comes standard on every Escape Hybrid. And because the seal is open for less time, fewer fuel tank evaporative emissions are released.

Roof Rack

The Escape Hybrid can carry up to 100 lbs. of cargo on its roof, thanks to its standard roof rack. The side rails are black on Escape Hybrid and chrome on the superbly equipped new Escape Hybrid Limited.

Center Console

Escape Hybrid’s versatility can be appreciated down to the smallest details. The floor console features a 3-tier storage system with two removable bins. A bottom, hidden storage level is even large enough for a laptop computer or purse.

Moonroof

Let in more sunshine and fresh air with the available power moonroof, optional on Escape Hybrid and standard on Escape Hybrid Limited. It includes a sunshade and mini overhead console with storage bin and map lights.

SPECIFICATIONS

Exterior Dimensions
Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive / 4-Wheel Drive
Wheelbase (in.) : 103.1
Length (in.)  : 174.7
Vehicle Height (in.)  : 67.7
Vehicle Width with mirrors (in.) : 81.3
Vehicle Width without mirrors (in.) : 71.1
Vehicle Width with mirrors folded (in.) : 77.9
Track, front (in.) : 61.1
Track, rear (in.) : 60.4
Overhang, front (in.) : 33.7
Overhang, rear (in.) : 37.8
Angle of departure, FWD/4WD : 27.8°/27.7°
Angle of approach, FWD/4WD : 19.5°/19.6°
Ramp breakover angle : 18.7°
Minimum Running Ground Clearance (in.) : 8.3

Interior Dimensions

Head room: front/rear (in.) : 40.4/39.2
Shoulder room: front/rear (in.) : 56.6/55.9
Hip room: front/rear (in.) : 53.3/49.1
Leg room: front/rear (in.) : 41.6/35.6

Capacities: Passengers, Luggage, Fuel
Seating Capacity : 5
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) : 99.5
Cargo volume (cu. ft.) : behind 1st row : 66.1; behind 2nd row : 27.8
Fuel capacity (gal.) : 15

Gasoline Engine
Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Engine type : 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine
Transmission type : Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable
Exhaust : Single tip stainless steel with catalytic converter
Horsepower (SAE net@rpm) : 153 @ 6,000
Torque (lb.-ft.@rpm) : 136 @ 4,500
Compression ratio : 12.3:1
Valve lifters : Direct acting mechanical bucket
Fuel delivery : Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel recommended : Regular unleaded
Fuel economy :
FWD – 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway
4WD – 29 mpg city/27 mpg highway

Electric Motor
Motor type : Permanent Magnet AC synchronous motor
Battery : 330-volt Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH)
Horsepower (@ rpm) : 94 @ 5,000

Chassis Specifications
Front suspension : Independent, MacPherson struts attached to lower control arms with stabilizer bar
Front shocks : Gas-pressurized twin tube
Rear suspension : Independent, double lateral and semi-trailing arms design with stabilizer bar
Rear shocks : Gas-pressurized twin tube
Brakes : Regenerative Braking System and 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes
Steering : Electric Power Rack-and-Pinion

My-Dream-Cars reviews Ford Escape Hybrid