2011 Ford Escape Hybrid
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid has the best combined fuel economy rating in its class and a driving experience that’s remarkably similar to conventional SUVs. Overall, car reviewers are impressed with the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. As strong as the Escape Hybrid’s case is, its high price tag punches a hole in it. If you’re looking to go green and save gas, but need an SUV, the Ford Escape Hybrid is worth it. Starting at about $5,000 less than the Escape hybrid, the Terrain has a better highway fuel economy rating, though it can’t match the hybrid in the city.
The "Ford Escape Hybrid" has been around for five years now. The Escape is well equipped with some cool technological features, including Ford's Sync voice-activated multimedia system and an automated parallel-parking feature.
The Escape Hybrid is not without its faults, however. For example, the design is a bit dated and the hybrid system's hardware adds weight that adversely affects handling and braking.
Traditional gasoline-powered models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are better vehicles overall than the Escape and still get decent fuel economy. The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid is available in two trim levels: base and Limited. Upgrading to the Escape Hybrid Limited adds chrome exterior accents, a sunroof, rear parking assist, a rearview camera with a display located in the rearview mirror, piano-black interior treatments, leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors and multicolor ambient lighting.
Options include the sunroof (base model only) and a voice-operated navigation system that includes a hybrid energy flow/fuel-consumption display and a premium seven-speaker audio system that includes digital music storage, Sirius Travel Link and new HD radio capability. The 2011 Escape Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine as well as a battery-powered electric motor; combined they produce 177 horsepower. EPA estimates for fuel economy put the front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid at the top of the hybrid SUV category with 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 32 mpg in combined driving.
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid comes standard with antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with rollover sensors. Ford's programmable MyKey system allows parents to specify maximum speed limits and stereo volumes for their teenage drivers.
In government crash testing, the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid scored a perfect five out of five stars for all occupants in both frontal and side impacts. The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid features an attractive interior dressed up with soft-touch materials.
While some hybrid models have developed a reputation for sluggish performance, the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid actually doesn't feel that different from its V6-powered cousins.
Power is shuffled through the Escape Hybrid's combination of electric motor and generators to act as an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).
It's a fuel miser, but the "Escape Hybrid "also accelerates well, even if it's not spectacular in a straight line. The Escape Hybrid comes in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and its AWD edition is distinctive, because a mechanical differential splits power to all four wheels. Like the gas-powered Escape, the Hybrid's more sport-ute in styling themes than other crossovers. For an in-depth look at this hybrid SUV, read our most recent full review of the Ford Escape Hybrid.
