2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl CVT)

• Reviewed by: Brian Nadel
• Edited by: Lindsey Turrentine
• Reviewed on: 05/11/2005

It was just a matter of time before the benefits of hybrid technology spread from small sedans such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic to larger vehicles, where its impact could be potentially huge. The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid was the first gas-electric sport utility vehicle to hit the streets, and after spending some time in the driver's seat, we're happy to say it's worth the wait. Not only is the hybrid drivetrain every bit as good as those on its smaller competitors, but this truck offers something the others don't: an optional AC outlet to power anything from a notebook to small appliances. Alas, the Escape also costs a pretty penny, though nothing compared to Lexus's luxury SUV hybrid, the 400h ($49,185 base price), due out at the end of the month. With a base price of $27,400 for the front-wheel-drive model and $29,025 for four-wheel drive, the Escape Hybrid represents a $5,400 premium over the V-6 Escape and costs about $7,000 more than the Prius and Civic hybrids. Our tricked-out test model came to a total of $32,375. Overcome the sticker shock, however, and the Escape is a good option for those who want the room and utility of an SUV and the efficiency of a hybrid.

Under the hood, the Ford Escape Hybrid is anything but conventional. The 2.3-liter Atkinson cycle engine churns out 133 horsepower, boosted to 155 horsepower when coupled with the electric motor. The key difference between Atkinson engines and the Otto engines that power the majority of cars on the road is that the Atkinson uses a modified crankshaft to trade some power and torque for improved fuel economy and lowered pollution. For most stop-and-go driving, the Escape taps into the 94-horsepower electric motor powered by a 330-volt battery pack under the cargo bed for power. With a larger electric motor than the Toyota Prius, the Escape remains in electric mode longer, and its gas engine shuts down at every stop. The electric motor consistently fires up at about 30mph and can be gently persuaded to about 45mph before making the electric-to-gas transition. Whenever you start driving uphill or stomp on the accelerator, both power trains kick into gear for lively acceleration. Unlike the Prius's undetectable transition to gas power, there's a slight nudge when the Escape's gas engine hooks up. The Escape's continuously variable transmission always has the right gear ratio for fuel economy and acceleration, and the gas engine and the regenerative braking system charge the battery while you drive. As is the case with the Prius, the Escape has an addictive screen in the middle of the dashboard that shows the power flow as you drive but adds a first-rate fuel economy screen that combines an average for the past 15 minutes with an instantaneous gas mileage bar gauge.

source : reviews.cnet.com