After its styling changes for 2008, the Escape Hybrid looks more like a Ford Explorer. It has a plunging chrome grille that would be equally at home on a Volkswagen Jetta or Passat. A raised hood and higher beltline may make the SUV look tougher, but they probably don’t do much for visibility. The exterior features include standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, available moonroof and capless fuel-filler system.
The styling inside the Ford Escape has received some modifications as well to bring it more in-line with the current, contemporary European Feel rather than what was hailed by consumers, as an ancient- clunky style of decor for previous years. The Escape Hybrid has room for five occupants, plenty of room in the front and a decent rear seating space. It features SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information – helping reduce distractions while accessing important route and safety information. The Hybrid also offers a convenient AC outlet for powering small devices such as a laptop.
The 2010 Escape Hybrid features the solid hybrid platform of its predecessor. It has a “full” hybrid electric system, with regenerative braking, automatic stop-start of the engine, and the ability to drive in all-electric mode for a little over a mile (under 44 mph). The 2010 Escape Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in two primary model trims, the base and Limited, and limited is a key word. Ford plans to artificially reduce their loss per vehicle by making only a limited number of these cars available on the market at a time.
The Escape Hybrid combines two electric motors generating 94 horsepower with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder, 153 horsepower gasoline engine that form a system with a total output of 177 ponies. Buyers who opt for all-wheel drive (4×4) will see a third electric motor installed in their vehicle which is designed to step in and offer extra grunt for the rear wheels should traction conditions demand their intervention. A continuously-variable transmission handles the gear shifting duties, and thanks to excellent system management the Escape Hybrid is about as fast as a regular version of the same truck. The Hybrid’s fuel mileage is rated at 34 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway for front-wheel drive models, with all-wheel drive lopping off 4 miles per gallon from each measure. The 2010 Escape Hybrid has a greater towing capacity than previous models.
Standard features abound on the interior, including dual-zone climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, audio input jack, eco-friendly seats, and a six-way power driver’s seat. Ford’s acclaimed SYNC In-Car connectivity system is also standard, allowing you to access your music and phone controls using voice commands, as well as providing a host of safety services, such as 911 Assist™ which automatically dials 911 after an airbag deployment.
The new feature on the 2010 Escape Hybrid that is getting the most buzz is Ford’s new MyKey innovation. MyKey is designed to allow parents the option of programming a set of keys to the car that will limit its capabilities, so they can give it to their teenagers. Such limitations include the ability to restrict the car’s top speed to 80 MPG (the higher amount is to allow for temporary acceleration maneuvers). Limiting the volume of the car stereo, and annoying teens with beeps if the seatbelt is not fastened or even muting the stereo altogether until it is.
The Escape Hybrid incorporates Roll Stability Control, which is only available on SUVs from Ford-owned brands, including the system’s originator, Volvo. It is the only system with a sensor that detects the beginning of a rollover and can act to stop it. Standard safety features include front and side airbags for the front seats and side-curtain airbags that cover both rows, four-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability system, all-disc antilock brakes, integrated blind spot mirrors and tire pressure monitoring. The Hybrid also offers a convenient AC outlet for powering small devices such as a laptop.
The 2010 Ford Escape hybrid small SUV, for example, has a base price of $29,785 compared with $23,575 for the non-hybrid XLT model.
View the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid pictures and wallpaper
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Kinetic design cues are evident throughout the SUV from the front fascia to the rear bumper. The large lower grille aids in cooling the engine and adds to the sportiness that reflects Ford’s DNA. The newly designed honeycomb grille and fog lamps in body-colored style are designed to add to the strong, sporty and spirited look.
It’s nice that the Escape comes in a Hybrid version and gives consumers the choice of opting for the traditional or Hybrid version. A little bit pricey for the hybrid but that’s generally expected in that market.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a clean and crisp looking hybrid. The best part is the hybrid powertrain since it saves on gas plus the Sync System is nice too.