THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRID
By Colin Ayres - EcoCarOnline.com
Introducing another bright spot in the Ford lineup: the Escape
Hybrid. It's one of the first hybrid vehicles to combine SUV capability
with superior fuel economy and low environmental impact. And,
does it all, primarily on battery power.
The Escape Hybrid first shined when it went trekking for 37 hours straight, around Manhattan, prior to the New York Auto Show in early 2005. At the finish line, the automobile had taken on a total of 576 miles, using only one tank of gas, averaging better than 38 miles per gallon. Outstanding for an automobile in the behemoth category of (insert echo effect here) SUVs.
But besides a seemingly immoveable gas gauge, the Escape Hybrid is popular for
its comfortable driving and above-average performance as well. Inside its quiet
cabin, drivers and passengers can sit back and relax in comfortable seating for
five, utilize a large, versatile cargo area, and enjoy a 4WD system that features
the same all-weather traction and off-road capabilities available in traditional
Escape models. In addition, while maintaining a mpg rating better than 35, the
hybrid accelerates like a V-6 powered Escape, going from 0-60 in under 9 seconds.
Under the hood, while most conventionally powered vehicles burn fuel and create emissions when idling, the Escape's hybrid engine shuts down to conserve fuel. Then, when it resumes driving, its 70-kilowatt traction motor generator launches the vehicle on electric power. Worry not about battery life, it is continually recharged by a system that reclaims energy when the brakes are applied, the car is decelerating, or is running on gas.
At the tailpipe of it all, the Escape Hybrid produces 97% less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles meeting today's required emission standards. In fact, it produces as little as half the amount of carbon dioxide as a conventional gas engine. Finally, an SUV Mother Nature and car drivers can smile about together.
| Specifications |
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| Price: |
$27,515 (FWD) and $28,595 (4WD) (MSRP) |
| Powertrain: |
2.3L 4-cylinder Atkinsons-Cycle |
| Electric motors: |
Permanent magnet traction motor |
| Estimated HP: |
155 |
| EPA emissions rating: |
Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) |
| EPA-estimated mileage ratings: |
36 mpg city; 31 mpg hwy (May Vary) |
| Transmission: |
Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable (eCVT) |
| Wheelbase: |
103.2 in. |
| Length: |
174.9 in. |
| Width: |
69.9 in. |
| Height: |
70.1 in. |
Source. About.com and FordVehicles.com |
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