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All About The Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid is Ford Motor Company’s entry in to the hybrid SUV arena, along with its siblings, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and, in 2008, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. With a stylish exterior, spacious interior and the highest hybrid SUV gas mileage on the market; it looks as though Ford has done it’s homework on what it takes to make it in today’s hybrid compact SUV market.
Powerful electric motors team up with the 2.3 liter inline four-cylinder found in the standard Ford Escape. Two electric motors help to drive the front wheels while, on all wheel drive models, a third motor drives the rear wheels to help out in slippery situations. This results in a peak power output of 155 horsepower. The gasoline and electric motors feed into a continuously variable transmission. This transmission automatically determines the best gear ratio possible and alters that ratio seamlessly across the entire range of speeds. This means the driver will never again feel another upshift or downshift. This combination keeps the Ford Escape Hybrid ahead of the 4-cylinder Ford Escape in terms of performance but slightly below the performance of the V6 Ford Escape while maintaining fuel mileages in the mid to upper 30’s
The benefits of fuel economy in the Ford Escape Hybrid do not come at the expense of safety, of course. Standard equipment includes ABS anti-lock brakes, tire pressure sensors and a rollover sensor. In the event an accident should occur, front, side and head curtain airbags deploy to ensure passenger safety.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is an excellent choice for comfort, convenience and space. Seating for 5 and room for golf clubs means everyone can tag along for family fun. With the addition of options such as heated leather seating, satellite radio and a navigation system, this may be the perfect vehicle for those lengthy family trips.
Looking forward the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is expected to get even better. Freshened exterior design will keep this hybrid near the top of the wish list for many.
An interesting, and beneficial offshoot of the Ford Escape Hybrid’s sales success is its acceptance into rental fleets nationwide. Whether carting the family around the sunny beaches of Florida, rolling down the Las Vegas strip with the guys or enjoying a romantic weekend in California wine country, renting a Ford Escape Hybrid on your next business or pleasure trip means you can ride in comfort, style and safety with the knowledge that you’re doing your part to reduce emissions.
For small business owners and vacationers alike renting a Ford Escape Hybrid results in reduced expenses for fuel. This can really add up on long vacations or business trips, especially if there will be a lot of traveling around the destination. If your travels will be taking you to California, hybrid rentals offer another benefit, especially in traffic jam-prone cities. In California, hybrid vehicles are eligible for the carpool lane, regardless of number of occupants.
Topics: Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, hybrid suv | 3 Comments »
July 11th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
My only concern with hybrids is all the toxic waste created by the mass batteries that are dying at a much faster rate than originally predicted. The batteries are going to create more of an environmental impact than the savings from burning less gas. My 97 outback gets 30 mpg, with just a regular gas engine, and my aunts diesel jetta gets over 40 mpg, and it’s from the 80’s. Why are we struggling so hard with getting better gas mileage, and coming up with numbers that are not really very impressive at all?
July 14th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Benjamin -
I agree with you about the toxic waste. We’ve yet to explore that issue. I suspect that the batteries are more toxic than any of the emissions pollution put out by all the cars on the road today. Your suggestion of simply buying and using cars that have higher MPG values is valid. I would suggest you check out our article on the BioBeetle . The Bio Beetle offers everything you are asking for – high mileage, sustainable transportation. Check it out!
July 21st, 2007 at 12:51 am
Benjamin,
Did you know that more than 97% of all car material is recycled? It is the most recycled product that exists, because it is profitable to recycle them. While the batteries will pose some localized toxic hazards when the hybrids are in accidents, the chemicals (nickel and cadmium) in the battery are quite valuable and so WILL be recycled. It is how capitalism works.