The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid blends hauling and load capacity, substantial ground clearance, and truck-like upright styling with a remarkably sophisticated hybrid powertrain that delivers 34 mpg city, 31 mpg highway.
Changes to the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid are relatively minor. Ford's MyKey system is now standard on all models.
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 Ford Escape Hybrid is not without its faults, however. 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.
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid has one thing going for it the competition can't match -- it's the only compact hybrid SUV on the market. The Escape gets a combined fuel economy rating of around 30 mpg, which breaks down to 30 city and 27 highway. All safety bells and whistle are up to par, with standard dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted bags on the side, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and anti-lock brakes. With a three-year / 36,000 mile basic warranty and a five-year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty (with options for roadside assistance), most people feel more than secure behind the wheel of a hybrid Escape.