Ford Escape Hybrid

[TheAxeman]

I need to get rid of my gas guzzling, 13 mpg Toyota Tundra and have been thinking about replacing it with an Escape Hybrid. The truck is used mostly for running around from job site to job site and for hauling my Black Lab around. Barring the usual pro's vs con's hybrid discussion, I was wondering if anybody on here owns one of these and can offer some insight into how you like it and if you would buy one again.

 

[frayne]

Test drove one and liked it, wife didn't so we didn't buy it. Now we are looking at Nissan Rouges.

 

[Checkswrecks]

If you and the frau are OK with a stick, the 4cyl/stick Escape is Ford's hidden great deal. It does not have 4WD, automatic, or cruise, but still comes with essentially the same 2.3L engine, power windows and locks, AM/FM/CD, air, etc. The stick is much quieter and more responsive than the automatic. Around town, the 2.3L in either will spin the tires with no problem and actually has most of the torque of the V6. But the following numbers are the key:

- - - - - - - - - - -Stick - - - Hybrid

Price - - - - - - $16K - - - - $26K to $35K

City mpg - - - - - 25 - - - - - 32

Highway mpg - - 29 - - - - - 29

The problem with the stick is actually that they mostly use them for the weekend advertisements to say "Priced From$XXX" so there aren't terribly many built. Plus, the profit margin is intentionally low to draw people to the V6/4WD models, so the dealers don't try to keep sticks in stock.

We dickered and got ours for a little over $14K, found that the EPA numbers were accurate, and it's racking up more miles than anything else the family currently owns. Keep a second set of rims with aggressive tires and it'll go 90% of where the 4WD versions can go (but seldom do).

Hope this helps.

Bob

 

[TheAxeman]

Thanks Bob, I'll have to check into that also. I'm the only one who will be driving the vehicle and I'm keeping the Tundra for the sloppy stuff anyway. I'm finding out real quick that finding an Escape Hybrid is like finding the proverbial needle. It might have something to do with the fact that they are switching alot of the NYC cabs to Escapes. Between the Tundra and my service vans, my gas bill is (like everyone elses) getting a tad steep.

 

[abarron576]

Drove an 08 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (same as Escape). It drove nice, but I felt it didn't have the power I needed for pulling a trailer and maintaining 70+ Interstate travel. Bought the Premier version with 200 hp V-6 and am averaging 23 to 25 all around mpg. About 60% on Interstate.

Just thought I'd pass this on to you. Also, the Premier has 3500# tow rating.whereas others appear to be 1500 or 2000# if that makes any difference in your usage.

 

[Scab]

I have a friend that was issued a standard Escape as a company car. He is not pleased with the rapid deterioration of the vehicle. The vehicle does not have a hard life but does endure a lot of miles.

I vote Honda CRV. The wife is getting 27 - 30+ MPG.

 

[FJRay]

Just to throw another idea in the mix. I bought the Edge a year ago and am consistently 20+ in town and 26 on the road. 3500 lb tow capacity and AWD. Its about the best snow car I have owned and it fits big guys in comfort if that matters.

 

[juniorfjr]

We've got a 03 v6 escape, and really love it. 53 k and doing my first service this weekend, new front brakes. Other than that, no problems and not one rattle. We looked at highlanders and rav 4. The escape gave us nearly the size and power of the highlander at the price of a rav. We have towed a 2 place pwc trailer and it does great. mileage 15 around town and only 21 on hwy. great gitup and go. Would buy another in a minute, but like the edge more now.

 

[dhalen32]

Axeman:

If you are going to keep the Tundra for sloppy stuff why don't you buy a small car with fold down rear seats instead of an SUV?

Dave

 

[Jon]

We own a 2007 4-cylinder 2WD Escape. Nice vehicle. Didn't go for the hybrid because it provides only slightly better mileage than the 4 cylinder 2WD. Only complaint so far is the ride is a little harsh.