2009 Ford Escape - Review

By Robert Scardino

Robert Scardino

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I'm a writer stuck in an engineer's brain with a debilitating case of autoholism. While studying at the University of Illinois I discovered my... More

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Ford Escape Hybrid Front Quarter

The game changer here is the hybrid system. With a light right foot, you can take advantage of the Nickel-Metal Hydride battery and push the Escape up to 40 miles per hour of silent electric driving pleasure. A small gauge between the speedo and the tach shows you when the battery is assisting and when it's being charged. The tachometer has a green bar below zero RPMs indicating when the vehicle is using only electric power. When the gas engine does kick in, it's hardly noticeable. The Escape is composed and quiet at highway speeds.

Everything just works. In this segment, function is king, and the Escape Hybrid has it - with the exception of towing capacity. Ford recommends that the Escape Hybrid not be used for towing. Conversely, the RAV4 can pull 3,500 pounds and the Forester can pull 2,400 pounds. Even the CR-V can drag 1,500 pounds behind its shapely tush. Whether or not their owners ever use this capability is questionable, but it comes in handy if you have a couple Ski Doos.

Exterior:

The Escape Hybrid's muscular grill and chrome bumper underguard set it apart from the other cute-utes. For a compact SUV a dose of masculinity is refreshing. In keeping with the SUV tradition, the Escape maintains a boxy shape, foregoing the curvaceous lines of its competitors. There are three subtle "Hybrid" badges indicating the Escape's eco-friendly character: one on each front door and another on the bottom right corner of the back door. All in all the design is pleasing, and although it won't turn many heads, neither will any of its competitors.

Interior:

Inside, the Escape Hybrid shines. Literally. The piano black, glossy finish of the console provides an upscale feel. Climate control and radio knobs are intuitive and the gauges are easy on the eyes. There is, of course, plenty of hard plastic, but Ford did a nice job of varying the textures and colors throughout the cabin. The customizable footwell and cup holder lighting are a thoughtful touch. The leather trimmed, heated front seats are comfortable and especially appreciated on those 11-degree days. Anyone with a female passenger will enjoy the dual zone climate control. It keeps "disagreements" to a minimum.