Escape Hybrid

Auto dealers are looking forward to the release of the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. Auto sales lots have seen this version sporting new additions to its standard package and they have maintained their truck like appearance. The most noticeable change is the bigger 2.5 liter engine that has increased its power by 22 horses. The Escape hybrid now takes fewer than 10 seconds to hit 60mph. When it comes to auto sales, Virginia Beach auto dealers say the interior is the real benefit to the 09 Hybrid. It has a voice activated Sync system for the audio, phone, and other electronic goodies. This model has excellent storage space and is rather comfortable. It has a bigger savings between this and the gas model in the city.

Good in concept, but if you are heavy footed you might not notice as much fuel savings. Perhaps the biggest downfall of all is its high sticker price that puts it at the high end of the spectrum for Ford’s auto sales. Virginia Beach auto dealers have a basic model starting at a price equivalent to where the Escape Limited gas model leaves off. This vehicle is out of reach for some budgets at approximately $5,000 more than the gas version. Overall, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is not a bad vehicle. In terms of comfort, other models such as the Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX400h are far more expensive with a lower comfort rating.

Standard features on the base version include 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a four-speaker CD stereo with an MP3 player input jack and satellite radio, cruise control and full power accessories. Optional for the Escape Hybrid is a navigation system (with a hybrid energy flow/fuel-consumption display) that comes bundled with an upgraded seven-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD changer.

Powertrains and Performance

The Escape Hybrid power plant consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors/generators. On AWD Escape Hybrid models, a third electric motor steps in to drive the rear wheels when extra acceleration or traction is needed. The front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid posts impressive mileage ratings of 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. The AWD version is rated at 29/27/28.

Safety

In government crash testing, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid scored four stars for the driver and five for the passenger (out of five) in frontal crash tests. In side-impact crash tests, the Escape Hybrid scored a perfect five stars for front and rear occupants.

Interior Design and Special Features

The available Sync system allows voice commands to your Bluetooth-compatible cell phone, the audio system and the navigation system. Additionally, the Sirius Satellite Link allows you to find current gas prices in the vicinity at the touch of a button.

Even without the Sync system, you’ll find the various functions and features easy to use, thanks to intuitive and well-placed controls. There are 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 60/40-split rear seats, and you can fold them down to open up 65 cubic feet of capacity, a decent figure for this class.

Driving Impressions

The Escape Hybrid’s regenerative brakes feel solid enough in everyday driving, but we have to question Ford’s decision to fit them with rear drums. In a simulated panic stop from 60 mph, the last Ford Escape we tested with these brakes recorded a dangerously long 154-foot stopping distance — a good 25 feet longer than expected — and that was without the Hybrid’s added weight.

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