Head to Head: The Ford Escape Hybrid and the Toyota Prius
Scientists claim that doing things differently forces the brain to work harder, thereby, exercising the brain. Consequently, some have recommended eating with chopsticks when out for Asian food, or taking a different route to work, as everyday ways to enhance your intelligence.
Well, driving a Prius might also fit into that "raising your intelligence" category.
Over the last week I have published accounts of two recent test drives of the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid. The main difference between these vehicles, and there are many, is simply that the Prius feels different. Not in a bad way, mind you, but in a futuristic way. Sitting in the Prius is like sitting in the future.
Nonetheless, both the Prius and the Escape are excellent vehicles.
The Prius and the Escape will significantly reduce your fuel consumption, while significantly reducing pollution, and both vehicles are an example of what the entire auto-industry should be doing.
While Ford had to lease some of it's hybrid technology from Toyota, Ford integrated the hybrid functionality of it's Escape hybrid to feel more like a standard Escape, unlike the Prius. In my Escape hybrid test drive, I noted that the Ford Escape hybrid is pretty much the same as the standard Ford Escape, just significantly more efficient.
On my Prius test drive, on the other hand, I stated that I felt like I was teenager again, behind the wheel of a car for the first time. The Prius is unlike any other automobile.
In my two test drives, I drove fully loaded models, yet there were striking differences between these hybrid vehicles.
Getting into the cockpit of the Prius, plugging my SmartKey into the dash, and pushing a button to start the car was an eye-popping experience. On the other hand, the Escape was standard technology. I just turned the key.
I think this was an understandable move by Ford. If Ford buyers are stuck in a choice between a hybrid Escape and a standard Escape, Ford might want to market the main difference as efficiency, rather than as how you start the autos.
Still, this makes the Prius appear much more futuristic. Shifting the Prius into drive is also a different experience, as a small round dial shifts from Drive, Reverse, and Highway modes.
Suddenly, driving feels different, like you need to pay attention again. Like you just got smarter.
Of course, just as the Prius, you are reminded that the Escape is not just like any other Escape. Shortly after ignition, the hybrid SUV seems to shut down, as the hybrid switches into full-electric mode.
As you watch this event on a mini-console embedded in the dash of each car, you are reminded that a standard internal combustion engine isn't powering these vehicles.
Here again, the Prius mini-console and dash is more elegant than the Ford. The screen in the Prius is larger and easier to use, including some steering wheel access. In fact, the entire dash on the Prius is not only futuristic, but exceptionally functional and efficient, right down to the dual glove compartments.
The Ford Escape hybrid dash feels just like any other Ford, it isn't nearly as futuristic, nor functional or efficient as the Prius. Additionally, while both vehicles claim a 6 CD stereo, the Prius system is far superior.
Since I often sit in the back seat, leg room is important to me. Surprisingly, the Prius offered me more legroom when sitting in the back seat. In fact the Prius felt entirely roomier than the Escape.
Each auto allows the seats to be folded down, though the Prius does it quicker and easier, and when looking through the Prius hatchback, it appears you could transport almost anything in the back of a Prius that an Escape could.
As I think back, there only two advantages to the Escape hybrid over the Prius.
One, if you have to have a hybrid SUV, then the Escape is the only choice.
Two, if almost anything different scares you, then the Ford Escape hybrid wins as it appears almost the same as the regular Escape.
In the end, it all comes down to price - You simply can't beat the Prius. While both cars are surcharging dealer add-ons, to the tune of $3000.00 for the Prius and $5000.00 for the Escape, the Prius is still worth the money.
An entry level Prius is only $19,000 and even with the $3000.00 dealer add-on, $22,000 is still an awesome price. The fully loaded Prius is pure delight, and even with the extra $3000.00 for the dealer, the car is still only about $32,000.
The loaded Escape, the only model available, was just under $36,000 and seemed to offer so much less.
I'd take the base Prius rather than the loaded Escape any day. The base Prius is extremely well stocked and worth the money.
If production can catch up to demand, and the $3000.00 dealer add-on removed, then a Prius is not a deal, but a steal.
It is worth noting that the comparison between the Escape hybrid and the Prius hybrid isn't completely fair. One is a car, the other is a SUV. Again, if you must have a hybrid SUV, I highly recommend the Escape hybrid.
In April, hybrid SUV choices will emerge; however, so if you are not in a rush, waiting might be a good idea. In mid-April, Toyota will be releasing the Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV and the Highlander SUV hybrid. Those vehicles should provide a more fair comparison.
The Prius will also be meeting a more similar competitor in the next few weeks. The Honda Accord hybrid is set to hit showrooms on December 3. Stay tuned for that review.
In conclusion, while both the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid are excellent vehicles, the Prius simply offers more for the money - much more.
Join the Hybrid Car Buyer's Club to stay informed.
Well, driving a Prius might also fit into that "raising your intelligence" category.
Over the last week I have published accounts of two recent test drives of the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid. The main difference between these vehicles, and there are many, is simply that the Prius feels different. Not in a bad way, mind you, but in a futuristic way. Sitting in the Prius is like sitting in the future.
Nonetheless, both the Prius and the Escape are excellent vehicles.
The Prius and the Escape will significantly reduce your fuel consumption, while significantly reducing pollution, and both vehicles are an example of what the entire auto-industry should be doing.
While Ford had to lease some of it's hybrid technology from Toyota, Ford integrated the hybrid functionality of it's Escape hybrid to feel more like a standard Escape, unlike the Prius. In my Escape hybrid test drive, I noted that the Ford Escape hybrid is pretty much the same as the standard Ford Escape, just significantly more efficient.
On my Prius test drive, on the other hand, I stated that I felt like I was teenager again, behind the wheel of a car for the first time. The Prius is unlike any other automobile.
In my two test drives, I drove fully loaded models, yet there were striking differences between these hybrid vehicles.
Getting into the cockpit of the Prius, plugging my SmartKey into the dash, and pushing a button to start the car was an eye-popping experience. On the other hand, the Escape was standard technology. I just turned the key.
I think this was an understandable move by Ford. If Ford buyers are stuck in a choice between a hybrid Escape and a standard Escape, Ford might want to market the main difference as efficiency, rather than as how you start the autos.
Still, this makes the Prius appear much more futuristic. Shifting the Prius into drive is also a different experience, as a small round dial shifts from Drive, Reverse, and Highway modes.
Suddenly, driving feels different, like you need to pay attention again. Like you just got smarter.
Of course, just as the Prius, you are reminded that the Escape is not just like any other Escape. Shortly after ignition, the hybrid SUV seems to shut down, as the hybrid switches into full-electric mode.
As you watch this event on a mini-console embedded in the dash of each car, you are reminded that a standard internal combustion engine isn't powering these vehicles.
Here again, the Prius mini-console and dash is more elegant than the Ford. The screen in the Prius is larger and easier to use, including some steering wheel access. In fact, the entire dash on the Prius is not only futuristic, but exceptionally functional and efficient, right down to the dual glove compartments.
The Ford Escape hybrid dash feels just like any other Ford, it isn't nearly as futuristic, nor functional or efficient as the Prius. Additionally, while both vehicles claim a 6 CD stereo, the Prius system is far superior.
Since I often sit in the back seat, leg room is important to me. Surprisingly, the Prius offered me more legroom when sitting in the back seat. In fact the Prius felt entirely roomier than the Escape.
Each auto allows the seats to be folded down, though the Prius does it quicker and easier, and when looking through the Prius hatchback, it appears you could transport almost anything in the back of a Prius that an Escape could.
As I think back, there only two advantages to the Escape hybrid over the Prius.
One, if you have to have a hybrid SUV, then the Escape is the only choice.
Two, if almost anything different scares you, then the Ford Escape hybrid wins as it appears almost the same as the regular Escape.
In the end, it all comes down to price - You simply can't beat the Prius. While both cars are surcharging dealer add-ons, to the tune of $3000.00 for the Prius and $5000.00 for the Escape, the Prius is still worth the money.
An entry level Prius is only $19,000 and even with the $3000.00 dealer add-on, $22,000 is still an awesome price. The fully loaded Prius is pure delight, and even with the extra $3000.00 for the dealer, the car is still only about $32,000.
The loaded Escape, the only model available, was just under $36,000 and seemed to offer so much less.
I'd take the base Prius rather than the loaded Escape any day. The base Prius is extremely well stocked and worth the money.
If production can catch up to demand, and the $3000.00 dealer add-on removed, then a Prius is not a deal, but a steal.
It is worth noting that the comparison between the Escape hybrid and the Prius hybrid isn't completely fair. One is a car, the other is a SUV. Again, if you must have a hybrid SUV, I highly recommend the Escape hybrid.
In April, hybrid SUV choices will emerge; however, so if you are not in a rush, waiting might be a good idea. In mid-April, Toyota will be releasing the Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV and the Highlander SUV hybrid. Those vehicles should provide a more fair comparison.
The Prius will also be meeting a more similar competitor in the next few weeks. The Honda Accord hybrid is set to hit showrooms on December 3. Stay tuned for that review.
In conclusion, while both the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid are excellent vehicles, the Prius simply offers more for the money - much more.
Join the Hybrid Car Buyer's Club to stay informed.
Labels: Accord hybrid, electric cars, Escape hybrid, Ford, Ford Escape hybrid, fuel efficiency, Highlander hybrid, Honda, Hybrid Vehicles, Lexus hybrid, prius, toyota
posted by Dahcredyns at
11:30 AM
1 Comments:
More people should learn about electric vehicles as a solution. "Zero emissions" is something that's going to be required by law one day (you know it will). Making the decision to go electric is far cheaper anyway, like 10 cents on the dollar vs. gas. (source: zapworld.com)
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