Ford Escape Hybrid Test drive
Took my first Ford Escape hybrid test drive this weekend.
With last week's Prius test drive fresh in my mind, I was really looking forward to testing America's first full hybrid SUV.
The first thing I noticed about the SUV, as a seasoned hybrid tester, also says the most about the Escape hybrid. Ford's Escape hybrid looks just like a standard Ford Escape.
I know this might sound odd, but the Prius looks so different, and that feeling begins at the outside of the hybrid car and carries into the inside of the vehicle as well.
Still, the Escape Hybrid is a good looking SUV from the outside.
Inside, the Escape hybrid also looks pretty much like a standard Escape as well - in form and function.
For example, shifting into drive and reverse in the hybrid Escape is just like shifting in a manual transmission Escape, unlike the Prius.
Shifting the Prius is a bit different than a standard manual transmission, and since Ford leased some hybrid technology from Toyota, I had wondered how Ford would handle this issue.
And I think Ford made the right decision by not making the Escape hybrid seem too different. If you make the Escape hybrid seem difficult and confusing compared to the standard Escape, the hybrid technology might loose its luster.
I turned the Escape over and it sounded just like a standard car, at least for the first few minutes. Then the hybrid seemed to shut off, as it went into electric mode, utilizing only battery power. All of this my salesman pointed out, as it happened, on a miniconsule embedded in the middle of the dash.
This fully loaded hybrid SUV with leather seats also included a navigation system, 6 cd stereo, and BlueTooth capability for hands-free phone access.
At this point my salesman pulled out his cell phone charger. Not a car charger, the charger he uses at home and plugged it into the Escape. I could have just as easily plugged in my laptop, TV, or hairdryer.
Nice feature.
As I shifted into Drive and touched the gas, the gasoline engine instantly added to the power of the electric motor and we quickly zoomed onto the street.
While the Escape hybrid is only a V4, the hybrid powertrain provides the power of a V6 and the Escape moves well.
We quickly drove towards the freeway. The Escape was full of power and the idea of hybrid technology disappeared from thought, even after slowing and speeding in an effort to toy with advanced powertrain.
Nice ride.
A loaded Ford Escape hybrid acts almost exactly like the Ford Escape, it just does it much more efficiently.
If you are looking for a hybrid SUV, the Ford Escape Hybrid is a good choice, and it is your only choice until at least April.
Click for more Ford Escape Hybrid.
With last week's Prius test drive fresh in my mind, I was really looking forward to testing America's first full hybrid SUV.
The first thing I noticed about the SUV, as a seasoned hybrid tester, also says the most about the Escape hybrid. Ford's Escape hybrid looks just like a standard Ford Escape.
I know this might sound odd, but the Prius looks so different, and that feeling begins at the outside of the hybrid car and carries into the inside of the vehicle as well.
Still, the Escape Hybrid is a good looking SUV from the outside.
Inside, the Escape hybrid also looks pretty much like a standard Escape as well - in form and function.
For example, shifting into drive and reverse in the hybrid Escape is just like shifting in a manual transmission Escape, unlike the Prius.
Shifting the Prius is a bit different than a standard manual transmission, and since Ford leased some hybrid technology from Toyota, I had wondered how Ford would handle this issue.
And I think Ford made the right decision by not making the Escape hybrid seem too different. If you make the Escape hybrid seem difficult and confusing compared to the standard Escape, the hybrid technology might loose its luster.
I turned the Escape over and it sounded just like a standard car, at least for the first few minutes. Then the hybrid seemed to shut off, as it went into electric mode, utilizing only battery power. All of this my salesman pointed out, as it happened, on a miniconsule embedded in the middle of the dash.
This fully loaded hybrid SUV with leather seats also included a navigation system, 6 cd stereo, and BlueTooth capability for hands-free phone access.
At this point my salesman pulled out his cell phone charger. Not a car charger, the charger he uses at home and plugged it into the Escape. I could have just as easily plugged in my laptop, TV, or hairdryer.
Nice feature.
As I shifted into Drive and touched the gas, the gasoline engine instantly added to the power of the electric motor and we quickly zoomed onto the street.
While the Escape hybrid is only a V4, the hybrid powertrain provides the power of a V6 and the Escape moves well.
We quickly drove towards the freeway. The Escape was full of power and the idea of hybrid technology disappeared from thought, even after slowing and speeding in an effort to toy with advanced powertrain.
Nice ride.
A loaded Ford Escape hybrid acts almost exactly like the Ford Escape, it just does it much more efficiently.
If you are looking for a hybrid SUV, the Ford Escape Hybrid is a good choice, and it is your only choice until at least April.
Click for more Ford Escape Hybrid.
Labels: electric cars, Escape hybrid, Ford, Ford Escape hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles, prius, toyota
posted by Dahcredyns at
11:25 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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