Video: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid test drive
We took a look at the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid in June. We thought you might like to see what Motorweek thinks of it. If you want a hybrid SUV, the Escape is the one to get. It easily beats the Saturn Vue Hybrid Green Line. For example, the Vue gets 23 MPG in the city while the Escape 2WD gets 34 MPG in the city. Even the inside of the Escape is green.
The upholstery is 100 percent recycled fibers. Ford says "this will save up to 600,000 gallons of water and 7-million kilowatt hours of electricity each year." Okay, but what's the real damage? $25,740 for the 2WD. $27,490 for the 4WD. There is a $3,000 tax credit for the 2WD and $2,200 for the 4WD. Not bad.
[Source: Motorweek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 10:10AM (8/07/2007)
Anybody know why the Toyota Highlander is not considered a competitor? The Escape, Vue and Highlander all seem pretty similar to me...
I guess it is more expensive, but it is almost exactly the same size.
Reply
Lascelles 10:45AM (8/07/2007)
"Anybody know why the Toyota Highlander is not considered a competitor? The Escape, Vue and Highlander all seem pretty similar to me... I guess it is more expensive, but it is almost exactly the same size."
It's not just price. It does cost a lot more though. Ford has the "most fuel efficient hybrid SUV." I could have made that clearer. The Highlander and all other hybrid SUVs get lower MPG than Ford.
Reply
MikeW 12:14PM (8/07/2007)
To bad ford doesn't have a 6 speed automatic for the 2.3I4 & 3.0V6.
Reply
Andrew 5:32PM (8/07/2007)
Why always skip over the Hybrid Highlander?
The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive is far superior to the Ford one, plus the Highlander seriously bigger, drives better than the Escape, plus it gets great gas mileage.
If someone is looking for an SUV (not a compact), then the Highlander is clearly the way to go.
Reply
Tim Russell 6:56PM (8/07/2007)
"The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive is far superior to the Ford one"
Really, funny how they get their transmission from the same supplier, Aisin Seiki (40% owned by Toyota BTW).
Reply
Mike Botros 8:31AM (8/08/2007)
"The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive is far superior to the Ford one"
Do some research. Ford's hybrid drive is so similar to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive that Ford had to buy patent rights from Toyota to avoid legal trouble. They were independently developed but they came up with pretty much the same solution. Far superior? Not so much.
Reply
Will Perpinka 2:14PM (8/13/2007)
I rented an 08 Escape hybrid for the weekend and I loved it! Plenty of room, great on gas. Im seriously considering picking up this truck for my daily driver.
Reply
J Carroll 4:33PM (8/14/2007)
I just bought the 2008 Escape after driving the Highlander as well. They are almost the same size. Reliability ratings for the Ford are only slightly lower than the Highlander (still above average in virtually every area). The 2008 version is definetely smoother and quieter than the used 2005 Escape I drove. I have owned Toyota/Lexus products exclusively since 1995- so I'm a big Toyota fan. BUT, the Escape is of such quality that I couldn't stomach paying 20% more for the Highlander - and still getting less economy and no tax write off. I chose the Ford Escape Hybrid and I'm very happy with it so far.
Reply