Vehicle: 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD with Premium and Safety Pkgs
Price as tested: CDN$43564

Performance: The Escape Hybrid uses a 2.3L 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle system. The gasser engine provides 133 hp while the battery generates 94hp, a total of 227 horsepower. Thanks to the excellent torque generates by the battery, 125 lb/ft of torque arrives at 4250 rpm. Although 4250 rpm might feel high, the seat-of-the-pants feels a lot quicker than the paper suggests. Below 40 km/h, the Escape runs on full battery to provide the best torque and economy available. Above 40 km/h means a combination of gas and battery. At highway speed, the battery would shut off in order to let the vehicle runs on gasoline alone. The whole process is seamless and highly refined. You won’t feel any difference between driving a gasser or hybrid except for the cool economical gauge below the tachometer. Thanks to the excellent bottom-end torque, this hybrid provides the performance of a 6 with the economy of a 4 cylinder. Between 3 and 5 grand, the acceleration of 94hp is simply impressive due to its superbly refined affair. The CVT also works exceptionally well with the hybrid motor as it provides seamless shifts without losing power through torque converter, like regular automatic tranny does.

Handling: In terms of driving feel, Hybrid feels no differences than any regular Escapes. The only thing truly lacks in the Hybrid is the driving feel. The steering just feels numb and featherweight. When the Escape originally introduced, its dynamics has to be considered as one of the better ones in mini-ute segment. Its still true with the gasser. Ford engineers have dumbed down the dynamics in flavor of comfort in the Escape. The ride comfort is superb as it absorbs large and small bumps relatively well. Its Intelligent 4WD system works decently during rainy weather. It provides enough traction and grip as one would expect from a soft-roader like the Escape.

Brakes: Just like other hybrids I have driven before, Escape’s regenerative braking suffers the same feedback problem. The brake pedal feels numb and needs to trash the pedal before coming to a complete stop.

Interior: Inside the Hybrid is the same Escape affair. Nice set of instrumentation gauges, comfortable leather seats and switchgears that have tactical, high-quality touches.

You won’t find any spare tire at the back of the Escape Hybrid due to the battery pack. However, you can still have 60/40 split fold-down rear seats with a complete flat floor.

Conclusion: The Escape Hybrid is the most affordable hybrid SUV you can buy. If you can’t afford a more expensive Highlander Hybrid or RX400h, while still want to own an SUV that makes you “feel” good. Escape is the only choice in town.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID 4WD
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4/5