Delivering its power to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT), the Escape Hybrid can run on its four-cylinder gasoline engine, electric power only (for short distances) or a combination of the two. The Escape Hybrid is Ford’s first entrant into the hybrid segment. The first hybrid-powered SUV reached dealerships in the 2005 model year.
The doors and overall construction feel a little tinnier than some rival SUVs. Extremely short front-seat bottoms can impair comfort, but back support is fine. The automatic transmission shifts capably and without lumpiness - it’s quite smooth for a truck.ĭriveline noise is more noticeable than expected. Frisky performance emanates from the V-6 engine, and the Escape accelerates from a standstill with spirit. It steers with a very light touch, which imparts a sufficient level of confidence. The Escape is easy to drive and quite stable on the highway. A Safety Canopy side curtain-type airbag system with rollover protection is optional. An optional towing package for the V-6-equipped Escape allows it to haul 3,500 pounds.Īntilock brakes are standard and have Quick Brake Assist. Escapes can be equipped with either front-wheel drive or new Intelligent four-wheel drive, which engages automatically to maintain traction. XLT Sport and Limited models use a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6, which comes only with the automatic. A Luxury Comfort Package for the Limited includes a 320-watt Audiophile stereo and a Reverse Sensing System.Ī 153-hp, 2.3-liter Duratec four-cylinder in the XLS and XLT mates with a four-speed automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. The Limited has leather seating surfaces. Standard equipment includes a CD player, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Cargo volume behind the rear seat measures 29.3 cubic feet. Each Escape seats five people on two front bucket seats and a 60/40-split, folding rear bench. Rather than the column-mounted gearshift previous models used, the current Escape features a console shift lever. Dark Shadow Grey fascias, cladding and wheel-lip moldings highlight the XLT Sport, while the Escape Limited has a monochromatic appearance. Standard wheels measure 15 inches in diameter, but 16-inch tires are available. The four-door Escape rides a 103.2-inch wheelbase, has a four-wheel-independent suspension and uses unibody construction. The rear liftgate has a flip-up window that opens separately. Traditional styling resembles Ford’s full-size SUVs and trucks, though on a smaller scale. The 2005 face-lift included new front and rear fascias, an eggcrate grille, new headlights and restyled wheels. Two new colors are offered on 2006 Escapes, and the 2.3-liter engine is now an option on XLT models.Ī new Escape Hybrid that operates with a four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor debuted in the 2005 model year. XLS, XLT, XLT Sport and Limited trim levels are available. A new Intelligent automatic four-wheel-drive system became available.Īntilock brakes are standard, and Safety Canopy rollover protection is optional. For the first time, four-cylinder models were available with an optional automatic transmission. Given a fresh look inside and out for 2005, the Escape got a new 2.3-liter Duratec four-cylinder that develops 153 horsepower. They promise carlike ride and handling and the security of available four-wheel drive. All are considerably smaller than traditional truck-based SUVs. Both models were developed in tandem and compete against other small, car-based SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. Ford’s first car-based sport utility vehicle debuted for the 2001 model year as a result of Ford’s controlling interest in Mazda, which produces the similar Tribute SUV.
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