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September 1, 2010
As is the case with most CVT (continuously variable transmission) equipped vehicles, you get some engine drone when you mat the pedal, but at least the result is some decent acceleration. In a Toyota Prius or Honda Insight, meek thrust is accompanied by the painful moaning of a stuck yak.
 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited 4WD . Click image to enlarge |
Having been with us since 2001, the Ford Escape is the senior (if still sprightly) citizen in this hotly-contested compact SUV segment. Upgrades have kept the interior fresh, and the light coloured cabin of this tester featured nice quality materials and tight tolerances.
The base hybrid comes well equipped with 16-inch alloys, dual zone auto climate control, auto-dimming mirror, a hybrid-exclusive110-volt outlet on the console, power driver’s seat, Ford’s clever SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, a new integrated blind-spot mirror, cruise and a multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel.
Even your tush can feel eco-savvy in the base Hybrid, resting as it does on seats stuffed with soy-based foam cushions and trimmed in fabric made from recylced plastics and polyester fibres.
New this year is standard MyKey wherein parents can keep a check on their testosterone-drunk teens with a 130 km/h top speed, undefeatable traction control, limited audio volume and three speed alert chimes.
 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited 4WD . Click image to enlarge |
The Limited adds rear-view camera and park assist, exterior chrome accents, sunroof, leather, heated front seats, multi-colour ambient lighting and piano-black interior trim. Automotive bean counters must love this stuff, but there will come a time when cars buyers slap themselves on the forehead and yell, “Hey! Instead of wood, aluminum, or carbon fibre, they gave me crappy shiny black plastic!”
My tester also featured navigation ($2,300) and Auto Park System ($450) that cleverly scans for a parallel parking spot and does all the steering while you work the pedals.
While the Escape’s upright body architecture is in contrast to such rivals as the swoopy Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Rogue, it pays dividends when one is perched in the seats. The beltline is low, the greenhouse is high, and in the great Land Rover tradition, outward visibility is excellent with all four corners of the vehicle in view.
In the big picture, the Ford Escape Hybrid is a pricey niche-vehicle that doesn’t really hold up if scrutinized with a pragmatic eye. The all-new Chevy Equinox is a better drive and returns an impressive 9.2 L/100 km city and 6.1 hwy with front-wheel-drive – starting from $25,995. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas Escape XLT FWD with automatic is rated at 10.0 city and 7.1 highway and bows at $23,708. For my money, I’d get the VW Golf TDI Wagon (starts $26,875) – similar cargo capacity, better fuel economy, premium build, fast and infinitely more enjoyable to drive. Best car in our world, if you ask me.
But if you wish ride the wave of hybrid-hype, the Ford Escape Hybrid is a fine choice. I will confess, it feels good to hum by your local gas station with nothing but butterflies in your wake.
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Pricing: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited 4WD
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives
Specifications
Competitors
Crash test results
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Related posts:
- What’s New: 2010 Ford Escape
- Buyer's Guide: 2005 Ford Escape/Escape Hybrid
- Test Drive: 2008 Ford Escape Limited
- Buyer's Guide: 2006 Ford Escape/Escape Hybrid
- Test Drive: 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
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