FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Ford’s Escape is available as a plug-in hybrid.

Ford’s Escape is a fairly fuel-efficient small SUV that’s not only available in a hybrid but also a plug-in hybrid.

The plug-in feature allows you to drive the Escape 37 miles before switching to gasoline/hybrid mode. That’s if you have a full battery. The vehicle comes with a charging cord which allows you to charge from a regular house outlet in about 11 hours. If you have a 240-volt outlet, this can be done as quick as 3.3 hours. This makes the Escape Plug-in perfect for short trips around town. It’s possible not to use any gas if you do little driving or plan to live at a charging station. According to edmonds.com you could spend $84 a month in charging costs or $269 in gas, which is average for a small SUV.

Does this make the Escape Plug-in the obvious choice over other Escapes? That depends. The more than $3,000 premium over the regular hybrid isn’t terribly expensive, but if you like all-wheel drive you can’t get it on the Plug-in. It’s standard on the regular hybrid.

You can make the argument that anything that stretches your gas dollars without going full electric isn’t all bad.

The Escape went through a total redesign in 2020. The Hybrid Plug-in debuted last year and gets only a few running changes, as they say in the business. It’s roomy and comfortable and is fairly quiet on the road. The ride can be a bit frantic on uneven road surfaces but holds its own against the competition. It’s not sporty, but the vehicle drives predictably.

The vehicle is powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid setup that has a combined output of 221 horsepower. That’s enough to get you through traffic without a lot of white-knuckle drama, you make sure you give yourself enough time. It takes the Escape Plug-in at least seven or eight seconds to get to 60 miles per hour. Once it gets rolling things seem to improve.

The Escape’s interior is nicely finished. My test car even had some wood trim but I’m not sure if it was real. The Titanium model comes with lots of standard equipment including Co-Pilot360 Assist+ which includes navigation and smart cruise. An automated parking system technology package front and rear parking sensors and power driver’s seat are also standard. Optional equipment includes a wireless charging pad, panoramic sunroof, leather seats, head-up display and towing package.

If you check all the boxes on the options list, you will probably close to $45,000. The base price for the Titanium model is $40,700.

Selecting the plug-in version of the Escape does have a few drawbacks. You can’t get AWD and despite having the biggest engine, it has the lowest towing capacity – 1,500 pounds. There is also less rear passenger and storage space than other Escapes.

The list of positives is a lot longer. The 37-mile all-electric range is good. The 2020 complete over haul of the Escape gives the plug-in a comfortable interior that’s quiet, modern and pleasant to view. The exterior is also a major plus.

Again, $3,000 is a lot to pay for the differences between the hybrid and plug-in model. You do get potential savings in fuel cost but maybe at the expense of safer handling. It all boils down to what you need and want.

Pros:

• EV mode range of 37 miles

• Handsome exterior

• Front passenger room

• Comfortable, ventilated front seats

• SYNC 3 system easy to use

• Self-parking feature

Cons:

• Less storage and rear passenger room

than in other Escapes

• Low towing capacity

• Needs more horsepower

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