Hybrid Vehicle
The Ford Escape SUV

ford escape hybrid suv

The 2005 Ford Escape


The Escape is Ford's compact 4-door SUV that joined the Ford lineup for 2001. The Escape Hybrid is added for 2005 and while it appears nearly identical to a standard Escape, it is powered by a gas-electric hybrid drive system, a high-tech electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission, and either front-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.
The hybrid power plant is a an Atkinson-Cycle 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a 50-kilowatt electric motor.
The estimated combined power output for the electric motor and gasoline engine is 155 horsepower.



DETROIT, 9. January 2005

The Escape Hybrid received the 2005 North American Truck of the Year award this morning at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The award winner is determined by a panel of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.


Ford estimates the Escape's fuel consumption to be 6.7/8.1 litres/100 km, in city/highway driving (approx. 35/30 mpg), and a typical driving range from its 56.7-litre tank of 800 kilometers. Which is probably between approximately 1/2 to 1/3 of the standard petrol V6 consumption.
Ford say´s the Hybrid drive train will have similar launch characteristics and acceleration as the 200Hp V6.

Canadian Driver says:

Driving the Escape Hybrid requires no special skills or knowledge. Because it uses a self-regenerating hybrid system, you never have to plug it in to charge the battery. Once underway you do hear the occasional whistle from the system as it recovers energy for the battery, but it's not intrusive (and inaudible with the windows closed). Sometimes there is a slight shudder as the gas engine starts and stops. Steering is direct and precise (it, too, is electric) and foregoes the traditional power steering pump, belts and hydraulic operation in favor of sensors at the steering wheel that detect driver inputs and react accordingly.

Very promising indeed!

Ford's Escape Hybrid homepage

This is a link to Ford Motor's hompage for the Escape Hybrid, which gives good overview and insight into the technology and operations of the Hybrid SUV!

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