2005 Ford Escape Hybrid | Review | Buying Guide
Finally! The North American car manufacturing industry is finally starting to realise the value and desirability of alternatively-powered vehicles. The high cost of the dollar, instability on the global stage and the war in the Iraq have highlighted the importance of reducing western dependance on foreign oil and the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, the first ever Hybrid SUV is a step in that direction.
Offering V-6 power combined with the ability to go 400 miles on a tank of gas, the Escape Hybrid is truly one to watch. SUVs are actually well-suited to be Hybrids as they have the room for the battery array without sacrificing needed cargo space. The innovative Escape Hybrid never needs to be plugged in, it recharges itself durting braking, and it is the first Hybrid to offer 4-wheel drive…yep, you read it right…4-wheel drive! The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid proves that you don’t need to sacrifice capability to be environmentally-friendly.
Under the Hood
The Escape Hybrid is powered by a 4-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an electric drive system to deliver acceleration performance similar to that of the V-6 Escape. For stop-and-go driving, hybrids can achieve 50 percent or more improvement in fuel economy and the Escape Hybrid provides more than 75 percent fuel economy improvement in city driving, compared with a conventional V-6 powered Escape XLT.
A half-dozen key components are behind the performance profile. The 2.3-liter I-4 produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 129 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm and a 65-kWatt (equivalent to 87 horsepower) electric traction motor provides an added boost to the drive wheels when maximum acceleration is desired, for a combined output of both the gas and electric motors of 155 horsepower.
The Escape Hybrid can tow 1000lbs and offers the Intelligent 4WD System. Fully computer-controlled, this system provides maximum traction as driving conditions vary with operation so seamless most drivers won’t notice the 4WD has engaged. The electric motor is powered by a 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed beneath the rear load floor.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
As a high-end Escape, the Hybrid features the luxury of the Escape Limited trim plus some unique enhancements like the “green zone” display . that shows when the vehicle is operating on battery power with a separate gauge that displays levels of charge and assist for the battery pack as well as another display that registers instant and average fuel economy. An optional navigation system features an Audiophile stereo system, while other mod-cons include a 110 volt AC power outlet, perfect for a television, radio, air pump, electric razor or even holiday lights at the campsite.
A truly versatile vehicle, the Escape Hybrid's interior offers seating for up to five and Even with a full complement of five passengers, cargo room behind the second row seat is still an ample 27 cubic feet. With the battery pack sealed below the load floor, Ford has retained maximum cargo space of over 65 cubic feet. In addition, the roof rack is capable of holding up to 100 pounds of cargo.
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Ford Escape Hybrid Buying Resources...
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