2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
October 5, 2009 by Jyle Dupuis
Filed under Cars
The new 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV on the planet. Technically a SUV Cross-over, the Escape Hybrid is a great compromise for energy efficient conscience people who don’t want to sacrifice the flexibility only a utility vehicle can bring. And why not get the SUV, the Escape Hybrid is even more efficient than the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid (Image: Ford)
Not only is this a extremely well built Hybrid, the Escape is also a light truck that is built Ford Tough. The Escape Hybrid comes with the optional FWD or 4WD system with smart technology. This means that the Transmission automatically adjusts from front to 4WD when the occasion is required. This means that you can be confident no matter where you need to go.
The engine on the Escape Hybrid is a light 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine that produces 153-hp. The electric motor is a powerful Permanent Magnet AC synchronous power-plant that produces 94-hp. This produces adequate power for the Escape in speeds from 0-44mph at which time the gas powered engine takes over. Having the engine shut off at non-efficient slow speeds the Escape can crawl through traffic or wait in the drive through with the engine completely shut off. There have been complaints however from car reviewers that the switch from electric to gas is not a smooth transition. This might alarm some people however it’s hard to complain when the Escape Hybrid can get you 32mpg in the city and 35mpg on the highway. These number can even be lowered further by learning simple efficient-driving techniques.
To ensure that the Escape Hybrid is the most ‘green’ car on the planet Ford has gone through the trouble of making sure that most of their Escapes are made from recycled materials that can be further recycled when the car ends up in the scrap-yard. The Escape also has bio-degradable chairs and upolstry. And to make sure that all care was added for the environment, Ford is paying the full carbon credits needed to produce their Escape Hybrid’s. This means that for every pound of carbon monoxide produced to make the car Ford pays the equivalent to further technology that will help reduce it.
The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is a little pricey with a $31,000 starting price. Those numbers can be be slashed further if you take advantage of your local government’s Tax credit advantages.
For more information about the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid visit their website and build the Escape of your dreams.
Image: Ford.ca
