The Ford Escape Hybrid is Recognized for Modest Costs and Efficiency

Photo Source: Ford

Hybrids make an increasingly good value proposition as they stretch the gas tank further than ever before. Electrification has become more mainstream across the board, including in the simplest and most affordable hybrid cars. For most budgets, hybrids now represent the best way to be economical, as prices have fallen to the point where the upcharge for the battery and electric motor are small enough for their increased economy to pay it back sooner. 

As such, few segments are more popular than the hybrid compact crossover market, and Ford expects it can entice customers with the Escape, positioned below the Explorer in the automaker’s line of hybrid SUVs. Ford has been assembling hybrid variants of the Escape since the 2005 model year. With that much experience, the contemporary version should have what it takes to compete with hybrid iterations of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

The Potential of the 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape has thus far been a hit among not only new-vehicle shoppers but also critics, as the crossover has earned awards, including landing on Consumer Reports’ list of the best American vehicles one can purchase, as well as one of the most considered electrified vehicles on sale from Kelley Blue Book. Now, the Ford Escape Hybrid, specifically, has another feat to add to that ever-expanding list after it ranked among the least expensive three-year-old alternative fuel vehicles in a recent study from iSeeCars.

The process of ranking automobiles required an exhaustive assessment. Of note, to come up with the data, iSeeCars experts reviewed the odometer readings of 1.3 million three-year-old pre-owned cars sold from November 2022 to April 2023 and compared those mileage numbers by model to the list prices of the same models when they were sold new. For example, the three-year-old Escape Hybrid has an average price of $33,508 MSRP (Plus destination fee), with 13,993 average miles driven per year – which equates to an effective cost of $2,395 per 1,000 miles.  

Regarding the 2024 Escape Hybrid, part of its appeal also stems from a comfortable but firm ride. The handling is smooth, and the steering is responsive. Moreover, the hybrid SUV offers two powertrain options: a 192-horsepower hybrid variant and a 210-horsepower plug-in hybrid. The former offers abundant power for driving at high or low speeds and swift acceleration off the line.

A Productive Ride

For all of its strengths, fuel economy is where the Ford Escape Hybrid excels most of all. Owners value the vehicle’s range, fuel costs, and efficiency. They also appreciate how the system leans on its hybrid integration and works to keep the engine off when possible. For reference, the Escape Hybrid comes equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine working in concert with an electric motor. 

As mentioned, the combined output sums to 192 horsepower, and even though front-wheel drive is standard, the compact crossover can be had with all-wheel drive. All trim levels mate their powertrains with a continuously variable transmission. Efficiency numbers are impressive at an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway.

Indeed, substantial range makes the vehicle a strong contender in its class. Additionally, Karl Brauer, iSeeCars Executive Analyst, notes, “The price increase between hybrids and traditional gasoline models keeps dropping, making hybrids an increasingly desirable option for consumers looking to keep both purchase price and operating costs low without altering their driving habits or facing range anxiety.”

If you believe the Ford Escape Hybrid will provide you with bang for your buck, please come visit NYE Ford, where we encourage you to take a look at our new vehicle inventory or our quality pre-owned vehicles. Allow us the pleasure of helping you today.