Ford Escape with a Hybrid Engine

Anthony Fontanelle
May 28, 2008

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV by Ford Motor Company. The first generation Ford Escape made its debut in 2001 as a small sports utility vehicle.

A hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004, making it the first hybrid SUV.

For the year 2008, the Ford Escape Hybrid has been redesigned with a more aggressive look. The 2008 Escape Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in two trims, the FWD and the 4WD. It has its all-new exterior and interior features, along with suspension refinements to improve the ride but retaining its traditional SUV style.

“The FWD is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 133-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 34-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. The 4WD is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 133-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.” Speaking of fuel economy, the 2008 Escape is one of the first vehicles to reflect the new EPA test procedures. Ford also assures us that the improved aerodynamics achieves better fuel economy.

The exterior can be described as muscular. The new Escape looks bigger than the model it replaces, but actually it's the same size, having the same wheelbase and exterior dimensions. Edmunds.com notes that the new Ford-edge headlights, made the new Escape "a handsome little rig”.

These are the exterior auto parts that completes the new Escape; higher waistline, revised grille and headlamps, taller hood and larger mirrors.

It also made significant improvements in its interior comfort and quality. It showcases the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made entirely from 100 percent recycled materials. “The entire vehicle is about 85% recyclable.” But these fabrics are attractive and expected to be very durable. It has a white-faced speedometer and tachometer back lit with blue lighting that's easier to read, so it is extremely easy for the eyes at night.

There’s plenty of space to load their stuff, there’s 66 cubic feet with the second row folded and 27.8 cubic feet with all seats up.

“Standard safety features on the 2008 Escape Hybrid include front and side airbags for the front seats and side-curtain airbags that cover rows, four-wheel disc brakes w/ABS and tire pressure monitoring.” In government crash test ratings, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid receives three out of five stars for driver protection.

The price averages at about $30,000, making sure that the Escape remains a competitive small sport-utility vehicle.

Source:  Amazines.com