2005 Ford Escape Review (continued)
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Summary

Ford Escape Hybrid competes in a set of vehicles that includes the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe and other compact sport utility vehicles. But the Escape Hybrid is unique with its fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly gasoline-electric powertrain. The powertrain provides performance on par with a V6 engine, but without the nose-heavy tendencies that often come with putting larger engines in front-drive vehicles.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Larry Edsall is based in Phoenix.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD ($26,380); 4WD ($28,005)
Engines:	2.3-liter, 16-valve, dohc Atkinson Cycle inline four plus 65-watt (87 hp) electric traction motor and 28-watt (38-hp) motor for recharging battery pack
Transmissions:	continuously variable transmission
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual front airbags, LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system, perimeter alarm
Saftey Equipment (optional):	safety canopy with side air curtains and front side-impact airbags, 24-hour roadside assistance
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles plus extended warranty of a minimum of 8 years/100,000 miles on CVT, hybrid battery pack and DC converter)
Assembled In:	Kansas City, Missouri

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD ($26,380)
Standard Equipment:	fog lamps, privacy glass, power windows/locks/mirrors, lift gate with flip-up glass, roof rack with 2 crossbars, rear defroster and two-speed rear wiper, six-way power driver's seat, AM/FMM with in-dash 6-CD changer, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, message center, air conditioning, illuminated entry, four-wheel dics brakes with anti-lock system, remote entry, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 235/70 all-season tires
Options As Tested (MSRP):	appearance package ($625), energy/audiophile/navigation system ($1,850), safety package ($595), rear floor mats ($25), 110-volt power outlet ($110), leather comfort group ($575), retractable cargo cover ($75)
Destination Charge:	590
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	30825
Layout:	front engine (rear battery pack), front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	133 hp @ 6000 rpm (plus electric motor)
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	129 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm (plus electric motor)
Transmission:	continuously variable transmission
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	36/31
Wheelbase:	103.2
Length/width/height:	174.9/71.8/70.0
Track, f/r:	61.1/60.2
Turning circle:	37.7
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	40.4/53.4/41.6
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	39.2/49.1/36.3
Cargo volume:	65.5
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent
Suspension, r:	independent
Ground clearance:	8
Curb weight:	3620
Tires:	235/70R16
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc
Fuel capacity:	15.0