A Quick Review of the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV April 2005

The first "Green" sport-ute to make it to market is the hybrid version of Ford's (F ) Escape, the best-selling small SUV. It's a four-cylinder vehicle, but the electric motor boosts the performance to that of the Escape V-6. In fact, I found that because of the weight of the batteries, which are under the cargo floor, the hybrid version handles better than other Escapes.

With the exception of two-tone paint, not available on nonhybrid Escapes, the hybrid looks much the same. There's also a hybrid badge with Ford's road-and-leaf insignia behind the front wheels and on the tailgate, and the hybrid has a small vent on the driver's side rear quarter-window to help keep the batteries cool. Inside, the instrument cluster includes a "green-zone" gauge that indicates when the car is running solely on battery power and another that shows whether it's using electricity or whether the the car is replenishing the battery pack.

An optional $1,850 navigation system that's available only on the hybrid includes more displays of the hybrid energy system, such as an instantaneous fuel economy indicator and a diagram that shows the power flow from the gas engine and electric motor and back to the batteries. That package also has a souped-up audio system. Other options: a 110-volt AC power outlet in the center console ($180) for running small electrical appliances and side air bags and side curtains for crash protection ($595). You can also get a four-wheel- drive version of the Escape Hybrid for $1,625 more.

Here's what's not available: a $2,000 cash rebate, which Ford is offering on conventional Escapes through June.

SOURCE: Business Week Online

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