#06 ford escape driver

During the test period, the Escape Hybrid managed to register an average fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km, enough to put 802 kilometres on the odometer.

With stops measuring 38.9 metres from 100 km/h, it sits at the head of the SUV class.įord’s final claim? According to the brochure’s flowery prose, the Hybrid can squeeze 724 km out its 57-litre tank - when driven in the city.

The good news is that the system, which features standard ABS, is effective. The saving grace is that, after driving for a while, you get used to the dead sensation.

#06 ford escape driver

While it is of the slip first/grip later variety, the system is fast enough to react to wheelspin with the action remaining all but invisible.Īs is common with hybrids, the brake pedal feels wooden and lifeless - whenever the driver touches the brakes, the system goes into its regenerative mode (this captures the otherwise wasted energy and uses it to recharge the main battery). The Escape’s other benefit is that, despite the hybrid powertrain, it still comes with a decent all-wheel-drive system. That aside, the steering has a decent feel, which is rare for an electrically assisted system, and turn-in is responsive. While it’s not enough to cause alarm, the high seat position and the perceived roll it imparts actively dissuades the driver from cornering too quickly. The downside is the amount of body roll through a corner. Only the largest ripples feed back into the cabin. In terms of handling, the Hybrid emphasizes ride comfort. It also shuts the gas engine down when coasting at slow speeds and whenever the vehicle comes to rest. The reason for the difference is because of the Hybrid’s electric side: Feather the gas pedal off the line and it is possible to get up to 35 km/h on electric power alone. The V6 Escape guzzles fuel at 11.9 and 8.8 L/100 km, respectively. Where the Hybrid kicks butt is in the fuel economy department - it comes with a city rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres and a highway rating of 7.0. While shy of the V6’s performance, it is within hailing distance and so lives up to the promise. In terms of hard numbers, the Hybrid will reach 100 kilometres an hour as well as bridging the 80-120-km/h gap in a respectable 10.2 seconds. The electric motor is at its best off the line, so it masks the fact the gas engine takes its time to come on board. On the road, this combination delivers surprising pep. (The reason nominal output is less than the combined output is because the engine and electric motor develop peak power at different rpm.) However, by marrying it to the electric motor - which twists out another 94 hp - one ends up with a powertrain that delivers a nominal output of 155 hp. On its own, this engine would display dismal performance. While it produces 133 hp, its 124 pound-feet of torque feels weak as it is generated at a high 4,250 rpm. The small, 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine operates on the Atkinson cycle - this improves efficiency by about 4% versus a regular gas engine but at the loss of low-end torque. In order to get the promised performance, the Escape Hybrid combines a small gasoline- powered engine with an electric motor and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). ft - accomplished by packaging the Hybrid’s 330-volt battery pack under the floor and out of the way. With the seats down, this figure jumps to 65.6 cu. There is enough rear-seat room to accommodate two adults in comfort and, with the 60/40-split/folding seats in the upright position, it makes light work of up to 27.6 cubic feet of cargo. The Hybrid loses nothing in terms of versatility and capacity. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.