2008 Ford Escape - Performance Review

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Shopping for a 2008 Ford Escape? MSRP: $19,140 - $29,215

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The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid delivers decent fuel economy for what it is, but it's not a powerhouse. “The hybrid system is one of the Escape Hybrid's few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming package,” Cars.com reports.

Cars.com describes the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid powertrain as a combination of a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Total system output is 155 hp, and a continuously variable automatic transmission is standard. “Even though the Escape Hybrid's powertrain is mechanically the same as the 2007,” they report, “extensive software modifications were made to the control system so it would run on electric power more often and transition more smoothly between electric and gas/electric modes.” ForbesAutos adds that “the Escape Hybrid's gasoline engine shuts down at red lights and other temporary stops. At slower speeds, the vehicle runs on battery power alone. The gasoline engine kicks in automatically when accelerating hard, or when speeds exceed about 25 mph.”

Edmunds reports, “Although the cumulative horsepower rating of 155 doesn't sound very impressive, the Escape Hybrid is quicker than the regular four-cylinder Escape and feels almost as fast as the V6 model.” AutoblogGreen says, “The Escape has respectable if not exciting performance. It's certainly no sports car, but it has no trouble accelerating up to merge with freeway traffic.”

Canadian Driver reports that the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid offers "slightly improved fuel consumption" over its immediate predecessor. The EPA rates the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid at 34/30 mpg, compared to 31/29 mpg for the previous version. Canadian Driver observed 33 mpg during their test, while the New York Times reports closer to 29 mpg. The reviewer here said that driving through hilly roads in Pennsylvania, he "found the gas engine often churning away at 4,300 revolutions a minute, too high for good fuel economy."

Edmunds says, “The main difference between driving an Escape Hybrid and driving a regular Escape comes down to handling: The Hybrid feels top-heavy around turns due to its extra 300 pounds of curb weight.” AutoblogGreen reports, “The steering feel is responsive and nicely weighted with no slop in the mechanism. The brakes had good pedal feel and were easily modulated.” The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid also offers an all-wheel-drive edition.

One area in which the 2008 Escape Hybrid suffers is in towing capacity; whereas its nonhybrid siblings can tow a payload of up to 3,500 pounds, ConsumerGuide reports that the hybrid's capacity is no more than 1,000 pounds--so don't plan on using it to haul your boat or camping trailer.