Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a gas-electric hybrid powered version of the Ford Escape crossover SUV developed by the Ford Motor Company. It is the first hybrid SUV to hit the market. A similar vehicle, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is sold by Ford's Mercury marque, and a third variation, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, is now sold by Mazda since 2006.

The Escape Hybrid's 133 horsepower (99 kW) gasoline engine and 94 hp electric motor combine to give performance similar to the 200 hp V6 engine commonly used in the regular Escape. The hybrid is said to give approximately 75% greater efficiency, with about 33 to 36 mpg in city traffic, (and has demonstrated it can travel 400–500 miles on a single 16.5 gallon tank of gasoline in city driving), and 29 to 31 mpg on the highway. Unlike conventional vehicles, hybrids often achieve better figures in the city because they do not waste power idling and can recover some power when stopping (by using regenerative braking) that would be wasted on a conventional vehicle.

Ford Escape Hybrid Specifications

* Fuel Economy City 36MPG/Highway 31MPG(2WD), City 33MPG/Highway 29MPG (AWD)

* 0 - 60mph - approximately 9 seconds

* Displacement 2.3 liter

* Net Power 155 horsepower

* Gas Engine Power 133 horsepower

* Electric Motor Power 94 horsepower

* Net Torque 124 lb.-ft.

* Gas Engine Torque 124 lb.-ft. @ 4250 RPM

* Electric Motor Torque 100 lb.-ft. @ 840 RPM

* Towing Capacity 1,000 pounds

* Tank Size 15 gallons

* Battery Output 330 volts

* Drag Coefficient .29

* Seating 5

* Passenger Space 100 cubic feet

* Cargo Space 27.6 cubic feet