First showing up on the market in 2004, the Ford Escape Hybrid was the very first hybrid SUV to be released to the public. Ford was instantly praised for its environmental awareness and recognition of consumers' desire to save money at the gas pump. However, the praise quickly simmered when other manufacturers began releasing their own hybrid SUV models. Nevertheless, Ford managed to hang on to the original acclaim when the Escape Hybrid was named one of the top ten fuel efficient vehicles on the market for 2008. It was included in a list of bestselling models like the Toyota Prius and Corolla.
The four-door compact SUV has undergone only minor changes since its inception. In 2008, the exterior of the Escape Hybrid received a complete makeover where lines were tightened and the down the road graphics became more bold and commanding. Ford's decision to change the exterior design stemmed from the idea that hybrid models should stand out from the crowd and need not appear meek or unassuming just because they save on gasoline. The engine has stayed the same 2.3L Duratec I4 that operates on either gasoline, electricity, or both at the same time. While the 133 horsepower of the hybrid engine is nowhere near the gasoline-powered model's 200 horsepower, the addition of the 94 horsepower electric engine gives the hybrid model a needed boost.
Ford claims that the Escape Hybrid can operate purely on electric power up until 39 mph, but after that speed has been reached the gasoline power takes over or shares the task with the electric. Because the electric engine can be used frequently in city and residential driving, the Ford Escape Hybrid meets California's strict emission regulations and the SUV emits 90% fewer pollutants into the environment than the standard car models currently on the market.
The Ford Escape Hybrid has become so popular that it has been featured in a number of television shows and movies. The hit HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm showed the main character Larry David driving the model. The CW's teen drama sensation Gossip Girl has included the Escape Hybrid, and it was also shown as a taxicab in the long-running Law & Order. The blockbuster film, I am Legend starring Will Smith, proudly displayed the hybrid SUV, while viewers got a flash of the vehicle in a scene on the television show Ghost Whisperer.
Ford has not released any information regarding upcoming versions of the Escape Hybrid. However, since an exterior renovation was completed for the 2008 model year, buyers should only expect to see changes under the hood.
