2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid Engine Options

It appears that hybrid vehicles will be the next step in conquering pollution and fuel economy, which is why all the major car makers have begun producing hybrid engine vehicles. A hybrid SUV, however, might sound a little counter productive, what with the reputation for, well, gutlessness that most hybrids have. That's why the new 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid has surprised so many who drive it.

The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid comes with two engines, as is the wont of hybrids, well, sort of. The electric motor isn't actually an engine, although it puts out 94 horsepower and runs the car all by itself during stop and go traffic and at speeds below 25 miles per hour. The 153 horsepower gasoline engine is a measly four banger, a 2.5 liter one to be exact, but it gets the job done, albeit with noticeable effort at high speeds or during quick accelerations. The obvious pay off? Simply amazing fuel mileage. The front wheel drive model gets 34 miles to the gallon in city driving and 31 miles to the gallon on the highway. Hybrids, unlike conventional cars, actually run completely electric at low speeds and recharge while braking.

This years Ford Escape Hybrid actually fixes several flaws in last year's design, such as a tendency run the motor, and ding fuel efficiency, because of secondary systems like air conditioning. Also, the engine now transfers even more smoothly between electric and gasoline power, making some consumers forget they are even driving a hybrid at all.

Unfortunately, the price for the hybrid engine notches about nine grand over the nearest competitor, which means getting your money's worth out of the vehicle is a lengthy proposition. For consumers looking to do the environment a favor and wanting to own the same car for the next decade, it is a win win situation. Otherwise, a more conventional vehicle might be a better choice.