2011 Ford Escape Hybrid – A Quick Review on the model
Green vehicles | June 14, 2011The next generation models of SUVs in next few years are going to dazzle the auto industries. People are becoming more attentive when it comes to buying something for families and thus go green is the best option. Even though there is growth in the market, people are still flowing towards the best model Ford Escape Hybrid. The Ford Escape Hybrid was debuted in 2005 and since it has been considered as the main stream model when it comes to hybrid SUV. The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid is long run model which offers combination of excellent and practicality fuel economy to make its worth for the green car buyers.
For: Scored top marks in crash tests, peppy performance, innovative and high tech features and most fuel efficient SUV.
Against: Lack Luster performance, steep price tag and noisy acceleration.
MSRP: Starts from $30,570.
For 2011,the Ford Escape Hybrid has brought minor changes. Now the Leather package includes available Smokers package, heated front seats, HD radio capability and optional navigation system. For all models, they have kept Ford’s MyKey system as standard. The Ford Escape Hybrid is been around in the market from more than five years, and still carries the charms and appearance very intelligently. There are many things that you will love to have in the Hybrid cars, as people generally think green cars are only for fuel efficiency and thus lacks luxurious features. Thus, Ford Escape Hybrid proves all this as wrong statement and thus offers plenty of exclusive features and functions.
Body Styles and Trim Levels
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid offers two trim levels including Limited and Base.
The Ford Escape Hybrid Base adds 16 inch alloy wheels, an integrated driver blind spot mirror, foglights, an auto dimming rearview mirror, full power accessories, dual auto zone climate control, a leather wrapped steering control, four speaker CD Stereo with satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack, cruise controls. For all models, the Ford’s MyKey is kept as standard.
The Limited body styles offers a sunroof, chrome exterior accents, rear parking assist, a rear view camera, leather upholstery, multicolor ambient lighting, piano black interior treatments, and heated front seats. The other options that are available with the base model only are voice operated navigation system and the sunroof that also featured with hybrid energy fuel/flow consumption display, HD radio capability, digital music storage, Sirius Travel Link, and a premium seven audio system.
Powertrains
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid is motivated with 2.5L with four cylinder gasoline engine and battery powered electric motor. In combination with gasoline and battery powered, it delivers 177hp. The power on the gearset is sent thoroughly with the help of continuously variable transmission that allows seamless transitions in the electric and gas modes. When there is need of additional acceleration, the all wheel drive received power from the electric motor on the rear wheels.
The acceleration is outstanding and is comparable with the gasoline powered that sprints from 0-60mph in standstill of 9 seconds. The estimated fuel economy of the Ford Escape Hybrid is considered as the top figures in the hybrid SUV category that offers 34 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on highway and for combined 32 mpg. The AWD version offers 30 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on highway and for combined as 29 mpg.
Safety Option
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid offers safety options such as antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, stability control, full length head curtain airbags and front seat side airbags along with roll over sensors. The Ford’s MyKey system helps the parents to identify the maximum speed limits and volume of the stereos to be kept stable for teenagers. Under the crash testing performance, the Ford Escape Hybrid earned five stars for both side and frontal impacts. Similarly from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety offers “Good” ratings on the side crash and frontal offset protection. Though they offer poor and bit longer that what we expected from the acceleration, but still is the best choice in the fuel economy.
Inside the cabin
The interiors of the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid offers attractive features dressed up with intuitive and soft touch materials. The Limited trims has more appealing interiors because of the piano black accents, chrome and ambient lighting, so that you can change according to the mood.
The cabins of the Ford Escape Hybrid are relatively better and roomier as compared with the other competitive models. The Front seats are quite liable and possibly some occupants feel like they are seating in upper position. Even the lack of telescoping steering column is somewhat difficult that makes driver to feel more uncomfortable. The rear seats of the SUV are not as comfortable as it can hold mediocre folks easily.
The storage capacity of the Ford Escape Hybrid measures up to 28 cubic feet and when seats are been folded it offers 66 cubic feet, which is quite good and better Ford Escape Hybrid. The Ford’s voice operated Sync system and MP3 player with spoken commands are upgraded. The Sirius Travel Link Navigation system has ability to access all useful information whether it has live weather radar images, gas price, nearby Movie Theater and many options.
Verdict
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid actually doesn’t make you realized any difference between the conventional and hybrid model. As the Ford Escape Hybrid offers similar sluggish performance with the V6 powered engines. It offers decent suspension, but has added 300 pounds because of the Hybrid versions. The added weight might create problem in stopping down at distance. The other traditional gasoline powered models such as Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CRV offers decent fuel economy, but still Ford Escape Hybrid is the best option to go for. The Ford Escape Hybrid offers both cargo capacity and fuel economy awesomely in order to make your road trip comfortable.
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