2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD

Inside is a unique gauge package that includes an economy indicator with a "green zone" that shows when the vehicle is operating on battery power. A separate display shows charge level and assist for the battery pack. The optional navigation system brings with it a premium Audiophile stereo, an energy flow diagram that displays hybrid system operation and a fuel economy display of instant and average mpg.


As in all '06 Escapes, there's seating for five with a 60/40 split rear seat and over 62 cu. ft. of cargo capacity with the rear seatbacks folded flat. Because the sizeable battery pack is efficiently packaged as the rear load floor, cargo space behind the rear bench is a respectable 27.6 cu. ft., only 1.7 cu. ft. less than standard Escapes.


If you've driven the other Escape, you won't notice much difference during normal driving. You will note that the engine shuts down on deceleration, stays down at rest, then restarts when you lift off the brake, and that the eCVT transmission seeks the engine's most efficient speed, which pushes rpm ahead of vehicle speed during hard acceleration and sometimes uphill. The controller switches the drive motor to generator duty for battery charging during braking ("regenerative" braking), and you won't feel much braking effect from the (shut down) engine while coasting.

Cargo

Acceleration is about as strong as the V-6, at least to 50 mph or so. The electric power steering provides light effort at parking speeds and crisp feel and response as speeds increase. Except for the (barely noticeable) extra weight, which amounts to slightly more than 300 lbs. over a comparably equipped V-6 Escape, handling is agile for a small SUV and little different from non-hybrid Escapes. Braking is normal except for some (hybrid-typical) low-speed non-linearity as regen braking phases in and out. The optional "intelligent" 4WD is completely transparent until you need it, whenever the front wheels lose traction.


For 2006, Ford's Hybrid Escape gets one new color (Black Clearcoat Metallic) and a new optional Premium Package that combines several luxury and appearance options into one. Available in five monochromatic exterior colors, this package offers leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, heated front seats, heated side view mirrors, Reverse Sensing System, a hybrid energy display and navigation system, a cargo area retractable cover, rear floor mats and a handy 110-volt outlet.