The Ford Escape is among the best-selling vehicles in the compact SUV category and is in its fourth generation in North America. Four different powertrains are available for consumers: gas-only, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. In this piece, we will focus on the Escape Plug-in Hybrid with the premium package ($4,900), which is the most expensive of the lineup but also the most fuel-efficient by nature. Let's jump into it: The Ford Escape PHEV has a starting price of $46,294 and was manufactured at the Louisville, KY plant.
We're featuring the Ford Escape for the second time; the last time we tested, it was at the beginning of the new fourth generation, which delivered a lot for its relatively small price. The American automaker continued to improve the compact crossover and decided to refresh its look in 2023. The changes start in the front, with a redesigned front end featuring new lighting elements, including a front lightbar, a smaller front grille and a different set of wheels. The redesign has been modest in the back, updating the lighting elements. The Escape features a polished look; it has more of a European vibe thanks to its rounded shape.
The Ford Escape isn't reinventing the wheel inside either; the cabin was already well configured from the start of this new generation. Starting on the driver's side, you will find a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster, configurable thanks to the buttons on the steering wheel. Our only regret is the absence of a full-screen map to be displayed on the gauge cluster. The rest of the controls are carried over from the earlier Escape models; the main difference is the climate controls, which have unfortunately been integrated into the large 13.2-inch infotainment screen. Adjusting the fan speed or the temperature when driving can be challenging since the 'buttons' are so small at the bottom of the display. That being said, the new, larger screen in the Escape works well and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test model also included a wireless charger, heads-up display and a premium Bang&Olufsen sound system, which sounded great!
As for the rest of the interior, the seats in the Ford Escape PHEV are comfortable. The front seats in our test version were heated and ventilated. The space available for rear occupants is among the best in the segment, and the seats have the same stitchings as the ones in front, giving them a premium look. Cargo-wise, with the second row folded down, you can get up to 1,721L (60.8 cu. ft.). Fixing a car seat in the ISOFIX ports and the rear anchors is straightforward; the Escape remains a versatile family-oriented SUV.
Under the hood, as mentioned in the introduction, the Ford Escape has four different powertrain options. There are three different four-cylinder engines: the base 1.5L EcoBoost, the more potent 2.0L EcoBoost, and the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine. That engine is used in both the regular hybrid model and the Plug-in Hybrid model we tested. Paired with an Electronic Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), the powertrain delivers 210 hp and a range of about 60 km (37 mi) in EV mode thanks to a 14.4kWh battery pack in the PHEV version. When we drove this vehicle earlier this year, we averaged about 42 km of EV range in somewhat cold temperatures. This version is the only one that isn't available with AWD; all other variants offer it as an option or standard with the 2.0L; we were disappointed to see that it wasn't available, while Toyota and Mitsubishi offer it, for example. Charging the vehicle takes about 3.5 hours on a level 2 public charger and about 11 hours on a regular household outlet; you can charge it overnight to nearly 100%, which is suitable for a typical workday. No fast charging capability is available on the Escape.
The best way to describe the driving experience of the Ford Escape would be predictable. It isn't trying to be sporty or luxurious; the power delivery to the front wheels is satisfactory, and even when you floor the gas pedal, there's no oversteer and no tire noise, thanks to the traction control system. There are different drive modes that you can choose on the button next to the volume knob, the difference between them is barely noticeable, but there's no proper one-pedal driving, unfortunately (there is a low gear on the rotary dial, but it still won't bring the car to a halt). This compact SUV is easy to park thanks to its light steering, but its handling is average. The suspension is on the comfy side; it absorbs the potholes nicely at the expense of sportiness. However, not a single Escape buyer will mind this. Fuel efficiency is as good as advertised; even with the battery at 0 km, you can still drive in EV mode if you don't drive the vehicle too fast. According to NR Can, the average fuel economy is 5.9L/100km; our result was a final combined average of 6.0L/100km (39 mpg) at near-freezing temperatures.
The Ford Escape PHEV truly stands out as a versatile option. It can operate for extended periods on electric power alone, constantly prioritizing this mode. When a longer drive is needed, it offers solid fuel economy for your next road trip. The recent refresh places it in a solid position to remain one of the top contenders in its class, and its competitive pricing is a significant advantage, even though all-wheel drive isn't available. The Escape may still be relatively unfamiliar to many, but its strengths quickly become clear—and the benefits far outweigh its drawbacks!
Ford has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Ford Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the car referred to above.
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