In the everlasting MPG wars between small SUV/Crossovers, Ford has just released its latest salvo in the form of the 2020 Escape Plug-in Hybrid. The Blue Oval had claimed the title of the world’s first hybrid SUV back in 2004 with its boxy Escape Hybrid, and is now back to claim more accolades with its first-ever plug-in Escape. Behold the the 100 MPGe EPA combined rating the small SUV which eclipses most of its competitors.
Plug and Play
The new Escape PHEV happens to be a tall SUV with plenty of cargo room (Up to 61 cu/ft), which makes this feat even more impressive. Toyota, with its just-unveiled RAV4 Prime plug-in will be lining up as a direct competitor against the miserly Ford when it’s released later on this summer, but based on the EPA’s estimation, it will fall short of Ford’s impressive figures with its 94-MPGe number.
However, it must be pointed out that both the RAV4 and the other notable non-plug in hybrid in this category, namely the Honda CR-V, utilize AWD whereas the Ford does not. In terms of actual combined EPA estimated fuel economy, both the Escape Hybrids, with and without the “plug” offer a 41 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.
4-Modes In All
The new Escape Plug-in Hybrid also allows its driver to operate the vehicle for 37 miles on electric power alone, provided that it’s got a full charge. That feat can only be accomplished in the “EV Now” mode, which will deplete the battery. That is one of new Escape PHEV’s 4 different driving modes. The others are: “Automatic”, in which the vehicle switches from electric to engine power depending on driving conditions; “EV Later” which uses gasoline power and saves electricity for later; and “EV Charge Mode” which uses some of the engine’s power to charge the battery for EV driving later.
Nifty and Thrifty
The 2020 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid will be on sale at your local Ford dealer this summer. Prices start at around $33k and despite cheap gas prices, Ford is expecting much from this little overachieving hybrid.
Sources: Motor Trend, Detroit Free Press