Ford Escape Hybrid Offers Best SUV MPG Rating Of Its Class

The Ford Escape Hybrid SUV was developed by the Ford Motor Company with several new innovations. The Escape Hybrid offers a feature called Easy Fuel, which now comes standard on every SUV. There is no gas cap when fueling the Ford SUV.

Ford Escape is a great SUV and the test-drive went perfect. The vehicle actually uses no fuel when you're stopped in traffic or driving at lower speeds. The electric mode will activate, at speeds up to 40 mph, which will turn off the gasoline engine automatically.

The Ford Hybrid Escape has an EPA estimate of 34 city and 31 highway. This is a far more MPG rating that most standard automobiles. The vehicle is powered by a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine and it handles seamlessly when converting to electric mode operation.

Escape comes with a nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery which is stored under the flat rear cargo area. It is completely sealed and encased in the load floor. The vehicle has a new Hybrid component which recharges the NiMH battery each time you apply the brakes.

While the Regenerative Braking System will recharge the battery, the energy gets stored for later use. When you hit the brakes in a conventional automobile, the energy is lost as heat. However, the electric motor on the Ford SUV captures this energy and sends it back to the battery pack to be stored for later use.

The AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) is also introduced in the Ford Escape Hybrid. This is a stability control system that measures the yaw and roll motion on the vehicle. If the driver turns a corner too quickly, or swerves to avoid an object, the RSC will automatically apply brake pressure while adjusting the power to the engine to maintain control.

Another great feature in the Ford Escape is called the in-car voice-activated communications system. This allows you to operate most popular MP3 players, Bluetooth-enabled phones and flash drives with simple voice commands. Ford now includes 911 Assist and a Vehicle Health Report feature.

Ford's Navigation System is also available, which can provide detailed freeway exits, turn and ramp transition lane guidance, and street name announcements. The system includes a 10GB hard drive for storing photos, ripping CDs, and managing music with the Jukebox function.