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Ford Escape
2003–2006 Ford Escape XLS (Australia)
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Production 2000[1]–present
Class Compact SUV
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform Ford CD2 platform
Related Mercury Mariner
Mazda Tribute

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer. Although technically it's a crossover vehicle, it is marketed by Ford as part of its traditional SUV lineup (Escape, Explorer, Expedition) rather than its separate crossover lineup (Edge, Flex). The Escape was sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick.[2] It was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owned a controlling interest, and was released simultaneously with the Mazda Tribute. In the United States, Ford's Mercury division released a luxury version called the Mariner starting with the 2005 model year, but ended production in October 2010 as Ford ended the Mercury brand.[3]

A hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004, making it the first hybrid SUV.

The Escape is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626. However, on June 23, 2010, it was announced that Ford will end production on the second generation Escape in 2011 and move production to its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, where it is slated to be succeeded by an American version of its European CUV counterpart, the Ford Kuga.[4]

First generation (2000–2007)[]

First generation
2001–2004 Ford Escape
Also called Ford Maverick
Production 2000–2007 (Japan, US)
2006–present (Taiwan) 2010–present (China)
Assembly Avon Lake, Ohio, United States
Jhongli City, Taiwan
Claycomo, Missouri, United States
Hai Duong, Vietnam
Hōfu, Yamaguchi, Japan
Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
Engine(s) 2.0 L Zetec I4
2.3 L[5] Duratec 23 I4
3.0 L[5] Duratec 30 V6
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
4-speed CD4E automatic
Wheelbase 103.1 in (2619 mm)
Length 2001–04: 173.0 in (4394 mm)
2005–07: 174.9 in (4442 mm)
Width 70.1 in (1781 mm)
Height 2001–04: 69.1 in (1755 mm)
2005–07: 69.7 in (1770 mm)
Curb weight ~3400 lbs

The first generation Ford Escape was released in North America for the 2001 model year. It was slotted below the larger, truck-based Explorer in Ford's lineup, but was larger than the small SUV offerings from Honda and Toyota.[6] At the time, most sport utility vehicles used a truck based Body-on-frame design. Solid rear axles were commonly used due to their ability to carry heavy loads at the expense of a comfortable ride and good handling. Ford realized that most initial SUV owners did not take their vehicles off road, and decided instead to use a car-like Monocoque design with a fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering for the Escape.[7] Although not meant for serious off-roading, a full time all wheel drive system supplied by Dana was optional which included a locking center differential activated by a switch on the dashboard.[8] The all wheel drive system normally sends most of the power from the engine to the front wheels. If slipping is detected at the front, more power will be sent to the rear wheels in a fraction of a second. The entire braking system was built by Continental Teves including the ABS and various related suspension components.[9] CKD production began in 2002 at Ford Lio Ho Motor Co. in Taiwan for various Asian markets.[10]

Ford Maverick front 20080625

Ford Maverick (German specification)

From 2001 to 2004 the Ford Escape was sold in Europe under the Maverick name, and replaced a rebadged version of the Nissan Mistral/Terrano II. Only two versions were made, the 2.0 L Zetec inline 4 engine with manual transmission and 3.0 L Duratec V6 with automatic transmission, both using gasoline as fuel. The absence of a diesel version did not help sales and the vehicle was temporarily discontinued in late 2003.

The Maverick was reintroduced in 2005 in certain European markets with the Duratec V6 engine. It was announced that the Maverick would be assembled in Russia for the Russian market. As of 2006, the Maverick was no longer sold in Europe, leaving Ford without a compact SUV until the 2009 Ford Kuga was introduced.

The Maverick was primarily designed for on-road use – sold with normal road tires, and to be used with front-wheel drive most of the time. A second "gear lever" for the transfer gearbox enabled four-wheel drive mode with no centre differential and a limited slip rear differential – this precluded using full-time four-wheel drive on the road as it caused undue wear on the transmission and tires.

Crash test results for the Escape have been mixed. In the New Car Assessment Program administered by the USA based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car received 5 out of 5 stars for driver protection and 4 out of 5 stars for passenger protection in a 35 mph (56 km/h) frontal impact.[11] The SUV received 5 stars for both driver and rear passenger in the side impact test. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 40 mph (64 km/h) frontal offset test, 2001–2004 Escapes received a score of "Marginal".[12] In the side impact crash test vehicles equipped with the optional side air bags received a score of "Good" in the 31 mph (50 km/h), while those without the optional air bags received a score of "Poor".[13]

All Escapes are equipped with a passive 'Immobiliser' called SecuriLock. This feature includes a 'RFID' chip embedded in the key which is read by the car each time the vehicle is started. If the vehicle fails to receive a valid confirmation signal from the key, the vehicle will not run even if the key is perfectly cut to match the original. Theft, Injury, and Collision losses reported to insurance companies for the Escape are among the lowest in its class.[14]

In the USA, the Escape has been recalled 10 times, although the bulk of the problems only affected the first model year.[15] In April, 2007 Ford announced it would recall nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs produced between 2001–2004 due to reported engine fires. Ford recalled those Escape year models because of improper sealing in the anti-lock braking system that could cause contamination and a short.[16] Ford has said the fires did not cause personal injuries and the Escape hybrid was not affected.

05-07 Ford Escape

MY2005–2007 Ford Escape

2005[]

The Escape and Tribute were updated in 2004 for the 2005 model year with a new base engine (the 2.3 L [2261 cc, 140 cu in] Duratec 23), which replaced the Zetec 2.0 L (1983 cc, 121 cu in) 127 hp (95 kW) 4-cylinder. The most powerful engine remained the 200 hp (150 kW) Duratec 3.0 L (2976 cc, 181 cu in) V6, with new engine mounts. Ford also added advanced airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent all wheel drive system, and exterior changes. 2005 was the first model year an automatic transmission was available on the base four-cylinder models. The automatic shifter was moved from the column to the console on all models equipped with automatic transmissions. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats to improve the safety of occupants in the rear seats in the case of a rear crash.

2006 (Asia-Pacific)[]

2006-2008 Ford Escape (ZC) XLT Sport wagon (Navteq) 01

2006–2008 Ford Escape (ZC) XLT (Australia)

A revamped ZC Escape went on sale in the second half of 2006 for the Asian and Pacific markets (except South Korea, where the North American-market Escape is sold).[17] Major external changes include a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights and hood, and rear bumper, as well as LED taillights.

On the inside, changes include a floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter, as well as a redesigned center stack containing audio and climate controls. Climate control is automatic on all models except the XLS. The Limited model also features full color-coded bumpers, wheel arch and side moldings, as well as side mirrors with integrated LED indicators. Rear drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes all round.

The 3.0 L V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 2.3 L 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle, as well as a slight increase in power to 109 kW (146 hp). Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations. A four-speed automatic carries over and is the sole transmission choice.

2008 (Asia-Pacific)[]

2008-2010 Ford Escape (ZD) wagon 03
2008-2010 Ford Escape (ZD) wagon 01
2008–2010 Ford Escape (ZD; Australia)

The ZD Escape went on sale in mid-2008, bringing numerous changes. The V6 engine was dropped, leaving only the 2.3L four-cylinder. In Australia, it was a rebadged Mazda Tribute with a different front-end and tailgate built in Taiwan.[18] The model range was also simplified, with only a single specification available. Changes to the body include an all-new front bumper, grille, headlights and bonnet, featuring an enlarged Ford emblem set upon a 3-bar chrome grille. At the rear, new slimmer tail-lights are featured, which are arranged horizontally, rather than vertically. In addition, the B-pillar is now painted black, rather than body-colour. Compared with the previous model, all external bumpers, mirrors, and cladding are painted the same colour as the body (previously, this was only available on the upscale Limited model). Equipment levels have also improved. Compared to the base model ZC Escape, the ZD includes standard side airbags, automatic climate control, 16" alloy wheels, and mirrors with integrated indicators. Unlike most other competitors in its class, curtain airbags and electronic stability control are not available.

Hybrid[]

The Escape Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the Escape, launched in the U.S. in 2004, to offset the pollution resulting from non-hybrid SUV use. Built in Kansas City, Missouri, it was the first hybrid SUV to hit the market. The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first American-built hybrid and the first hybrid vehicle from an American automaker, joined by the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrids during the same model year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the first generation Ford Escape Hybrid is 70% more efficient than the regular Escape. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a rebadged version of the Escape Hybrid, sold by Ford's Mercury marque. It features revised front-end styling and a more luxurious interior. The Mariner sits above the Escape in the Ford-Mercury-Lincoln hierarchy.

05-07 Ford Escape Hybrid
MY2005–2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford leaf road logo
Escape "Hybrid" badge

Escape hybrid versions can be identified by the "Hybrid" badges located on the front driver's and passenger's doors as well as near the right tailgate. In addition, the driver's side window in the cargo area is smaller in size in order to accommodate a ventilation slot for the high voltage battery. There was also a "Special Appearance Package" available as an option on the 2005–2007 Hybrid models. This package replaced the traditional lower cladding of the Escape with a silver finish. Standard equipment on the Escape Hybrid includes: an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control, a six-CD stereo, 16-inch alloy wheels, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and power windows.

Ford built 17,000 Escape Hybrids in the second half of 2004, four times as many as it had originally planned.[19] Starting in 2005 New York City and other cities in the world began using the Ford Escape Hybrid as taxicabs. The Ford Escape Hybrid won the North American Truck of the Year award in 2005.[20]

The Escape Hybrid uses technology similar to that used in the Toyota Prius. Ford engineers realized their technology may conflict with patents held by Toyota, which led to a 2004 patent-sharing accord between the companies, licensing Ford's use of some of Toyota's hybrid technology[21] in exchange for Toyota's use of some of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology.[22] Ford maintains that Ford received no technical assistance from Toyota in developing the hybrid powertrain, but that some hybrid engine technologies developed by Ford independently were found to be similar to technologies previously patented by Toyota, so licenses were obtained.[22] Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., a Japanese automotive components supplier belonging to the Toyota Group, supplies the hybrid continuously variable transmission for the Escape Hybrid. While Toyota produces its third-generation Prius transmission in-house, Aisin is the only supplier of hybrid transmissions to other manufacturers. Friction has arisen concerning Aisin's allocation of limited production capacity and engineering resources to Ford.[22] Sanyo Electric Co. built the 50 kg (110 lb),330V[23] 5.5 Ah (would make it 1.8kWh storage) , 250-cell nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack for the 2005 Escape Hybrid.[24]

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid engine

Engine compartment of a 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

The Escape Hybrid is a full hybrid, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together, for maximum performance and efficiency at all speeds and loads. When braking or decelerating, the Escape's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. The Escape Hybrid's 133 horsepower (99 kW) gasoline I4 engine and electric motor combine to give 155 hp (116 kW), which gives the Hybrid Escape has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp (150 kW) V6 Escape due to the electric motor's torque being available from zero rpm.

The hybrid is said to give approximately 75% greater efficiency, with about 33 to 36 mpg-U.S. in city traffic, and has demonstrated it can travel 400–500 miles (644–805 km) on a single 16.5-U.S.-gallon (62 L; 13.7 imp gal) tank of gasoline in the city, and 29 to 31 mpg-U.S. (7.6L-8.1 L/100 km; 35-37 mpg-imp) on the highway. To obtain these mileage figures, the owners manual states that pure gasoline, not ethanol blends, must be used. Unlike conventional vehicles, hybrids often achieve better figures in the city because they do not waste power idling and can recover some power when stopping (by using regenerative braking) that would be wasted in a conventional vehicle.

During a review by Car and Driver, it was noted that "[u]nder extremely light throttle, the electric motor will provide all the power necessary to creep around in urban traffic. In normal circumstances, the gas engine shudders to life somewhere between 10 and 20 mph to help the propulsion cause and will shut down again somewhere below 30 mph when slowing for a stop."[25] The Escape Hybrid gives a top speed of 102 mph (163 km/h).[26] In 2006 Ford showed an Escape that could run on E85 fuel.

Safety[]

Escape Hybrid 2006 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings:[27]

  • Frontal Driver: 4/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar empty
  • Frontal Passenger: 4/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar empty
  • Front Side: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Rear Side: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full

Second generation (2008–present)[]

Second generation (North America)
2009 Ford Escape XLS
Production January 29, 2007–present[28]
Assembly Claycomo, Missouri, United States
Engine(s) 2.3 L[5] Duratec 23 I4
2.5 L Duratec 25 I4
3.0 L[5] Duratec 30 V6
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
4-speed CD4E automatic
6-speed 6F35 automatic
Wheelbase 103.1 in (2619 mm)
Length 174.7 in (4437 mm)
Width 71.1 in (1806 mm)
Height 2008: 67.7 in (1720 mm)
2009–present AWD: 67.8 in (1722 mm)
2009–present FWD: 67.9 in (1725 mm)
Fuel capacity 16.5 US gal (62.5 L/13.7 imp gal)
Hybrid: 15.0 US gal (56.8 L/12.5 imp gal)[29]

The second generation Ford Escape debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show.[30] The North American-market Escape and its Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner siblings were redesigned in order to stay competitive with other new compact SUVs, however most of the internals have been carried over for the 2008 model year. The Escape still uses the CD2 platform.[31] Ford also included an electronic stability control system standard on the 2008 Escape.[32]

The updated Escape received some styling cues from the Explorer, Edge, and Expedition. Changes include a new grille with larger headlamps in the front fascia, while the sides were revised with cleaner lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior is also completely redesigned, including the newest standard Ford family navigation system.[33]

The 2008 Escape and its Mercury Mariner sibling were the first vehicles to feature Ford's pull-drift steering compensation, an enhancement made possible by applying software control to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.[34]

A new concept version for the Asian market, called the Ford Escape Adventure Concept, was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It features a revised front and rear fascia, incorporating Ford's three-bar grill styling theme and restyled LED tail lamps.[35]

2009[]

At the 2008 Washington Auto Show, Ford introduced new changes to the Escape for the 2009 model year. Ford's new 6-speed 6F automatic replaced the previous 4-speed automatic on both the I4 and V6 models. The 2.3 L Duratec 23 was replaced by a new 2.5 L (2488 cc, 152 cu in) Duratec 25,[36] which boosted standard power to 171 hp (128 kW) and 171 lb·ft (232 N·m) of torque, while increasing fuel economy by 1 mpg (~2L/100 km) on both urban and extra-urban cycles. The optional 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 was thoroughly updated, resulting in a 40 hp (30 kW) increase, bringing power output to 240 hp (180 kW) and 233 lb·ft (316 N·m) of torque. The Duratec 30 also sees a 1 mpg-US (240 L/100 km/1.2 mpg-imp) fuel economy improvement. The "Escape" badge is entirely removed from the front doors.

The Hybrid is also upgraded to use the 2.5 L (albeit still using the Atkinson cycle for better fuel economy). Efficiency improved to 34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km/41 mpg-imp) city and 31 mpg-US (7.6 L/100 km/37 mpg-imp) highway according to the USEPA. The 2.5 L engine brings the Hybrid's power output up by 22 hp (16 kW) when the electric motor is added in.

Other mechanical changes include a new 18.5 mm (0.73 in) rear stabilizer bar, revised suspension tuning, upgrades to the 3.0 L V6 that brought power to 240 hp,[36] and a new exhaust system on all Escapes. The braking system for the Hybrid versions has been revised with a vacuum assist unit that reviewers have said give the brakes a consistent feel over the entire travel of the brake pedal.[36] Previous versions of the Hybrid were reported to have a slightly mushy brake feel, primarily due to the fact that for the first part of the brake travel and braking the system is regenerating power instead of engaging the brake pads against the rotors. However, the brakes, when tested, gave the Escape extremely long stops.

Also in 2009, Ford's SYNC system is standard on the Hybrid, Hybrid Limited, and conventional Limited models, and optional on the XLS and XLT.

The Escape underwent some minor aerodynamic changes for 2009, including a revised front chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers. Along with the addition of rear tire spoilers is an optional 17" chrome-clad wheel equipped with a new Michelin "Low-Rolling-Resistance-Tire", slightly increasing ground clearance and improving traction over the standard 16" wheels and tires. Another new feature is Ford's Easy-Fuel capless fuel filling system.[37]

As of August 2009 the Escape was among the four Ford vehicles, along with the Focus, F-Series and Ranger, to benefit the most from the Cash for Clunkers program, where it showed a 49 percent increase in sales.[38]

2010[]

In 2009 for the 2010 model year, the Escape will add three new features that will be standard on all trims: Ford's MyKey, trailer sway controls and Integrated Spotter Mirror for better blind spot viewing. Everything else added in the 2008 and 2009 model years will be carried over, but the optional orders have been renamed to Rapid Specification Codes (100s for XLS, 200s for XLT, and 300s for Limited).

New optional features for 2010: active park assist (APA) is a new feature available since mid-2009 as an option on the 2010 Ford Escape Limited (currently only optional on the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, and Lincoln MKS). Active Park Assist will detect an available parallel parking space and automatically steer the vehicle into the space (hands free) while the driver control the accelerator, gearshift and brakes. The system will visually and audibly instruct the driver to park the vehicle. Active Park Assist system uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide the vehicle into a parking space. Rear-view camera system – uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when it is in reverse.

2011[]

No cosmetic changes were made for the 2011 model year, although the only minor changes will be the addition of HD Radio as a standard on all trims.[39]

Hybrid[]

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

The second generation Ford Escape Hybrid received some styling tweaks inside and out. The major cosmetic changes include a new bumpers, grill, headlights and taillights to match Ford's new edge style. But the drivetrain is essentially the same mechanically but has had extensive software modifications.[40] For 2009, a larger, more powerful engine is introduced, together with a revised suspension, addition of stability control, the debut of "Sync" voice-control system and a capless fuel filler system.[41] The batteries and other hybrid components in a 2009 Escape hybrid add about 136 kg to the vehicle. However, the added weight is blamed for an adverse effect in handling.[42] Furthermore, from 2009 onward, rear disc brakes of previous years are swapped for drum brakes, which is criticized as a "strange step backward".[41]

The second Escape hybrid is offered in two levels of specification, an undesignated base model and the more expensive "Limited" trim. The base includes: a 60/40 split-fold rear bench seat, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, and a single-disc four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with Sirius Satellite Radio compatibility. The "Limited" adds: a chrome front grille, heated front seats, a six-way power driver's seat and full leather upholstery, rear park assist, ambient lighting, and 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels. For the 2009 model year, Ford SYNC became standard on both Hybrid trims. 2010 models saw the addition of MyKey, trailer sway controls, and integrated spotter mirror for better blind spot viewing. New optional extras are active park assist and a rear-view camera.

Ford announced the development of a prototype E85 Hybrid Escape, the first flexible fuel hybrid electric vehicle capable of running on 85% ethanol.[43] In 2007 Ford produced 20 demonstration Escape Hybrid E85s for real-world testing in fleets around the U.S.[44][45]

From 2009, the gas engine is 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine with 155 hp at 6,000 rpm with an electric motor that produces 94 hp at 5,000 rpm. The maximum combined output of both is 177 hp.[46]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the fuel economy for the 2010 Escape Hybrid (FWD) at 34 miles per US gallon (6.9 L/100 km/41 mpg-imp) city, and 31 miles per US gallon (7.6 L/100 km/37 mpg-imp) highway.[47] The following table compares fuel economy, carbon footprint, and petroleum consumption between the hybrid version and other drivetrains of the Escape family as estimated by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Escape Hybrid meets both California's SULEV and PZEV standards, with tailpipe emissions better than 90% less than the average 2003 new car and zero evaporative emissions.[48]

Economic and environmental performance comparison among
the several Escape powertrains available in the U.S. market
Type of
Powertrain
Type of
fuel
Year
model
EPA
City
mileage
(mpg)
EPA
Highway
mileage
(mpg)
Annual
fuel
cost(1)(2)
(USD)
Carbon
footprint

(Ton/yr
of CO2) (3)
Annual
Petroleum
Use
(barrel)
Hybrid electric FWD
Automatic (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5L[49]
Gasoline
/Electric
2011 34 31 $1,324 5.8 10.7
Hybrid electric 4WD
Automatic (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5L[50]
Gasoline
/Electric
2011 30 27 $1,459 6.5 11.8
FWD Automatic 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5L[51] Gasoline 2011 21 28 $1,840 8.1 14.9
4WD Automatic 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5L[52] Gasoline 2011 20 26 $1,925 8.5 15.6
FWD Automatic 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0L[53] Gasoline 2011 19 25 $2,013 8.9 16.3
E85 flex-fuel 2011 14 19 $2,269 6.6 5.0
4WD Automatic 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0L[54] Gasoline 2011 18 23 $2,115 9.3 17.1
E85 flex-fuel 2011 13 17 $2,592 7.6 5.7
Notes: (1) Estimates assumes 45% highway driving, 55% city driving, and 15,000 annual miles. (2) Average U.S. prices: $2.82/gallon for
gasoline, and $2.42/gallon for E85 fuel. E85 prices vary widely by region. As of early November 2010 the minimum price was $2.02/gallon in
Illinois and the maximum price was $2.99/gallon in New York.[55] (3) Direct carbon footprint only and does not account for any potential
indirect land use change impacts of biofuels.

Plug-in hybrid[]

Ford Escape plug-in hybrid

Demonstration Ford Escape plug-in hybrid in New York City.

Ford Escape E85 Flex Plug-in Hybrid views and badging WAS 2010

Demonstration Ford Escape E85 flex-fuel plug-in hybrid.

Three companies have converted Ford Escape Hybrids to plug-in under a contract with the NYSERDA and delivered them in 2007: Electrovaya of Toronto Canada, Hymotion also of Toronto Canada, Hybrids Plus of Boulder Colorado, United States.[56]

Ford developed a research Escape Plug-in Hybrid and delivered the first of a fleet of 20 to Southern California Edison (SCE) in December 2007 to begin road testing. This project is a collaboration aimed to explore the future of plug-in hybrids and evaluate how the vehicles might interact with the home and the utility's electrical grid. Some of the vehicles will be evaluated "in typical customer settings," according to Ford.[57][58][59] Ford also developed the first ever flexible-fuel plug-in hybrid SUV, which was delivered to the United States Department of Energy in June 2008. This plug-in version of the Escape Hybrid runs on gasoline or E85 and is also part of the demonstration fleet Ford developed in a partnership with Southern California Edison and the Electric Power Research Institute.[60]

Both the E85 version and the conventional gasoline engine version use a 10 kwh lithium-ion battery, which allows for a 30-mile (48 km) range at 40 miles per hour (64 km/h) or less. When the battery's charge drops to 30%, the vehicle switches to its four-cylinder engine, assisted by the batteries, operating as a regular hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle has a display system which shows the driver how efficient the vehicle is at any given time. If the vehicle uses its engine and is running in traditional hybrid mode, fuel economy is rated at 88 miles per U.S. gallon (2.7 L/100 km/106 mpg-imp) in the city and 50 miles per U.S. gallon (4.7 L/100 km/60 mpg-imp) on the highway.[60][61]

This fleet of 20 Ford Escape Plug-ins has been running in field testing with utility company fleets in California, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Quebec, Canada. About 130 more will be produced for testing with financing from a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Sales are scheduled for 2012.[61][62]

On August 2009 Ford delivered the first Escape Plug-in equipped with intelligent vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communications and control system technology to American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio. This technology allows the vehicle operator to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate. The battery systems communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through wireless networking.[63] During the two years since the demonstration program began, the fleet of Escape Plug-ins has logged more than 75,000 miles, and Ford plans to equip all 21 plug-in hybrid Escapes with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology.[63]

The Ford demonstration vehicles and Hybrids Plus conversions are similar. The conversion involves the replacement of the original NiMH battery, located on the floor of the trunk, with a larger capacity Li-ion battery, in the same location and substantially the same volume as the original battery. The Electrovaya and Hymotion conversions retain the original battery, and augment its capacity with a Li-ion battery that occupies a significant portion of the trunk. In all cases, the conversion also involves the addition of a charger and of a power plug.

Safety[]

Previously unavailable Electronic Stability Control system became standard on the second generation.[64] In IIHS crash tests the Escape along with its cousins, the Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute, are rated "Good" in both frontal and side impact crash tests.[65][66] They are rated "Good" for rear crash protection as well[67] and were given the "Top Safety Pick" award until 2010. In roof strength tests the Escape receives a "Marginal" rating while hybrid models are rated "Poor".[68]

2008 NHTSA crash test:[69]

  • Frontal Driver (early release): 3/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar emptyStar empty
  • Frontal Driver (later release): 4/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar empty
  • Frontal Passenger: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Side Driver: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Side Rear Passenger: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Rollover: 3/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar emptyStar empty

2009 NHTSA crash test:[70]

  • Frontal Driver: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Frontal Passenger: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Side Driver: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Side Rear Passenger: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Rollover: 3/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar emptyStar empty

Escape Hybrid 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings:[71]

  • Frontal Driver: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Frontal Passenger: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Front Side: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Rear Side: 5/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full
  • Rollover: 3/5 starsStar fullStar fullStar emptyStar empty

Third generation[]

Ford Verterk concept -- 2011 DC

Ford Vertrek concept

The third generation Escape will move to Ford's Global C platform, which it will share with the next-generation Ford Kuga. The Ford Vertrek crossover concept at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit previewed the design of the third generation Escape.[72] US production will move to the Louisville Assembly Plant (which previously built the Ford Explorer), while the Kansas City plant will continue assembling the Ford F-150 plus a new vehicle.[73]

Sales[]

The Escape Hybrid is the top selling hybrid in the U.S. manufactured by an American manufacturer, and reached cumulative sales of 106,467 vehicles by December 2010 .[74]

Calendar year US
2000[75] 42,635
2001[76] 164,184
2002[77] 145,471
2003 167,678
2004 183,430[78] (inc. 2,993 hybrids)
2005 165,122[78] (inc. 18,797 hybrids)
2006 157,395[79] (inc. 20,149 hybrids)
2007 165,596 (inc. 21,386 hybrids)
2008 156,544[80] (inc. 17,173 hybrids)
2009 173,044[81] (inc. 14,787 hybrids)
2010 191,026 (inc. 11,182 hybrids)

References[]

Smallwikipedialogo This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Ford Escape. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Tractor & Construction Plant Wiki, the text of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons by Attribution License and/or GNU Free Documentation License. Please check page history for when the original article was copied to Wikia


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