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2006 Ford Escape Review
Clean and fuel-efficient gas/electric hybrid.
2006 Escape Review Summary & Specifications
The Ford Escape Hybrid may no longer be unique with its fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly gasoline-electric powertrain, but its virtues remain in clear view. It's currently the cleanest, most economical hybrid SUV, and the powertrain provides performance on par with a V6 engine, but without the nose-heavy tendencies that often come with putting larger engines in front-drive vehicles.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Larry Edsall is based in Phoenix.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | Larry Edsall |
| Model Lineup | Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD ($26,900); 4WD ($28,525) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.3-liter, 16-valve, dohc Atkinson Cycle inline four plus 65-watt (87 hp) electric traction motor and 28-watt (38-hp) motor for recharging battery pack |
| Transmissions (standard) | continuously variable transmission |
| Engines (optional) | Hybrid powertrain with 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, permanent magnet electric motor, regenerative braking system and 330-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack |
| Transmissions (optional) | continuously variable (CVT) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front airbags, LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system, perimeter alarm |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | safety canopy with side air curtains and front side-impact airbags, 24-hour roadside assistance |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-392-3673 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.fordvehicles.com/escapehybrid |
| Base Price MSRP | 26900 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD ($26,900) |
| Standard Equipment | fog lamps, privacy glass, power windows/locks/mirrors, lift gate with flip-up glass, roof rack with 2 crossbars, rear defroster and two-speed rear wiper, six-way power driver's seat, AM/FMM with in-dash 6-CD changer, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, message center, air conditioning, illuminated entry, four-wheel dics brakes with anti-lock system, remote entry, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 235/70R16 all-season tires |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | appearance package ($695), energy/audiophile/navigation system ($1,995), safety package ($595), rear floor mats ($25), 110-volt power outlet ($180), leather comfort group ($595), retractable cargo cover ($75) |
| Destination Charge | 615 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 31675 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 133 @ 6000 (plus electric motor) |
| Torque | 129 @ 4500 (plus electric motor) |
| Fuel Economy | 36/31 |
| Wheelbase | 103.2 |
| Length/Width/Height | 174.9/71.8/70.0 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 37.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.4/53.4/41.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.2/49.1/36.3 |
| Trunk Volume | 65.5 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 8 |
| Curb Weight | 3620 |
| Stock Tires | 235/70R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.0 |
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