2006 Ford Escape Review Summary & Specs
XLS Sport Utility
Clean and fuel-efficient gas/electric hybrid.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
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.
Specs
| 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 |
$26,900 |
Specs as Tested
| 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 |
| Destination Charge |
615 |
| 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) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$31,675 |
| 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 |