Inside, Audi’s dashboard has aged fairly gracefully, although the ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen does really feel fairly slapped in place. Dedicated — and simply adjusted — HVAC controls are welcome, although, as are particular buttons for issues like drive mode and traction management. All the switchgear feels sturdy and clicky, whereas the metallic paddle shifters are a pleasant, premium contact (hey, Audi, transplant them to the excellent SQ7, please) alongside the Competition bundle’s grippy Alcantara-wrapped wheel.
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The MMI infotainment’s black and white coloration scheme is dour — there’s wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should you’d desire — and the brilliant purple RS-theme graphics for the driving force show really feel a little bit like an 8-bit racing recreation from the NES days. It’s all very clear, although, and the RS driver help bundle ($1,500) provides a head-up show, 360-degree digicam, and Park Assist.
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Generally, although, Audi’s normal gear ranges are excessive. The 2024 RS 5 Sportback’s $78,900 (plus $1,095 vacation spot) beginning value features a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, heated and massaging Nappa leather-based entrance sports activities seats with matching disguise on the middle console and doorways, tri-zone local weather management, and Audi’s fancy matrix-design LED headlamps. There’s additionally adaptive cruise management with Traffic Jam help and lively lane help, entrance and rear parking sensors, ahead collision warnings and avoidance help, and lane departure warnings.
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The $500 Side help bundle provides blind spot warnings — an odd omission, frankly — and, together with the $1,450 MMI Navigation Plus bundle, brings this explicit RS 5 to $97,745 all-in.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is reasonably priced, starting at $29,345 for the 2023 model year, making it competitive with other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
The Escape Hybrid offers ample cargo space, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it versatile for everyday needs like grocery shopping or family trips.
The Ford Escape Hybrid combines “mild” hybrid technology with a full hybrid system, allowing the gasoline engine and electric motor to run separately or together for optimal fuel efficiency. It achieves an impressive 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, with a combined rating of 39 MPG.
In 2001, Ford announced the first Escape which was essentially a twin to the Mazda Tribute. Since then, the Ford Escape has been one of Ford’s best-selling vehicles thanks to its compact size. The Escape is still a popular Ford model since it is an SUV with the ability to perform in the outdoors and the family-carrying capacity of a Sedan. Although the Escape didn’t have a hybrid for a while, the 2020 model year saw a complete redesign that brought back a battery-assisted vehicle focused on efficiency.
To maintain its position as a contender among vehicles with exceptional fuel efficiency, the Escape lineup, including the Hybrid, is under an update. The Escape Hybrid, especially the 2022 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid is one of the best in a long line of practical and compact SUVs. With a revolution on the horizon and BEVs and PHEVs popping up everywhere, if you are looking to enjoy your daily drives again without having to worry about fuel, look no further than the Ford Escape Hybrid.
The 2023 Ford Escape kicks off at $29,345. Opting for the Hybrid variant starts at $33,340 with the ST-Line trim. Ford’s pricing strategy aligns with the competitive compact SUV segment, mirroring the pricing of rivals like Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and Chevy Equinox. Here’s how the 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid is priced:
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid Pricing
ST-Line
$33,340
ST-Line Select
$35,040
Platinum
$36,965
ST-Line Elite
$39,460
Plug-In Hybrid
$40,500
9Where Cargo Meets Versatility
Although the cargo space on the Ford Escape Hybrid isn’t something special, it is more than enough accommodating to your day-to-day needs. The rear consists of a spacious cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, providing ample storage for a variety of needs. With the rear seats folded down, the total cargo capacity expands to a generous 65.4 cubic feet.
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid Cargo Dimensions
Cargo Space (with rear seats up)
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space (with rear seats folded)
65.4 cubic feet
This space is perfect for accommodating the luggage of a medium-sized family or handling those massive grocery hauls. All the Escape Hybrid trims come with the choice of a manual liftgate, which is the standard, and a power liftgate also an option.
The 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid Platinum is a practical five-seater SUV for families, easily accommodating children and their belongings, making it a good fit for family trips and traveling. Despite its compact design, the Escape Hybrid promises and delivers a roomy and cozy cabin. Passengers seated in the front enjoy abundant head, leg, and shoulder space, while those in the back receive ample room for comfort.
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid Interior Dimensions
First-row Headroom
40.0 inches
First-row Legroom
42.0 inches
First-row Shoulder room
57.6 inches
First-row Hip room
55.2 inches
Second-row Headroom
39.3 inches
Second-row Legroom
38.9 inches
Second-row Shoulder room
56.0 inches
Second-row Hip room
53.3 inches
Manually adjustable front seats and sliding rear-row front seats allow you to customize your seating arrangements as well. The Ford Escape Hybrid truly caters to families, with built-in connectors for child safety seats in the rear. There’s enough room for five full-sized adults.
7The Ford Escape’s ‘Mild’ Hybrid Technology
Most ‘mild’ hybrid design vehicles use the gasoline engines as their main engine while the electric motor just augments it by adding a little extra horsepower to save some fuel. But Ford has come out with a full hybrid system for the Escape line-up. In its full hybrid system, the gasoline engine and the electric motor can both run separately or at the same time. Whenever brakes are applied, the kinetic energy of the Escape Hybrid’s motion is released as heat.
The electric motor works as a generator and uses this heat to put power back into the batteries. This is why Ford Hybrids actually get better mileage in city driving than they do in highway driving. The gasoline engine handles the majority of the labor when traveling at highway speeds. When more speed is required, the electric motor engages and boosts the horsepower of the gasoline engine.
The Escape Hybrid promises one of the most impressive fuel economy ratings among hybrid SUVs, giving the 2023 Toyota RAV4 a run for its money. With a robust 192 horsepower, it’s not just efficient but also exhilarating.
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid Fuel Efficiency vs. Competition
SUV
City
Highway
Combined
Range
Ford Escape Hybrid
42 MPG
36 MPG
39MPG
558 Miles
Honda CRV Hybrid
40 MPG
34 MPG
37 MPG
518 Miles
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
38 MPG
38 MPG
38 MPG
507 Miles
According to the EPA estimates, it can cover approximately 558 miles on a single tank. In comparison, the Honda CR-V falls slightly behind, offering a rating of 40/34/37 MPG city/highway/combined and a range of 532 miles. Similarly, the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson Hybrids lag behind with ratings of 38/38/38 MPG and a range of 507 miles. The Escape Hybrid’s exceptional fuel efficiency is setting a new standard in its class.
5Power On Offer Is Adequate
Hooked up with a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a lithium-ion battery, and an electric motor, the Ford Escape Hybrid delivers a combined output of 192 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The Escape Hybrid isn’t the most powerful performance vehicle out there, it is meant to be a reliable everyday driver and it’s more than enough you’ll need to get through the day.
When it comes to drivetrain, front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel-drive optional. The four-cylinder engine propels the Escape Hybrid from 0-60 mph in just 7.7 seconds while the quarter-mile varies depending on how you prefer to drive.
The Escape might not be the most exciting vehicle to drive or to look at, but it offers a practical and reliable driving experience, making it an excellent choice for your daily urban commute.It has a sleek, and urban demeanor, a departure from the earlier generations. It’s contemporary and handsome on the outside.
The Ford Escape Hybrid comes equipped with a range of impressive exterior features, including LED fog lamps, heated side mirrors, configurable daytime running lamps, roof rack side rails, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual chrome exhaust tips, and a choice of 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheel options. It measures 15 feet in length and weighs around 3,298 to 3,566 pounds at the curb.
The 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid comes with its own range of hues to choose from:
Frozen White
Stone Blue
Agate Black
Blue Metallic
Star White
Solar Silver
White Platinum
Rapid Red
Carbonized Gray
3Ample Tech Features Inside The Cabin
The standard features within are nothing short of remarkable. It all starts with the base S model, boasting a 4.2-inch radio display. As you ascend the trims, beginning with the SE, you’ll be welcomed by an expansive 8.0-inch touchscreen infused with Ford’s cutting-edge Sync 3 infotainment interface. The 2023 Escape Hybrid Platinum breaks the norm and comes with a captivating 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly integrated with Ford’s cutting-edge Sync 4 software.
As you delve deeper into the Escape Hybrid’s interior, you’ll discover a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, elevating your in-car entertainment to new heights. This is where technology meets sophistication. Seamless connectivity is the name of the game, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims except the base model.
The calm, fashionable, yet cozy interior of the 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid complements the outside. The serene interior provides a haven from the outside world. The door panels, seat trim, center armrest, floor mats, and steering wheel draw attention to the Ebony inside. Titanium trims come with an optional height-adjustable passenger seat which is unusual in this class.
Safety features like Active Park Assist 2.0 and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control are there to prioritize your safety and convenience. The voice-activated touchscreen navigation system keeps you on track and enhances your driving experience. Evasive Steering Assist offers added security in critical moments. The Ford Escape Hybrid has undergone rigorous evaluations by both NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring its commitment to safety.
Both the Escape and RAV4 hybrids can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 2023 Escape Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder coupled with an 88-kWh electric motor, delivering 192 horses and 155 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. In the RAV4 Hybrid, you’ll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing 219 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It achieves a 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds.
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