Ford Escape
 | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Production | 2000-present |
| Model years | 2001-present |
| Successor | Ford C-Max (for hybrid models only) |
| Class | Compact Crossover |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive /four-wheel drive |
The FORD Escape is a compact crossover sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer. Although it is technically 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. 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.
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 Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, where it is slated to be succeeded by an American version of its European CUV counterpart, the Ford Kuga. The third generation Escape debuted in April 2012 as a 2013 model year.
A hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004, making it the first hybrid SUV. In early 2012 Ford discontinued the production of the hybrid version as two of the 2013 Escape trims use turbocharged EcoBoost technology that delivers a higher fuel economy than the 2012 hybrid model. A total of 122,850 Escape hybrids were built since 2005.
First generation (2000–2007)
 | |
| Also called | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|
| Production | 2000–2007 (Japan, US) 2006–present (Taiwan) 2010–present (China) |
| Model years | 2001–2007 |
| Assembly | Avon Lake, Ohio, United States Jhongli City, Taiwan Claycomo, Missouri, United States Hai Duong, Vietnam Hōfu, Yamaguchi, Japan Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines |
| Platform | Ford CD2 platform |
| Engine | 2.0 L Zetec I4 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed CD4E automatic Hybrid: planetary gear |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 in (2,619 mm) |
| Length | 2001–04: 173.0 in (4,394 mm) 2005–07: 174.9 in (4,442 mm) |
| Width | 70.1 in (1,781 mm) |
| Height | 2001–04: 69.1 in (1,755 mm) 2005–07: 69.7 in (1,770 mm) Hybrid: 69.7 in (1,770 mm) |
| Curb weight | ~3,400 lb (1,500 kg) |
| Related | Mazda Tribute Mercury Mariner |
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.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 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.Although not meant for serious off-roading, a full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system supplied by Dana was optional, which included a locking center differential activated by a switch on the dashboard. The AWD 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. CKD production began in 2002 at Ford Lio Ho Motor Co. in Taiwan for various Asian markets.
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.
However, the Maverick, in the UK for example, was only available in XLT trim. Also, the dash board was not the same as the US Escape; it was instead taken from the Mazda Tribute.
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 five out of five stars for driver protection and four out of five stars for passenger protection in a 35 mph (56 km/h) frontal impact. The SUV received five 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". 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".
All Escapes are equipped with a passive 'Immobiliser' called SecuriLock. This feature includes an '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.
In the USA, the Escape has been recalled 10 times, although the bulk of the problems only affected the first model year. In April, 2007 Ford announced it would recall nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs produced between 2001 and 2004 due to reported engine fires. Ford recalled those Escape models because of improper sealing in the antilock braking system that could cause contamination and a short.Ford has said the fires did not cause personal injuries and the Escape hybrid was not affected.
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 AWD system, and exterior changes. The 2005 model year was the first with an automatic transmission 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)
A revamped ZC Escape designed in Taiwan 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). Major external changes included a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights and hood, and rear bumper, as well as LED taillights.
On the inside, changes included 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 featured full color-coded bumpers, wheel arches 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 midrange 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 carried over and was the sole transmission choice.
2008 (Asia-Pacific)
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.The model range was also simplified, with only a single specification available. Changes to the body included an all-new front bumper, grille, headlights and bonnet, featuring an enlarged Ford emblem set upon a three-bar chrome grille. At the rear, new, slimmer tail lights were featured, which were arranged horizontally, rather than vertically. In addition, the B-pillar was now painted black, rather than body-colour. Compared with the previous model, all external bumpers, mirrors, and cladding were 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 included 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 were 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.
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.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.
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 in exchange for Toyota's use of some of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology. 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. 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. Sanyo Electric Co. built the 50 kg (110 lb),330V 5.5 Ah (would make it 1.8kWh storage), 250-cell nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack for the 2005 Escape 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." The Escape Hybrid gives a top speed of 102 mph (163 km/h).In 2006 Ford showed an Escape that could run on E85 fuel.
Safety
Escape Hybrid 2006 U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings:
- Frontal Driver:
- Frontal Passenger:
- Front Side:
- Rear Side:
Second generation (2008–2012)
 | |
| Production | January 29, 2007– April 28, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2008–2012 |
| Assembly | Claycomo, Missouri, United States |
| Platform | Ford CD2 platform |
| Engine | 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 2.5 L Duratec 25 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed CD4E automatic 6-speed 6F35 automatic Hybrid: Planetary gear |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 in (2,619 mm) |
| Length | 174.7 in (4,437 mm) |
| Width | 71.1 in (1,806 mm) |
| Height | 2008: 67.7 in (1,720 mm) 2009–2012 AWD: 67.8 in (1,722 mm) 2009–2012 FWD: 67.9 in (1,725 mm) |
| Related | Mazda Tribute Mercury Mariner |
The second generation Ford Escape debuted at the 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show. 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.Ford also included an electronic stability control system standard on the 2008 Escape.
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.
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.
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 grille styling theme and restyled LED tail lamps.
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, 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, 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. 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.
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.
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 controls 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. The only minor change is the standardization of SYNC Traffic & Directions on any models coming equipped with Sync.
2012
There are no cosmetic or equipment changes for the 2012 model year. The third-generation Escape was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Hybrid
The second generation Ford Escape Hybrid received some styling tweaks inside and out. The major cosmetic changes included a new bumpers, grille, headlights and taillights to match Ford's new edge style. But the drivetrain was essentially the same mechanically but has had extensive software modifications. For 2009, a larger, more powerful engine was introduced, together with a revised suspension, addition of stability control, the debut of "Sync" voice-control system and a capless fuel filler system. The batteries and other hybrid components in a 2009 Escape hybrid added about 136 kg (300 lbs) to the vehicle. However, the added weight was blamed for an adverse effect in handling. Furthermore, from 2009 onward, rear disc brakes of previous years were swapped for drum brakes, which was criticized as a "strange step backward".
The second generation Escape Hybrid was offered in two levels of specification, an undesignated base model and the more expensive "Limited" trim. The base included: 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 and the Ford Escape Hybrid replaced the "ESCAPE" badges on doors with "HYBRID," while relocating the logo for Ford hybrid models from near the driver's side doors next to the "HYBRID" text. 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. In 2007 Ford produced 20 demonstration Escape Hybrid E85s for real-world testing in fleets around the U.S.
From 2009, the gas engine was 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 was 177 hp.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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.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 met both California's SULEV and PZEV standards, with tailpipe emissions better than 90% less than the average 2003 new car and zero evaporative emissions.
| 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 | Gasoline /Electric | 2011 | 34 | 31 | $1,324 | 5.8 | 10.7 |
| Hybrid electric 4WD Automatic (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5L | Gasoline /Electric | 2011 | 30 | 27 | $1,459 | 6.5 | 11.8 |
| FWD Automatic 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5L | Gasoline | 2011 | 21 | 28 | $1,840 | 8.1 | 14.9 |
| 4WD Automatic 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5L | Gasoline | 2011 | 20 | 26 | $1,925 | 8.5 | 15.6 |
| FWD Automatic 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0L | 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 | 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. (3) Direct carbon footprint only and does not account for any potential indirect land use change impacts of biofuels. | |||||||
By early 2012 Ford discontinued the production of the Escape Hybrid due to the introduction of the third generation Escape. Two of the new 2013 model year Escapes have direct-injected and turbocharged EcoBoost units (of 1.6 and 2.0 liters) that deliver a higher fuel economy than the 2012 model. A total of 122,850 Escape Hybrids were built since 2005, alone with 12,300 units of its sibling the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, discontinued in 2010.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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. During the two years since the demonstration program began, the fleet of Escape Plug-ins has logged more than 75,000 miles (121,000 km), and Ford plans to equip all 21 plug-in hybrid Escapes with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology.
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.In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 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. They are rated "Good" for rear crash protection as well 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".
2008 NHTSA crash test:
- Frontal Driver (early release):
- Frontal Driver (later release):
- Frontal Passenger:
- Side Driver:
- Side Rear Passenger:
- Rollover:
2009 NHTSA crash test:
- Frontal Driver:
- Frontal Passenger:
- Side Driver:
- Side Rear Passenger:
- Rollover:
Escape Hybrid 2010 NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
- Frontal Driver:
- Frontal Passenger:
- Front Side:
- Rear Side:
- Rollover:
Third generation (2013)
 | |
| Production | April 4, 2012-present |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2013- |
| Assembly | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Platform | Ford C1 platform |
| Engine |
2.5L Duratec I4
2.0L EcoBoost I41.6L EcoBoost I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed 6F35 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in (2,690 mm) |
| Length | 178.1 in (4,524 mm) |
| Width | 72.4 in (1,839 mm) |
| Height | 66.3 in (1,684 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,502 lb (1,588 kg) |
| Related | Ford Focus Ford C-Max Mazda3 Ford Kuga |
The all-new 2013 Ford Escape was revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It shares the same basic platform as the all-new 2012 Ford Focus. Most of its styling derives from the Ford Kuga, which is sold in Europe and Asia. Two EcoBoost inline four-cylinder turbocharged engines will be offered. The basic engine is a 2.5L Naturally Aspirated I4. The new Escape is the first Ford vehicle to offer a new 1.6-liter unit, soon to be available in the Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, and possibly the Ford Fiesta. In the process of revamping the Escape's engine lineup, both the Hybrid model with its 2.5-liter Atkinson powertrain and the 3.0-liter V6 engine will be dropped. Ford claims that the fuel economy of the new 1.6L EcoBoost engine will match that of the current Ford Escape Hybrid, while the new 2.0-liter engine produces more horsepower than the current V6 unit. The transmission is a six-speed automatic.
Also new for the 2013 model year is MyFord Touch, which is currently available on many Ford vehicles. The newest software version of the MyFord Touch System will offer an all-new UI and additional features.
Another new feature is the optional hands-free liftgate. A person carrying the keyless entry transmitter can raise their foot under the rear bumper of the Escape to remotely open the tailgate.This feature will also be available on the Ford C-Max Hybrid later in the year, and was introduced on that vehicle in Europe.
Eco-friendly seat fabrics are standard on lower trim levels, as well as the vehicle's carpeting being mostly constructed from recycled plastic water bottles. This allows the new Escape to be mostly recyclable at the end of its life cycle.
The new Escape will be offered with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive options, and will be offered in the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trim levels. The 2013 Ford Escape production began April 11. The production of the 2012 Ford Escape ended on April 28, 2012, overlapping slightly in production with the 2013 model due to plant issues, with limited availability of the 2012 model year Ford Escape vehicles being available at Ford showrooms. As of mid-May 2012, the third generation Escape is available at most dealerships across the U.S. and will be introduced in Canada starting June.
Due to the use of Ford's EcoBoost engines in the all-new Escape, the Ford Escape Hybrid model will no longer be offered for the 2013 model year. The EcoBoost engines promise comparable fuel economy ratings to the outgoing hybrid model.
In 2012, about 3,500 Ford Escape were damaged in a hail storm on April 28 in Louisville KY while they awaited shipment to dealers.Ford prepares a launch to dealers in June.
Recall
Ford is recalling 8,266 redesigned 2013 Escape SUVs in the U.S. The carpet padding could reduce space around the pedals and drivers could accidently hit the brake. The recall is expected to begin July 23.
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 .
| Calendar year | US |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 42,635 |
| 2001 | 164,184 |
| 2002 | 145,471 |
| 2003 | 167,678 |
| 2004 | 183,430 - (inc. 2,993 hybrids) |
| 2005 | 165,122- (inc. 18,797 hybrids) |
| 2006 | 157,395 - (inc. 20,149 hybrids) |
| 2007 | 165,596 - (inc. 21,386 hybrids) |
| 2008 | 156,544 - (inc. 17,173 hybrids) |
| 2009 | 173,044 - (inc. 14,787 hybrids) |
| 2010 | 191,026 - (inc. 11,182 hybrids) |
| 2011 | 254,293 |
In 2011, 444 Ford Escapes were sold in Thailand.
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