2010 Ford Escape Review

Specifications

“Let’s go green!” The rallying cry of many an automaker over the last decade which is finally starting to bear fruit in a veritable cornucopia of hybrid options on the market for consumers who are interested both ins saving money on fuel costs, and saving the environment as well. With the now-famous Kermit lamenting “It’s not easy being green”, the Ford Escape hybrid burst onto the scene three years ago as the world’s first hybrid SUV. Now, three years later, the 2010 models rolling out aren’t much different than the original on the surface, though there have been some marked improvements in MPG, safety, and optional features available.

Performance

The 2010 Ford Escape hybrid cruises onto the market boasting an impressive 34 MPG city with a possible MPG of 44 if you drive exclusively in electric mode, though that is possible for only about 30 miles before the batteries need to be recharged by the technologies provided by the gasoline engine and normal driving. The Escape’s 103.1 inch wheelbase and 174.7 inch length make it slightly larger than earlier models, and while the car is still capable of 4-wheel drive, the addition of lower bumpers in the front of the car seem to send the message that Ford is abandoning any pretense of the idea of offroading this SUV.

Capable of seating five adults comfortably, the formerly herky-jerky motion of these SUV hybrids has been handled by a new electronically controlled continuously variable transmission which - in addition to doing its job - strives to give the car an artificial feel of driving a normal vehicle in order to alleviate consumer complaints. Smooth on start up with an acceleration of 0 to 60 in less than 10 seconds possible, the car doesn’t lag behind in power either.

Features & Options

The new feature on the 2010 Escape Hybrid that is getting the most buzz is Ford’s new MyKey innovation. MyKey is designed to allow parents the option of programming a set of keys to the car that will limit its capabilities, so they can give it to their teenagers. Such limitations include the ability to restrict the car’s top speed to 80 MPG (the higher amount is to allow for temporary acceleration maneuvers). Limiting the volume of the car stereo, and annoying teens with beeps if the seatbelt is not fastened or even muting the stereo altogether until it is.

The styling inside the Ford Escape has received some modifications as well to bring it more in-line with the current, contemporary European Feel rather than what was hailed by consumers, as an ancient- clunky style of decor for previous years. The 2010 Escape Hybrid will be available in two primary model trims, the base and Limited, and limited is a key word. Ford plans to artificially reduce their loss per vehicle by making only a limited number of these cars available on the market at a time. If you intend to own one, you should make sure you get in line a month or two before you actually want to drive one.