FordEscape Plug-In Hybrid

　　

2023 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Review

byRonald MontoyaSenior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy

　　Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.

　　The 2023 Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV that's both one of Ford's most popular vehicles and one of the best-selling crossovers around today. Slotting below the larger Ford Edge and a rival to the well-known Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Escape offers multiple powertrains — gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid — plenty of in-car tech, and a variety of standard and available driver aids. We've found the Escape to be comfortable and roomy, and that hybrid powertrain nets some impressive fuel economy.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

Ford Escape PHEV Insights

Trim:Escape Plug-In Hybrid

　　Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) (Most Popular) - $40,500 MSRP

　　

All Electric Range

　　37 miles

　　EPA Estimated Electric Range

　　The Escape will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

Hybrid Parts Warranty

　　8 yrs or 100,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.

　　

Charging at Home

　　3.4 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$4,150

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Federal Credit

　　$3,750

　　Restrictions: Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Clean Vehicle Tax Credit of $3,750 or $7,500 depending on model eligibility for the purchase of a new plug-in electric vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. To be eligible: A vehicle must have undergone final assembly in North America (the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico). Critical mineral and battery component requirements determine credit amount. Maximum MSRP of $55,000 for cars and $80,000 for SUVs/trucks/vans. Income eligibility applies depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　See All PHEV incentives

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$81/mo

　　Escape

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　See All PHEV Insights

　　For 2023, the Escape receives a significant refresh, with a new look in front and back, the new Sync 4 infotainment system, and an entire lineup that's been overhauled, with new trim levels and slightly different engine and feature availability. The new styling should be an upgrade for most shoppers, as it gives the small SUV a stronger presence with its more upright and squared-off front end. On the inside, the larger infotainment screens not only look more modern, they're also easier to use.

　　The Escape has rivals from just about every corner. Some of zzdcar' favorites include the CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue. Ford itself offers a wide array of SUVs as it's shifted its focus away from car production. Besides the Escape and Edge, Ford also offers the Bronco Sport, which is based on the Escape but has a more rugged, outdoorsy persona. Overall, we like the Escape and think it's worth checking out if you're shopping for a small SUV with a satisfying mix of features, comfort and utility. Check out the Expert Rating below to get our test team's full take on the Escape's utility, comfort and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Escape drive? The Escape Plug-In Hybrid's performance is overshadowed either by rival plug-ins or other Escape versions. It gives you an immediate shove forward when you hit the accelerator but is ultimately a bit slow. We took our test vehicle to our test track and measured a 0-60 mph sprint of 8.1 seconds. This is a bit better than a regular Escape Hybrid but ultimately slower than a regular Escape with the upgraded engine or the hot-rod Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in (5.6 seconds). The Escape PHEV is also a little soft and ponderous around corners. The steering can feel overly light and doesn't give you a good sense of the road or what the front tires are up to. 

　　It's not all doom and gloom, however. While the brake pedal does require a fair push to slow the Escape, it's easy to come to smooth stops. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid also performed well in our 60-0 mph panic-stop tests.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Escape? Overall, we're happy with the level of comfort offered. The front seats are well shaped and comfortable. The rear bench — though a little flat — is also nice, offering good thigh support. Our Titanium trim test vehicle included a height-adjustable passenger seat, which is a rarity in this class. The ride quality is generally relaxed, though driving over certain bumps causes harsher impacts in the cabin than we've noticed in other Escape models.

　　The Escape Plug-In Hybrid moves smoothly away from a stoplight with all-electric power. The experience is noticeably more pleasant than in non-hybrid Escapes; they have an engine stop-start system that roughly brings the engine to life after you leave a stop.

　　The automatic climate system delivers plenty of airflow on hot days, and it features a three-stage system that allows you to set a maximum fan speed. Unlike rivals, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are not available on any trim.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below