2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Review

　　

2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is an all-new variant of the recently redesigned Ford Escape. Ford originally said it would bring out the Plug-In Hybrid for the 2020 model year, but a variety of factors delayed the launch until this year.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid SE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded and $0.17 per kWh for electricity in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$78/mo  for Escape Plug-In Hybrid SE

　　Escape Plug-In Hybrid SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $32,650 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) - $35,510 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid EVT) (Most Popular) - $38,585 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　You can drive the Plug-In Hybrid on pure electricity for about 37 miles before it switches over to regular gasoline hybrid operation. And unlike the Escape Hybrid, you can recharge the Plug-In Hybrid either at home or at one of the growing EV networks nationwide. Essentially, the more frequently you can plug in and recharge, the less gas you'll use.

　　Aside from the powertrain, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid falls in line with the standard model. It's a big improvement over the previous-generation Escape thanks to more interior room, better tech and a handsome new design. Along with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, the Escape is an intriguing pick for a highly fuel-efficient small SUV.

　　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 Plug-In Hybrid 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 hotrod 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 Plug-In Hybrid? 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.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Escape's cabin is functional and pleasantly laid out. There's plenty of room all around, though headroom might run out for very tall rear occupants in models with the panoramic sunroof. The primary controls are easy to reach and use, and the driver's seat offers a commanding view outward. The driver's seat also has numerous adjustments that make it a cinch to dial in your preferred position. On the downside, the door armrests are a touch too narrow, and tall drivers might have a hard time seeing the projection of the available head-up display.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Ford's touchscreen system is a highlight. Programming the available onboard navigation system is easy. It also helpfully shows directions and distance when a point-of-interest search returns multiple locations (e.g., a Starbucks is 1 mile forward, or 0.5 mile to the left). The Titanium trim's B&O audio system in our test model produced clear and punchy sound. Unfortunately, we did note some trim rattling with the volume turned up. Smartphone integration and charging ports are lacking — there are only two USB ports — though you can use a pair of 12-volt outlets if you have adapters.

　　The Escape's advanced driving aids work well and almost all are standard. Adaptive cruise control avoids the sudden braking exhibited by some competing systems, and the lane centering feature is great on the highway — it doesn't ping-pong the vehicle between lanes as some rival systems do.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Escape Plug-In Hybrid's cargo area behind the rear seats is pretty useful. We like the low floor and high seatbacks; it opens up a lot of vertical storage space before luggage impedes your rear visibility. The rear seats don't fold flat, but the outboard seat belts can be disengaged from their seat holsters so there's no obstruction while you're loading cargo. The cargo area will hold up to 60.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is less than the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime.

　　Interior storage is helped out by large cubbies in the front and sizable door pockets in the back. The cupholders have tabs to hold your drinks in place, which is an uncommon feature in this vehicle class. Easily accessible car seat anchors and tethers, plus the large rear seat, will make loading car seats a breeze.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? According to the EPA, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 37 miles on electric power alone on a full charge, then achieve 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving using the gas engine. The latter figure is impressive since the PHEV's weight penalty is expected to reduce combined fuel economy by only 1 mpg compared to the front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid. But we did notice that on our standardized test route that the Escape Plug-In Hybrid traveled 30.7 miles on electric power before the gas engine kicked on, or about 6 miles less than what the EPA estimated. Other plug-in hybrids we've tested have done a better job of meeting or exceeding the EPA's number.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Escape Plug-In Hybrid a good value? The Escape's interior has some nice soft-touch plastics, and hard plastics are generally silver, gloss black or otherwise textured in a way that makes the cabin look nice. The panel gaps are a little inconsistent, the interior door handles feel inexcusably cheap, and the faux wood trim won't fool anyone. We also noticed that the Titanium trim's leather upholstery is rougher and not as premium-feeling as lower trims' simulated leather.

　　The Escape Plug-In Hybrid costs quite a bit more than the gas-only and hybrid versions. If you qualify for them, federal and state tax credits for PHEVs narrow the gap significantly. Our Titanium test vehicle was much less expensive than a RAV4 Prime, though the Toyota comes with more features. Warranty coverage is average for the class.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid isn't the most exciting vehicle to drive or look at, but it's quite sensible and will serve you well on an urban commute. Plus, its plug-in hybrid powertrain makes it quicker than the Escape Hybrid and you get a useful 37 miles of estimated EV range on a full charge. A styling update would go a long way in giving the Escape Plug-In Hybrid a more expressive personality.

　　

Which Escape Plug-In Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

Go with the midlevel SEL. The base SE is tempting since it has plenty of useful features. But the SEL gets you some desirable extras as standard equipment, including heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Make sure to get the available Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package if you want traffic-adaptive cruise control.

　　

2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid models

The new 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Titanium. Each one is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid system with a rechargeable battery. Total system output is 221 horsepower. With a full battery, you can drive it an estimated 37 miles on pure electric power. After that, it switches to regular hybrid operation.

　　Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive, something you can get on the regular Escape and Escape Hybrid, isn't available. Recharging the battery pack takes 10-11 hours using a 110-volt power source, says Ford, or 3.3 hours with a Level 2 charger. Feature highlights include:

　　SE

　　The base SE model comes fairly well equipped and includes standard features such as:

　　18-inch alloy wheels Keyless entry and start Dual-zone automatic climate control Height-adjustable driver's seat 60/40-split folding rear seat Six-speaker audio system 8-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration Wi-Fi hotspot Two USB portsEvery Escape Plug-In Hybrid also comes with Ford's suite of advanced safety features, which are called Co-Pilot360. Features include:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Automatic high-beam controlSeveral option packages are available for the Escape SE. They include:

　　Convenience package Power liftgate Simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel Power-adjustable driver's seat Rear armrest Cold Weather package Heated mirrors Remote engine start Heated and simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel Heated front seats Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package Navigation system Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Ford and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) SEL

　　The SEL gains a few more features, such as:

　　Convenience package Cold Weather package Foglights Roof rails Simulated leather upholstery Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)Options for the SEL include:

　　Technology package Hands-free liftgate Digital instrument panel Driver-seat memory settings 10-speaker B&O audio system Wireless charging pad Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package Towing package Panoramic sunroofTitanium

　　The top-level Titanium further adds:

　　Technology package (minus the charging pad) Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package LED headlights Automatic wipers Chrome exterior trim Ambient interior lighting Auto-dimming rearview mirror Power passenger seat Front parking sensors Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)The Titanium can be further equipped with:

　　Titanium Premium package Panoramic sunroof Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather upholstery Wireless charging pad Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Towing package

　　

2021 Escape Plug-In Hybrid Highlights

Trim: SESELTitaniumSE

　　

Base MSRP	$32,650
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,400
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	37 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	105 MPGeMPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.
Cost to Drive	$78/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	3.3 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	34.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles