2008 Ford Escape-Hybrid
Based on analysis of 7 Escape-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Ford Escape-Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Ford Escape-Hybrid ranks 15 out of 27 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 7 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Escape-Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Escape Hybrid is an environmentally conscious car with a comfortable interior and tough exterior, but it can't match the driving dynamics or overall quality of top-class SUVs. It ranks in the middle of its class, a few spots behind the gasoline-powered Escape.
Like the Escape gas model, the hybrid version earns praise for providing a more comfortable ride and mature appearance with its redesign. The Detroit News notes that the redesign was bold and a good move for Ford. "This makeover makes sense," its reviewer states. "Still a top-selling compact SUV in a crowded market, the Escape may now be more appealing to people downsizing their vehicles but not their expectations." Although many reviewers aren't overly impressed with the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid's driving dynamics, many write that the Hybrid's salvation is its environmentally conscious nature. Escape Hybrid buyers can get a maximum $3,000 federal tax credit.
With gas prices reaching record highs in 2008, that best-in-class fuel economy is making Escape Hybrids fly off of dealer lots. As of mid-2008, the Escape Hybrid was the best-selling SUV in America.
The Escape Hybrid comes in one trim with either front- or four-wheel drive. A gasoline-powered version is reviewed separately.
- "If you feel strongly about driving 'green,' want to thumb your nose at the oil companies and are willing to sacrifice a little in handling and ride, an Escape hybrid is worth a look." -- Newsday
- "Plucky, over-achieving if underfunded, better than it ought to be but not quite as good as it might have been, the Escape Hybrid runs on gas, electricity and no small amount of charisma." -- Los Angeles Times
- The Escape Hybrid gets some notable functional tweaks this year, and the tweaks make its gas-electric drivetrain run more efficiently." -- The Car Connection
- "When Ford introduced the 2005 Escape Hybrid it broke new ground. Unfortunately, the automaker didn't continue that tradition with the 2008 update, which comes across not as hot stuff, but as barely warmed-up leftovers. Still, there's no denying that for a small S.U.V. the fuel economy is great, which is actually the point." -- New York Times
Escape-Hybrid Performance - 7.1 (Good)
Even though hybrids have a reputation for stilted power, reviewers are generally pleased with the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid's capabilities, and its performance ranks in the top half of its class. However, handling still isn't quite up to par: "A drawback in the Escape you see quickly on the road is the added weight of the hybrid powertrain (more than 250 pounds over even the V-6 Escape.) That affects handling, which is worsened by the new electric power steering that's a must in a hybrid," says Newsday. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why reviewers take issue with the Escape Hybrid's level of engine noise. continue
Escape-Hybrid Exterior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Reviewers are mixed on the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid's redesign, which is described by some as muscular, and others as not quite so, leaving it in the bottom half of its class for its exterior. Newsday's reviewer writes, "The sides seem plainer, the hood is higher and the windows are shorter, but I didn't see any women fainting or small children cringing as my tester passed." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn why one reviewer dislikes the Escape's front grille, or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
Escape-Hybrid Interior - 7.2 (Good)
The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid has made significant improvements in its cabin comfort and quality and its interior ranks in the middle of its class. "Once you climb aboard, you'll notice the clean, modern and quiet cabin, which has plenty of interior room even four up," says Automobile Magazine. Continue with our Interior Review to learn why reviewers have major complaints about the hybrid's air-conditioning system, or check out our interior photos. continue
Escape-Hybrid Safety - 8.9 (Very Good)
Favorable cash test scores from the federal government contribute to the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid's very good safety score. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn which important safety feature the Escape Hybrid lacks and why. continue
Escape-Hybrid Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Ford Escape-Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). In terms of warranty, all Ford vehicles receive a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review. continue
